GYEONGJU, North Gyeongsang Province—The ancient city of Gyeongju has been effectively placed under a "vacuum state" as South Korean authorities implement the highest level of security for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting. With the summit just days away, the area surrounding the Gyeongju Hwabaek Convention Center (HICO) and the Bomun Tourist Complex—the main venue and site of leaders' accommodations—is now subject to unprecedented surveillance and control measures by land, air, and water.
Red Zones and Maximum Alert
Security perimeters have been strictly defined. At the HICO entrance, a "Red Zone"—denoting the highest level of restricted access—is enforced. Security personnel are barring entry to all but essential conference attendees and diplomatic staff, regardless of rank. Prohibited items include lighters, beverages, firearms, and explosives, underscoring the severity of the threat assessment.
Police escalated their security posture to the 'Eulho' alert level beginning October 26, which will be further upgraded to 'Gapho' (highest level) on October 28. This mobilization calls for a daily deployment of up to 22,000 police personnel for the duration of the event, tasked with close protection, traffic control, and preempting surprise demonstrations. Approximately 180 police special forces (SWAT) members, supported by armored vehicles, are positioned near the venue to counter threats such as lone-wolf terrorism or explosive attacks. Snipers are seen inspecting ultra-long-range rifles in preparation for their mission to secure the area.
Underwater Sweeps and Naval Patrols
Security preparations have extended even to the depths of Bomun Lake, a prominent feature of the tourist complex situated a mere 200 meters from the convention center. The Coast Guard conducted meticulous underwater searches of the lakebed to check for potential sub-surface explosive devices. During the APEC week, high-speed special forces boats and maritime commandos will patrol the surface, while deep-sea search robots will provide round-the-clock underwater surveillance. These measures aim to prevent submerged terrorist infiltration or the approach of illegal vessels, drawing lessons from past global incidents involving underwater mines and the sabotage of naval ships.
An Invisible Shield Against Aerial Threats
The skies above Gyeongju are equally secured. From October 27, 00:00 KST until November 2, the airspace within a 3.7-kilometer radius of the meeting venue is designated as a No-Fly Zone, prohibiting all drones and ultralight aircraft. Police special forces are deploying anti-drone vehicles and 'jamming guns' across key locations including the convention center, leaders' residences, Gyeongju Station, and Bulguksa Temple. These sophisticated anti-drone systems are capable of neutralizing unauthorized aerial vehicles by disrupting their control signals or forcing them out of the restricted zone, effectively creating an "invisible wall of radio waves" in the sky. This preemptive action addresses the growing global concern over drones being weaponized to deliver explosives, as highlighted in international counter-terrorism reports.
In anticipation of the arrival of high-profile delegates, including US President Donald Trump, security has also been heightened at both Gimhae and Pohang-Gyeongju Airports, with security threat levels repeatedly raised. Passengers are subject to increased opening and searching of checked luggage, and are required to remove shoes taller than 3.5cm for X-ray screening. Even the prevention of bird strikes, a threat to aircraft safety, has been addressed through the deployment of acoustic generators and specialized bird-control personnel, ensuring a comprehensive security envelope for the landmark international gathering.
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