Lunar New Year Safety Checklist: How the Government is Ensuring Your Holiday Security

A meeting was held on the 10th to review the government’s comprehensive safety management measures for the Lunar New Year holiday, with Minister Yoon Ho-jung addressing the attendees (image provided by Yonhap News).

The government is set to fully implement a 24-hour interagency safety management system to ensure a secure Lunar New Year celebration. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced today that it will activate the safety management system to prevent accidents during the holiday period, following a review meeting chaired by Minister Yoon Ho-jung.

The ministry will maintain a round-the-clock situation management system in collaboration with relevant federal agencies and 17 local governments, coordinated through the Central Disaster Safety Situation Room.

Prior to the holiday, officials will conduct safety inspections at vulnerable facilities, traditional markets, and local festivals where large crowds are expected. Any identified risks will be addressed immediately.

For victims of last year’s wildfires and floods, the government will verify the distribution of disaster relief funds and assess the condition of their temporary housing. They will also actively promote emergency hotline numbers and safety guidelines for use during the holiday period.

The Department of Transportation will operate a special traffic management headquarters from the 13th to the 18th to handle increased holiday traffic. This includes enhancing road snow removal efforts, implementing slower train schedules, and providing support for airport passengers.

The Department of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries and the Coast Guard will also establish a special traffic management headquarters to maintain a 24-hour emergency contact system in anticipation of increased ferry and fishing boat passengers.

They will deploy emergency response teams within the Coast Guard to ensure swift action in case of maritime incidents and strategically position patrol boats in advance.

The National Fire Agency will enter a special alert period from the 13th to the 19th to respond rapidly to any fire outbreaks.

They will also reinforce staff at emergency medical management centers to ensure seamless guidance for medical emergencies and clinic information during the holiday.

Due to recent dry conditions increasing wildfire risks, the Forest Service will initiate an early wildfire caution period (from January 20 to May 15) and pre-deploy firefighting resources in high-risk areas.

The National Police Agency will designate the period until the 18th as a special security measure period, mobilizing all available police forces, including local police, patrol units, and tactical teams, to focus on managing crime-prone and accident-prone areas.

The Department of Agriculture will designate the 13th and 19th as National Disinfection Days to prevent the spread of livestock diseases such as avian influenza (AI) and African swine fever (ASF), concentrating on disinfecting farm entrances and surrounding roads.

Minister Yoon stated, “The government will thoroughly assess potential vulnerabilities and do everything in its power to ensure a safe and enjoyable Lunar New Year through comprehensive 24-hour situation management.”

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Lee Jae-kyung (jack0@yna.co.kr)