COEX Curfew Shifted One Hour Earlier

As terror threats on Korea increase, the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) shifted its curfew for the Korea World Trade Center (COEX) at Samsung-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul and the facilities in the Trade Center building up one hour earlier.

The KITA said yesterday, “In accordance with government’s policy to step up security measures against possible terror attacks, we tightened patrols of tenant organizations in the Trade Center and the COEX and advanced the curfew, which closes half of the entrances to the COEX exhibitions, from 11:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.”

“COEX mall shoppers, however, can still use the underground facilities 24 hours as before,” the KITA added.

Possible target areas of terror attacks such as restrooms, emergency stairs, garbage, cloakrooms, and telephone booths will be patrolled eight to 10 times daily, and two police company units will be added to current police forces.

The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) sent out letters, signed by its president Oh Young-gyo, to 103 international trade offices of foreign countries, asking to take all security measures against possible terrorist attacks. Trading circles also began to seek emergency measures for security.

Hyundai Corporation swiftly prepared a security checklist and delivered it to its employees residing or traveling abroad. Samsung Corporation ordered its employees report in advance, without exception, if they have to travel to the Middle East, while Daewoo International and LG Corporation have started to set up security measures for their employees residing abroad.

Keuk-In Bae bae2150@donga.com