[MZ Police Officer] Daegyo and Event's Largest Gathering Spot... Constant 'Tension Mode' Traffic and the Youngest's Struggle in Mapo

Seongsan and Yanghwa Bridges Are the Areas with the Most Large Bridges
Spring and Fall Draw Crowds with Various Festivals and Events

Editor's NoteGeneration Z is coming. It is an era where new employees in their 20s and 30s decide the future of organizational culture. The police are no exception. The police have various departments such as criminal investigation, investigation, security, intelligence, traffic, administration, public relations, audit, and women & youth. The working environments differ across metropolitan police agencies, police stations, riot police units, and district police stations, and the tasks vary greatly by region. From the perspective of the youngest police officer, we introduce their department and hear vivid stories about their thoughts on work and life.

At around 9 p.m. on the 28th of last month, we visited the Traffic Information Center of Mapo Police Station near Gongdeok Station in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Kim Ikjin, a junior officer (31) in the Traffic Division of Mapo Police Station, introduced, “Mapo Police Station oversees the most large bridges among the 31 police stations in Seoul,” adding, “It is always a place with high traffic demand.”

As Officer Kim said, both Seongsan Bridge, which has the second highest traffic volume in Seoul, and Yanghwa Bridge, which ranks third, fall under the jurisdiction of Mapo Police Station. Moreover, this area has various broadcasting stations, the World Cup Stadium, and is a place where events and crowds gather, resulting in significant traffic volume. We listened to the story of the youngest officer in the Traffic Safety Division wrestling with the complex and eventful Traffic Information Center.

Police Officer Kim Ik-jin of the Traffic Safety Division at Mapo Police Station in Seoul is being interviewed by Asia Economy at the Traffic Information Center near Gongdeok Station in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

Officer Kim, who joined in 2021, worked in the riot police unit before hoping to transfer to the Traffic Division and was assigned to Mapo Station last August. He said, “I applied to the Traffic Division because I thought I could directly help people’s daily lives close to the public,” adding, “It was overwhelming at first, but thanks to my seniors, I am adapting well.” On one side of the Traffic Information Center, about ten large screens were split to show real-time traffic conditions across Mapo-gu, Seoul. Team members occasionally checked the screens to monitor vehicle flow.

The Traffic Safety Division’s main duty is responding to 112 emergency calls and regularly managing traffic during morning and evening rush hours. In addition, they conduct traffic law enforcement, monitor school zones, and carry out drunk driving crackdowns, among other duties. Officers only briefly enter the center to complete paperwork, spending most of their day outside. The busiest times at the Mapo Traffic Information Center are during spring and autumn event seasons. In October, various festivals and marathons were held around Nanji Hangang Park and Sky Park, and the stadium always hosted soccer matches or concerts, attracting crowds and vehicles.

During the upcoming Christmas season, traffic and crowds concentrate around the club district near Hongdae Entrance Station, known as the largest entertainment area in western Seoul. Winter is especially tense because traffic accidents can cause large-scale damage. Officer Kim said, “On snowy days, even a small mistake by drivers can lead to major accidents, so if an accident occurs on main roads or the Gangbyeonbuk-ro, worry is the first reaction.”

Police Officer Kim (left) is having a meeting with team members about drunk driving enforcement while looking at the screen at the Traffic Information Center of Mapo Police Station in Seoul. Photo by Jo Yongjun

Officer Kim also plays a role in managing the complex vehicle flow in Mapo-gu during numerous events and festivals. His seniors in the Traffic Safety Division’s Field Team 2 said about him, “He approaches everything diligently and proactively and follows what seniors say well,” and “He has such a good personality that he gets along well anywhere, a very easygoing person.” Officer Kim smiled and said, “Since the police are a rank-based group, there is some rigid organizational culture, but the atmosphere at Mapo Police Station is really good. They don’t look down on the youngest; they listen to all my opinions and suggestions and solve problems together. The biggest advantage is that we can communicate smoothly without worrying about others’ reactions.”

