Gwanghwamun and Sungnyemun on High Alert for Cultural Heritage Protection Ahead of BTS Comeback Concert

Administrator Heo Min Conducts On-Site Safety Inspection on March 19
Gyeongbokgung and Deoksugung to Be Closed on March 21

On the afternoon of the 16th, in anticipation of BTS's full-group comeback performance, stage setup work was actively underway around Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno-gu, Seoul. 2026.3.16 Photo by Jo Yongjun

In anticipation of BTS's comeback performance on March 21, the Cultural Heritage Administration has entered an emergency mode to protect cultural heritage sites around Gwanghwamun and Sungnyemun.

On March 19, Heo Min, Administrator of the Cultural Heritage Administration, visited the main concert venue at Gwanghwamun Square and Sungnyemun, where a media facade will be displayed the following day, to inspect the structural safety and fire prevention systems. He stated, "Since fans from around the world are expected to gather, we will make every effort to prevent any damage to cultural heritage sites due to large crowds."

The Cultural Heritage Administration has already installed metal railings around the Woldae of Gwanghwamun and the walls of Gyeongbokgung Palace, and has increased patrol personnel around Sungnyemun to more than three times the usual level. Until the end of the concert, an on-site safety control center will be operated in cooperation with the police and fire departments, and after the event, a group of experts will be deployed to conduct a detailed inspection for even the slightest damage to the heritage sites.

To control crowds and ensure visitor safety, access to nearby palaces will be temporarily restricted. On March 21, the day of the performance, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, and the National Palace Museum of Korea will all be closed, and the nighttime viewing of Deoksugung Palace will also be suspended on the evening of March 20.

Administrator Heo emphasized, "The physical protection of our cultural heritage will be our top priority," and urged visitors to "demonstrate orderly manners and mature civic consciousness during their visit."

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