Strengthened Eulji Exercise to Counter New Security Threats
Focus on Practical Training and Crisis Response for Resident Safety
"Strengthen practical training to prepare for new security threats such as drones and cyberattacks, and thoroughly ensure that the Eulji Exercise is effective in protecting the lives and safety of our residents."
Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, emphasized this during the first situation briefing meeting of the 2025 Eulji Exercise on August 18.
Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, is presiding over the first situation briefing meeting of the 2025 Eulji Exercise. Provided by Gyeongnam Province
The Eulji Exercise is a government-wide emergency drill held for the 57th time this year, designed to check wartime transition procedures and crisis management capabilities in preparation for a national emergency.
The drill is conducted in conjunction with the ROK-US Combined Military Exercise, with participation from civilian, government, military, police, and fire agencies.
This year, the Eulji Exercise in Gyeongnam Province will take place over four days, from August 18 to August 21.
Approximately 23,000 people from 251 organizations within the province, excluding eight cities and counties-Jinju, Uiryeong, Sancheong, Hadong, Hapcheon, Hamyang, and others-that have been declared special disaster zones due to severe damage from heavy rainfall, will participate in the exercise.
The training will primarily focus on tabletop exercises conducted both day and night. On the first day, August 18, all public officials will participate in an unannounced emergency assembly, the initial situation briefing meeting, wartime transition procedure drills, and the establishment and operation of wartime command organizations.
On the second day, the governor will preside over discussions on wartime issues; on the third day, a nationwide simultaneous civil defense air raid evacuation drill will be held; and on the final day, local debriefings will take place in order.
Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongnam Province (left), is talking with soldiers while inspecting the "Security Awareness Promotion Area" set up in the provincial government plaza on the first day of the 2025 Eulji Exercise. Provided by Gyeongnam Province
Governor Park stated, "Gyeongnam is home to many key national facilities, including defense industry companies, so heightened awareness of security threats is necessary," adding, "It is also important to raise residents' security awareness and encourage their participation to strengthen crisis response capabilities."
He continued, "While the exercise is important, we must not neglect daily responses to protect residents' lives and safety from abnormal weather events such as heat waves and heavy rain," and requested, "Please carry out both the training and civil complaint responses in parallel."
After the situation briefing meeting, Governor Park, together with the commander of the Army's 39th Division and others, visited the "Security Awareness Promotion Area" set up in the provincial government plaza to inspect military equipment, rescue, and relief equipment on display.
The Security Awareness Promotion Area operates during the Eulji Exercise to raise residents' awareness of security, offering equipment exhibitions and CPR experience events.
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