At around 10 p.m., a drunk driving crackdown took place near the entrance to Seoul World Cup Stadium on Gangbyeonbuk-ro in Mapo-gu, Seoul. The temperature was between minus 1 and 2 degrees Celsius. Due to the record snowfall the day before, snow remained on roads, and the cold wind was biting. Officer Kim, stepping out of the patrol car, blew warm breath into his hands. He sheepishly said, “My seniors knew better and brought thick winter gloves, but I forgot and am wearing thin gloves.”

However, once the crackdown began with a red light baton in hand, Officer Kim’s expression changed. The corners of his mouth, usually smiling, settled calmly, and his eyes showed a serious look. When a driver did not slow down in time despite his instructions, he firmly shouted, “Stop your vehicle.”

Police Officer Kim is conducting a drunk driving crackdown at the entrance to Seoul World Cup Stadium near Gangbyeonbuk-ro in Mapo-gu, Seoul, despite the subzero weather. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

“No, you must get out of the car!” Officer Kim’s voice rose sharply. The driver, who appeared to have been drinking, tried to drive off without getting out. Following Officer Kim’s firm command, the driver obediently exited the vehicle. Officer Kim, along with senior officer Park Hyunjae, verified the drunk driver’s identity and obtained a statement. Even at this moment, Officer Kim did not lose his kindness and answered the driver’s questions in detail. After ensuring a designated driver arrived at the scene, he helped the driver return home safely.

That day, Officer Kim and 3 to 4 colleagues continued the drunk driving crackdown for about two hours. Some officers constantly moved to other locations in patrol cars during the operation. Officer Kim explained, “If a major accident occurs nearby, 2 to 3 officers must stop what they are doing and rush to the scene. Especially on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, there are many drunk drivers and frequent accidents, making it the busiest time.”

He added, “In the Traffic Division, we often deal with drunk drivers who are more emotionally agitated than simple intoxicated persons. If the police also get agitated, the situation can escalate, so we try to respond as kindly as possible and encourage breathalyzer tests. Although we can arrest on the spot or use forceful methods, we try to handle situations as gently as possible.”

Police Officer Kim is checking the identity of a driver caught in a DUI checkpoint. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

Of course, Officer Kim also had difficult times adapting to the Traffic Safety Division. The system operates on a 4-team, 2-shift rotation, guaranteeing workdays and days off strictly, but the constant switching between day and night shifts is detrimental to health. Officer Kim said, “At first, my biological rhythm was disrupted, and even when I was tired, I couldn’t sleep during the day,” adding, “I installed blackout curtains and played music that helps me sleep to adapt.”

When asked about the hardest moment, Officer Kim recalled the first traffic accident scene where he encountered a fatality. He said, “After seeing the deceased for the first time, the smell of blood lingered for over two weeks,” recalling, “Since the smell didn’t go away, I asked seniors and exercised more to overcome it.” October 31, Halloween, was also a tough day. Officer Kim said, “From around 4 p.m. until 4 or 5 a.m. the next day, I stood managing every small intersection and crosswalk,” adding, “The early morning was the hardest because many people were heavily intoxicated and unconscious. I was very worried about accidents due to the crowd.”

Officer Kim is posing while conducting a drunk driving crackdown near the entrance to Seoul World Cup Stadium on Gangbyeonbuk-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

Still, the reason Officer Kim can stay motivated is thanks to the citizens. He described his job as a “problem solver.” Officer Kim said, “I am truly happy when I can solve inconveniences and difficulties close to the citizens,” adding, “When traffic accidents happen, everyone is flustered and trembling, but when I help with accident processing and clear the scene, some come back later to thank me. That’s when I feel a sense of accomplishment.”

Finally, Officer Kim advised future juniors dreaming of becoming police officers, “I believe that Korea’s public safety is well managed because police officers and other public officials work hard on the ground. In this regard, job satisfaction and pride in being a police officer are very high,” adding, “I hope prospective recruits do not lose pride in the police and study hard so we can work together someday.”