Seogangseok, Songpa District Mayor, Shines in 2024 Security Protection Efforts... Receives Presidential Citation for Emergency Preparedness and Civil Defense Activity Evaluation

Ministry of the Interior and Safety Awards Last Year's Emergency Preparedness Merits... Nationwide Basic Local Governments Receive Individual Agency Commendations
▲Anti-Terrorism Drills at Multi-Use Facilities ▲Resident Training ▲Civil Defense Training and Facility Management Rated 'Excellent'

Songpa-gu (District Mayor Seo Gang-seok) announced that it received the highest honor, the Presidential Citation, in the 2024 Emergency Preparedness and Civil Defense Activities Evaluation hosted by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.

This award is the only institutional citation among 226 local governments nationwide. Key factors included the ▲terror response training at multi-use facilities linked with last year’s Eulji Exercise ▲resident participation training ▲civil defense corps training and related facility management.

As a result, the district was recognized for its multifaceted efforts in national crisis preparedness last year.

First, the comprehensive terror response drill at multi-use facilities conducted last August, designated by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety as Seoul’s representative, was the largest integrated training nationwide, involving close cooperation among 18 organizations including civilian, government, military, police, and fire departments with over 380 personnel. High-intensity training was systematically carried out, simulating real combat scenarios with military equipment such as armored vehicles, helicopters, and chemical detection devices, as well as emergency sirens, flashbangs, and smoke grenades.

Additionally, the training incorporated scenarios reflecting rapidly changing situations at the time, such as trash balloons, drones, and hostage terror attacks, attracting significant media attention. Various experiential booths were also operated to enhance security awareness, including terror equipment exhibitions and CPR education, demonstrating multifaceted promotional efforts.

Moreover, the district held civil defense air raid evacuation drills for residents in 27 neighborhoods during the same period. Various practical training sessions such as chemical education, gas mask wearing practice, and shelter finding were conducted to increase effectiveness. The district reported that over 1,800 people participated in the four-day Eulji Exercise starting August 19 last year.

A district official stated, “After the Eulji Exercise, we identified 11 improvement tasks for the Chungmu Plan and have completed follow-up measures. We will also make every effort for the scheduled Eulji Exercise this year.”

Furthermore, the district devoted great effort to the education and training of 44,600 civil defense corps members?the largest number in Seoul?as well as the management and supervision of civil defense facilities and supplies. It inspected and supplemented 121 civil defense shelters in the area and newly installed 119 emergency supply boxes, striving to establish a flawless preparedness system throughout the year.

In November, the district also took the lead in advancing civil defense education and training by being the first nationwide to pilot the electronic attendance kiosk for civil defense.

Seo Gang-seok, Mayor of Songpa-gu, said, “This Presidential Citation is an achievement made possible by the residents, civil defense corps members, and public officials who worked hard for safety,” adding, “We will fulfill our administrative responsibilities to protect the lives and property of district residents in any crisis situation.”

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