![People watch the large-scale media facade show '2025 Seoul Light Gwanghwamun' at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on Dec. 14. [Photo by Yonhap]](https://image.ajunews.com/content/image/2025/12/19/20251219091852362431.jpg)
Security and patrols will be beefed up at about a dozen locations including Seoul's major shopping and entertainment districts of Myeong-dong, Seongsu-dong, Itaewon, and areas near Hongik University, as they are expected to be crowded around Christmas and New Year's Eve.
The city government said with it will form a task force by Christmas Eve to monitor traffic, inspect emergency facilities, and coordinate rescue efforts with district offices, fire and police authorities, and relevant ministries.
The city is also preparing for major year-end events and festivities including the annual bell-ringing ceremony at Bosingak Bell Pavilion, which draws around 100,000 visitors each year, as well as activities at popular scenic spots where crowds gather to watch the first sunrise of the coming year.
These safety measures will remain in place until the first week of January, with some 1,086 surveillance cameras installed across 91 locations in the city's 25 districts.
Han Byeong-yong, a city official, urged public cooperation, saying, "We ask citizens to follow safety guidelines and maintain order to ensure everyone can have a safe and happy holiday season."
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