Travel
Seoul, Korea activates comprehensive safety plan for BTS comeback concert at Gwanghwamun
haps Magazine Korea
March 1, 2026
(Photo by Seoul Metropolitan Government/courtesy of haps Magazine Korea )
With more than 260,000 domestic and international visitors expected for the BTS comeback concert on March 21 at Gwanghwamun Square, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has launched a full-scale safety and visitor management plan.
City officials have been holding weekly coordination meetings since the concert was confirmed, reviewing transportation, crowd control, visitor convenience and price monitoring measures. A final safety management plan will be confirmed following a formal review next week.
To manage large crowds, the city will implement phased entry and exit controls around major bottleneck areas and deploy substantial on-site personnel to prevent overcrowding. Real-time monitoring using CCTV and urban data systems will track crowd density, with police and fire authorities on standby for emergency response. Safety inspections have also been carried out along pedestrian paths, roads, manholes, and nearby construction zones.
For visitor convenience, 894 public restrooms have been secured around the venue, with additional women’s facilities installed in response to the higher proportion of female ticket holders. A dedicated transportation and safety information website will provide advanced details on traffic controls, public transit detours and on-site facilities.
Foreign visitors will receive special support through multilingual staff and a QR-based Smart Seoul Map service in Korean, English, Chinese and Japanese. Scanning QR codes at the venue will provide real-time navigation and the locations of restrooms, medical stations and emergency services.
To prevent price gouging, the city is monitoring hotel rates, online booking platforms, and nearby markets. A QR-based reporting system will allow visitors to immediately report unfair charges, with rapid follow-up by district authorities.
During the broader “The City Seoul” festival period from March 20 to April 12, additional cultural programs will be offered across central Seoul, including Sejong-daero, DDP and the Hangang area, allowing fans to experience more of the city beyond the concert itself.
City officials emphasized that public safety remains the top priority, pledging coordinated management before, during, and after the event to ensure a safe and welcoming experience for all visitors.