On Sunday morning a fortress of police vehicles surrounded the Seoul Plaza and adjacent areas.
Riot police wearing navy-and-green uniforms occupied the Gwanghwamun area, making passers-by take detours from time to time.
Around COEX in southern Seoul, where the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit kicks off Monday, police squads incessantly patrolled in and outside the convention halls. Layers of security walls blocked public access to the venue and the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency allowed only those authorized to access the spots.
Just a day ahead of the summit the capital, which will host the leaders of 53 countries and four international organizations, was on its highest alert.
The SMPA has placed a total of 36,000 police officers and 330 SWAT team members around COEX, major plazas and bustling areas of the city. Routes from COEX to Cheong Wa Dae, where bilateral meetings between the state leaders are held, were also closely monitored.
From Sunday atmidnight, vehicle traffic in Yeongdong and Teheran boulevards around the convention hall will be partially restricted while ASEM and Bongeun roads will be fully blocked. Lorries with more than 3.6-ton capacity as well as specialized vehicles containing commercial explosives will be banned from passing southern Seoul and Olympic beltways. About 2,500 police officers are to take over traffic control from Monday to Tuesday, when extreme traffic congestion is expected.
The police authorities said they will not allow any collective actions during the summit period.
“Even if the authorized protesters march down the road, the police will have to resist them. The summit is a great opportunity to show the country’s level of dignity. We will try to ensure no mishaps take place. All should be peaceful and clear,” the SMPA stated in a press release.
Some antinuclear activists have been protesting the meeting, calling for a full abandonment of nuclear power.
A network against the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit consisting of activists from five Asian countries held a forum last week and toured three cities, Gyeongju, Busan and Samcheok, where nuclear-related facilities are located, and helped protest campaigns. They also vowed to campaign during the summit period in and outside Seoul.
By Bae Ji-sook (
baejisook@heraldcorp.com)
