Seodaemun Strengthens Safety in Hongje Waterfall and Ansan Area with Operation of 'Safety Situation Room'

Seodaemun-gu, Seoul (Mayor Lee Seongheon) announced on the 8th that it has recently established the ‘Hongje Waterfall Safety Situation Room’ and has begun its continuous operation to ensure the safety of visitors to the Hongje Waterfall and Ansan (鞍山) area, which see increased foot traffic during the cherry blossom season.

Seongheon Lee, Mayor of Seodaemun-gu (left), visited the 'Hongje Waterfall Safety Situation Room' on the 28th of last month to encourage the officials. Provided by Seodaemun-gu.

This facility serves as a field management hub to prepare for crowd congestion and safety accidents. Under normal circumstances, two safety patrol officers monitor the site for potential hazards and respond quickly in case of accidents. During the peak blooming period in April and May, when crowds increase, Seodaemun-gu Office’s 10 departments, Seodaemun Fire Station, and Seodaemun Police Station form an ‘Integrated Operations Headquarters’ to operate jointly.

Each department of the district office shares responsibilities by field and strengthens a field-centered response system in cooperation with related agencies. The Disaster Safety Division of the district office oversees the overall operation of the Integrated Operations Headquarters and proactively monitors crowd density in real-time around Hongjecheon Stream and the Ansan area by deploying drones for safety measures.

The Administrative Support Division ensures thorough safety management of Cafe Waterfall and surrounding convenience facilities, while the Green City Division operates the wildfire prevention headquarters and promotes safety management on Ansan’s foothill trails and Ansan Hwangtotgil Trail. The Culture and Sports Division is responsible for maintaining order and preventing safety accidents during various events, and the Children and Youth Division works to create an environment where everyone can safely enjoy the Children’s Day events in May.

The Parking and Traffic Division cracks down on illegally parked vehicles that obstruct traffic flow, and the Road Division guides traffic and pedestrian routes to ensure smooth movement. The Water Management Division manages safety along the entire Hongjecheon Stream, waterfront areas, and drinking fountains, while the Public Health Center provides on-site medical support in case of emergencies. The Cleaning Administration Division collects trash and cleans the Ansan Cherry Blossom Square and the area around Cafe Waterfall to maintain a pleasant environment.

Mayor Lee Seongheon stated, “Seodaemun-gu will continue to strengthen its field-centered safety management system to ensure that not a single safety accident occurs.”