APEC Security Operation Underway ... 593 Motorcade Personnel Gather in Gyeongju
Beyond Safety, Enhancing National Prestige
Real-World Training Ahead of the Summit
The National Police Agency and the North Gyeongsang Provincial Police Agency have launched preparations for a 'top-level security operation' ahead of the APEC Summit, which will be held in Gyeongju this November.
Over a two-day period on September 8 and 9, the two agencies gathered 593 motorcade personnel from city and provincial police offices across the country at Kensington Resort and the Bomun Complex in Gyeongju for a large-scale mobile security training exercise.
This training was conducted just over 50 days before the opening of APEC, aiming to strengthen the on-site adaptability and geographical familiarity of the motorcade personnel, who play a key role in protecting foreign dignitaries. The personnel repeatedly practiced movement routes around the main event venues in Gyeongju, and the police plan to further enhance operational readiness by conducting joint outdoor training (FTX) involving traffic patrol cars and sidecars from mid-October.
'Training Effect' for Gyeongju's Economy and Tourism This security exercise is expected to have positive ripple effects on the Gyeongju region, going beyond simple security measures. Nearly 600 personnel stayed in the area for two days, boosting the local economy through spending on accommodation, food and beverages, and transportation.
Furthermore, as the Bomun Complex area in Gyeongju gains prominence as a venue for international security training, it is also expected to help raise the city's brand and tourism awareness.
Strengthened Measures for Citizen Safety Meanwhile, as traffic congestion is inevitable both during the training period and the actual summit, the police are also implementing measures to minimize inconvenience for citizens. The North Gyeongsang Provincial Police Agency plans to deploy guides on major roads and announce traffic control times in advance to reduce disruptions for residents.
"Noticeable Increase in Occupancy and Sales" Local businesses are already reporting tangible benefits. A hotel official near the Bomun Complex stated, "Despite being weekdays, occupancy rates have risen significantly, and the use of hotel facilities by group guests has also increased. We can truly feel that even training for international events helps the local economy."
Another restaurant owner said, "With training participants dining here for lunch and dinner, our sales have increased by 20 to 30 percent compared to usual. We expect even greater benefits during the main APEC event."
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An official from the North Gyeongsang Provincial Police Agency emphasized, "With the cooperation of citizens and tourists, APEC will become a significant economic and cultural asset for Gyeongju and the entire North Gyeongsang region."
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