The National Heritage Administration, led by Commissioner Heo Min, convened a policy meeting on February 25 at the National Palace Museum in Seoul. The meeting focused on safety strategies for the BTS concert scheduled for March 21 at Gwanghwamun and the growing number of visitors at the Four Palaces, Jongmyo, and the National Palace Museum. With the BTS event expected to promote ‘K-Heritage’ globally, officials emphasized the need for robust protection of both cultural assets and attendees. The session included representatives from the Palace Relics Headquarters, the four palaces, Jongmyo, and museum security teams.
The new safety measures impact concert attendees, palace visitors, and staff at cultural heritage sites. For Gyeongbokgung, the closest palace to the concert, a three-stage plan includes coordination with local police, enhanced patrols, and structural inspections. On the event day, Gyeongbokgung will close entirely, parking lots will be shut, and all staff will operate under emergency protocols to prevent crowd accidents and heritage damage. The National Palace Museum will also close temporarily, activating an emergency response team and intensifying monitoring with police support.
The timeline involves preparatory actions starting one week before the concert, ongoing patrols, and full closures on March 21. For the BTS media facade event at Sungnyemun on March 20, measures include crowd control, separated pedestrian routes, increased safety personnel, and immediate restoration post-event. Additionally, the Palace Relics Headquarters will upgrade CCTV systems, improve fire safety equipment, and expand on-site staff to address sustained visitor increases. Multilingual visitor guidelines and improved crowd flow management are also planned.
Frequently asked questions include: What are the main safety steps for the BTS concert? The plan involves phased coordination, site closures, and emergency staffing to protect visitors and heritage. How will regular palace visitors be affected? On March 21, Gyeongbokgung and the National Palace Museum will be closed, with enhanced safety protocols in place. What improvements are being made for ongoing visitor safety? Upgrades to surveillance, fire safety, and multilingual guidance are being implemented to ensure orderly and secure experiences.
Metaqsol opinion: The National Heritage Administration’s comprehensive safety measures for the BTS concert and rising visitor numbers show a clear prioritization of both public and cultural asset protection. The phased approach, including full closures and emergency staffing, is well-suited to prevent accidents and heritage damage. Upgrades to surveillance and fire safety, along with multilingual guidance, indicate thoughtful planning for diverse audiences. These actions are grounded in the agency’s commitment to maintaining secure and orderly environments during high-profile events.