On October 23, Goseong County in South Gyeongsang Province conducted the "2025 Disaster Response Safety Korea Drill" at the Goseong County National Sports Center and the county disaster situation room.
Goseong County, which is recognized as a host site for nationwide sports competitions and a popular training destination due to its mild climate year-round and excellent sports infrastructure, carried out the drill to strengthen its practical disaster response capabilities. This is because the presence of numerous athletic teams from across the country increases the risk of disaster incidents during sporting events.
The "Disaster Response Safety Korea Drill" is a nationwide annual exercise conducted according to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety’s basic plan, aimed at preparing for various disasters and enhancing response capabilities to minimize public damage in the event of a disaster.
This year’s drill involved more than 200 participants and over 54 pieces of equipment from public, private, and military organizations, including Goseong County, Goseong Fire Station, Goseong Police Station, Army Unit 8358 2nd Battalion, Korea Electric Power Corporation Goseong Branch, KT Goseong Office, Korea Gas Safety Corporation Gyeongnam Western Branch, Goseong Volunteer Fire Brigade Association, Women’s Civil Defense Mobile Unit, Local Autonomous Disaster Prevention Group, Goseong-eup Residents’ Self-Governing Committee, Model Drivers’ Association, and Gyeongnam Energy.
This year’s drill focused on high-risk disaster scenarios, including athlete accommodations. A realistic, citizen-oriented exercise was conducted at the Goseong County National Sports Center, simulating a gas leak and fire explosion during city gas installation work, leading to building collapse and a large-scale fire.
Key actions included situation reporting and dissemination, initial response, and operation of the on-site integrated support headquarters. Efficient response and support measures were discussed, and rapid recovery plans were established through coordination with relevant agencies.
Additionally, the county disaster situation room set up the Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, where real-time response capabilities were assessed through on-site drill monitoring, situation assessment meetings, and discussion-based exercises.
To increase public interest and participation in disaster response drills, a citizen experience group was also organized. The group, consisting of five members including one leader recruited through a public notice, directly participated in observing and evaluating the drill, thereby enhancing its effectiveness.
County Governor Lee Sanggeun stated, "I would like to thank the firefighters, police officers, and participants from related agencies and private organizations who took part in the drill," adding, "We will continue to improve our disaster response capabilities through repeated, realistic training so that Goseong County becomes a place where residents can feel safe."
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