Tight Security in Public Areas

The South Korean government held a counter-terrorism meeting to discuss tightening security in public transportation and public facilities on Thursday.

Heo Sung-kwan, minister of Government Administration and Local Autonomy, presided over this meeting, and government officials from National Security Council (NSC), National Intelligence Service, and National Police Agency attended this meeting.

The government announced its security measures to strengthen security against terrorism in public transportation and in some public facilities. Additionally, it said it will improve intelligence analysis in close cooperation with its allies.

“Counter-terrorism training starting today will be conducted in seven areas, including Seoul Subway, Daegu Subway, Incheon International Airport, Paldang-dam,” the National Intelligence Service and the National Police Agency said yesterday.

Airports and seaports will be under special surveillance system to ensure security. The government will also step up security on high-speed railways, which are expected to open on April 1.

Plans were discussed about the implementation of surprise security inspection and the expansion of counter-terrorism training.

“We will do our best to respond rapidly and adequately to any terrorist attacks. We will brace ourselves for potential terrorism through our flexible counter-terrorism measure, given the category or level of each event,” announced the government in Seoul.

egija@donga.com