Junggu District in Seoul Expands BTS Comeback Effect into "Stay Tourism"

Comprehensive Measures Implemented for BTS Gwanghwamun Concert

All-Out Response for Safety, Business Order, Cleanliness, and Tourism Promotion

Junggu District in Seoul (headed by Mayor Kim Gilseong) is implementing a comprehensive plan ahead of the BTS Gwanghwamun comeback concert scheduled for March 21, 2026. The measures cover everything from safety management and maintaining business district order to boosting tourism, with the aim of transforming the excitement of the concert into extended visits as part of “Junggu stay tourism.”

Anticipating crowds of up to 300,000 people, Junggu has designated the period from March 20 to 22 as a “focused management period.” The district will improve pedestrian environments around the event venue and the Myeongdong area, and proactively remove risk factors in bottleneck sections and areas expected to be densely crowded.

The "Junggu Tourism Improvement Task Force" meeting held on the 25th of last month. Provided by Junggu.

On the day of the concert, an on-site situation room will be operated and safety personnel will be deployed. Using intelligent closed-circuit (CC) TV, the flow of the crowd will be analyzed in real time; if dangerous congestion is detected, immediate dispersal measures will be taken. An on-site medical clinic will also be operated. Starting one week before the concert, designated no-parking zones for shared mobility devices will be enforced and abandoned devices will be removed.

The district is also working to maintain order in the business sector. In areas where price labeling is mandatory, such as Myeongdong and Namdaemun, mystery shoppers will be used to closely monitor for failure to display prices, false labeling, and discriminatory pricing for foreigners. Unfair practices such as excessive lodging price increases and forced reservation cancellations will also be thoroughly investigated. Beginning three weeks before the concert, a focused campaign to eradicate counterfeit goods will be conducted in the Myeongdong and Namdaemun Market areas. Reports of price gouging can be made via the 120 Call Center, and tourism-related inconveniences can be reported to 1330, with all complaint channels unified for rapid response.

Urban cleanliness will also be rigorously maintained. Water-spraying vehicles will operate from Sejong-daero intersection to Seoul City Hall Square, and cleaning will be strengthened in the Myeongdong Special Tourist Zone. Immediately after the concert ends, prompt cleaning will restore a pleasant environment. The operating hours of public and open restrooms will be extended, and nearby building restrooms will be opened to the public as well.

Junggu is actively leveraging this concert as an opportunity to promote tourism. The “Junggu Tour Pass,” granting access to 31 facilities, and the “Playground Junggu” information leaflet have been distributed to over 80 locations including hotels and tourist information centers.

To create a festive atmosphere, small-scale guerrilla performances and beauty experience events will take place on Myeongdong Street, and from March 14, the “K-Culture Experience Package” will be offered at Myeongdong Art Breeze. The giant LED display and smart resting area at Myeongdong Square will serve as promotion centers to welcome fans from around the world.

On February 25, the district held a “Junggu Tourism Improvement Task Force” meeting, led by Deputy Mayor Bae Hyungwoo. Representatives from the Myeongdong, Namdaemun, and Dongdaemun Special Tourist Zone Councils, as well as police, fire, and other public and private organizations participated to share response plans and strengthen cooperation systems.

Kim Gilseong, Mayor of Junggu, stated, “We will channel the excitement of the concert into revitalizing tourism in Junggu based on thorough safety management and order. Our goal is to make Junggu a city that global fans will want to visit again.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.