Seoul Jung-gu, Traditional Market Safety Inspection and Fire Drill Ahead of Seollal Holiday

Fire Lane Access Drill at Jungbu and Sinjungbu Markets on the 17th... Safety Inspections at 16 Markets from the 13th to 20th

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Jung-gu, Seoul (Mayor Seoyangho) conducted a fire drill on the 17th at Jungbu and Sinjungbu Markets in preparation for the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday.

This was intended to strengthen initial response capabilities in emergency situations, taking the fire at Dongdaemun Jeil Pyeonghwa Market last year as a lesson.

The drill involved many market merchants along with the Jung-gu Office and the local fire station. Training included securing passageways for fire trucks and educating on the immediate use of emergency fire extinguisher boxes within the market, alongside a disaster prevention campaign.

The number of traditional markets in Jung-gu increased by three last year, totaling 39, the highest among Seoul's autonomous districts. However, due to aging facilities and difficult fire truck access, there is a high risk of large-scale disasters in case of fire, requiring special attention.

Accordingly, along with the fire drill for the holiday, safety inspections of 16 markets are being conducted from the 13th to the 20th. These inspections cover four areas: architecture, fire safety, gas, and electricity, with visual checks performed using checklists by experts in each field.

The district office is striving to create a market environment where consumers can visit with confidence by promoting related education to raise safety awareness among traditional market merchants, starting with safety inspections and fire drills for the Lunar New Year holiday.

Additionally, markets that actively establish safety measures will be reflected in market evaluations, and priority will be given to various traditional market revitalization support projects.

Seoyangho, Mayor of Jung-gu, said, "We will create traditional markets where merchants voluntarily take an interest in safety and develop the ability to respond effectively, so that customers can visit with peace of mind."