Changwon City officially commenced the '2026 Eulji Exercise' on August 18, holding an initial situation report meeting at the city hall with over 100 participants, including Mayor Kang Ki-yoon and heads of various departments. The exercise, which will last until August 21, aims to assess the national emergency response system and inter-agency cooperation.
The meeting, which began at 9 a.m., included military situation reports, initial situation assessments, and discussions on key issues during wartime, focusing on the collaboration between civilian, military, police, and fire services in the event of a national emergency.
On the first day of training, the main topic addressed was the emergency recovery and comprehensive water supply measures in response to potential nuclear attacks and radiation contamination affecting water purification and supply facilities.
A representative from the city's Civil Defense Team, which oversees the entire exercise, stated, "We provided specific reports on how to recover based on basic data and what methods to use for water supply during recovery when water supply is disrupted. This training simulates wartime conditions, so there may be some differences from normal situations."
This year's Eulji Exercise will primarily focus on tabletop training with specialized discussions and practical drills scheduled for each day. Notably, on the third day, August 20, a discussion on 'Disaster Relief Measures for Victims of Drone Attacks on Public Facilities' will be led by the social welfare department and Masan Health Center.
The Civil Defense Team representative added that the training will involve discussions on how to respond to drone threats, including how to provide relief to victims in the event of a drone attack on public facilities.
In addition to the tabletop training, a practical drill will take place at 1 p.m. on the same day at Changwon Sports Park, simulating a terrorist attack on public facilities, including bomb disposal and rescue procedures.
The overall coordination of the Eulji Exercise will be managed by the Civil Defense Team, with each department responsible for reporting on specific issues to enhance the professionalism and effectiveness of the training. Additionally, the city will conduct training on transitioning to wartime procedures and evacuating residents during the exercise period. On August 18, a military equipment exhibition will be held in front of the city hall to provide citizens and public officials with a security experience opportunity.
Mayor Kang Ki-yoon stated, "Peace can only be maintained through prepared strength, which comes from the thorough preparation of each public official. I urge everyone to approach this exercise with the understanding that it is not a formal procedure but a real situation, and to actively participate in familiarizing themselves with their departmental duties and identifying any shortcomings in the plans."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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