[Feature] Chuseok Holiday Mass Migration... Jeonnam Gwangju Strengthens Traffic, Fire, and Quarantine Safety Networks

1,567 Jeonnam Police Officers and 709 Units of Equipment Deployed
September 23-27: Intensive Management of Major Roads and Gravesite Routes
Fire Safety Inspections Underway at Traditional Markets and Multi-Use Facilities
24-Hour Livestock Quarantine Response; Intensive Disinfection on September 23 and 28

Editor's NoteThis year's Chuseok holiday is limited to just four days, making it shorter than last year. As a result, the movement of homebound and returning travelers—both vehicles and people—is expected to be concentrated over a short period. Police, fire departments, and quarantine authorities in the Jeonnam Gwangju region are ramping up safety measures in their respective fields to prepare for traffic congestion, fires, and the introduction of livestock infectious diseases. In particular, Jeonnam police will deploy more than 1,500 personnel and over 700 pieces of equipment for special traffic management, while fire authorities focus on inspecting fire and disaster vulnerabilities at traditional markets and major facilities ahead of the festive rush. The quarantine authority will maintain a 24-hour emergency response system during the holiday and disinfect livestock facilities en masse before and after the holiday period.

Shortened Holiday Means Traffic Bottlenecks... Safety Takes Priority

The Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency and the Autonomous Police Commission are implementing special, staged traffic management in response to anticipated road congestion from Chuseok holiday travelers. According to police, as the holiday period is only four days this year—shorter than last year—vehicle traffic is expected to become heavily concentrated in a short period.

For the first stage, from September 17 to 22, traffic and local police officers were deployed to places where traffic volume typically increases due to holiday preparations, such as traditional markets, large supermarkets, train stations, and terminals.

The second stage of traffic management will be implemented from September 23 to 27. During this period, police officers will be intensively stationed along major roads, highways, and grave visitation routes. Patrols and safety management will also be strengthened in accident-prone sections and areas where congestion is expected.

A firefighter inspecting the management condition and operation status of an automated external defibrillator (AED) installed in a multi-use facility on site. Provided by Gwangju Metropolitan City, Jeonnam.

In all, a total of 1,567 officers and 709 patrol vehicles and motorcycles will be mobilized, including traffic and district police.

Law enforcement measures will also be ramped up. Major traffic violations such as drunk driving, speeding, and running red lights will be strictly targeted, and covert patrol vehicles will be deployed on regular roads. On highways, covert vehicles as well as drones and helicopters will be utilized.

From January to the end of August this year, the Jeonnam police conducted about 850,000 traffic crackdowns. These included 3,309 drunk driving cases, 57,683 cases referred for summary disposition, 694,750 automated crackdowns, and 25,170 covert vehicle crackdowns.

Traditional Markets Crowded for the Holiday Rush... Fire Prevention Measures Tightened

Fire authorities are strengthening fire safety management in traditional markets, where visitor numbers surge ahead of the holiday.

The Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Fire Headquarters conducted on-site fire safety inspections at Mokpo Dongbu Market and Gwangju Yangdong Market on September 21 and 22, respectively.

On September 21, at Mokpo Dongbu Market, Osook Lee, head of the Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Fire Headquarters, examined potential fire hazards alongside the local fire chief, the market merchants’ association president, and fire safety managers, also providing on-site fire safety consulting. She listened to concerns from local merchants and called for greater voluntary participation in fire prevention efforts.

On September 22, she inspected fire risk factors at Gwangju Yangdong Market and collected local opinions on the ground.

Fire departments in each district also began inspecting major facilities. The Jeonnam District Headquarters checked for fire and disaster vulnerabilities at 23 places, including 10 traditional markets and multi-use facilities, 11 facilities for vulnerable evacuees, the Jangheung Tamjindeul Agricultural Produce Distribution Center, and the passenger ferry terminal at Wando Port. The Gwangju District Headquarters also inspected six major sites, including five traditional markets and multi-use facilities and the Songjeong power district, and strengthened disaster prevention and initial response readiness during the holidays.

The focus on preemptive measures comes as traditional markets face increased foot traffic and high shop density during the holiday rush, factors that could exacerbate damage if fires occur.

Rising Movement of People and Vehicles Calls for 24-Hour Livestock Quarantine Response

The increased movement of people and vehicles during the Chuseok holiday also presents a risk to livestock quarantine.

To counter the risk of livestock infectious diseases entering the area, Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City will maintain a 24-hour emergency response system and reinforce biosecurity measures throughout the holiday. The Integrated Special City has organized an emergency response team and has advised livestock farms to report any suspected outbreak symptoms immediately.

During the Chuseok holiday period, Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City is pooling administrative efforts to prevent the spread of livestock infectious diseases. Provided by Jeonnam Gwangju Special City

Livestock infectious disease reporting centers will be operated by the Integrated Special City, the Animal Health Testing Laboratory, and city and county offices. If a suspected case is reported, a system for rapid reporting and prompt initial response will be maintained.

Both September 23 and 28—before and after the holiday—have been designated as "Intensive Disinfection Days."

Joint control teams from the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation will disinfect livestock farms, slaughterhouses, and other related facilities. Key disinfection facilities will also operate continuously to sanitize vehicles entering and leaving livestock facilities.

Text messages, banners, and village broadcasts will be used to urge returning visitors to avoid visiting livestock farms, while livestock farmers will be reminded of basic biosecurity measures such as disinfection.

An official from Jeonnam Gwangju Special City stated, "During this Chuseok holiday, we will focus all administrative resources to ensure those returning to their hometowns can have a safe and enjoyable holiday."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.