Preparations are well underway here in Korea... with less than a week to go before the country hosts major international events with ASEAN nations.
Authorities are working against the clock to ensure tight security in Busan... as the port city will be hosting the leaders of all the ASEAN countries... plus President Moon Jae-in.
Our Shin Se-min reporting tonight from the host city of Busan.
Counting down the days until ASEAN leaders head to Busan for the 2019 ASEAN-Korea Commemorative Summit, the host city is busy making sure the summit's security is all good to go.
The National Police Agency said it will mobilize all of its police force starting Saturday,... ahead of the three days of summit meetings from November 25th.
And in the days leading up to the summit,... some 700 police and security personnel are already on the ground in and around the summit venue.
They are doing test-runs to prepare for any possible terror threats including drone strikes.
“Our priority is securing the safety of the heads of state even when travelling. We also plan to completely ensure the safety of events taking place in the Bexco area.”
Busan is also considering an “alternate no-driving day” policy, where half of all affected vehicles would be banned from roads depending on the last digit of the car’s license plate from the 25th until the 27th.
“And the roads surrounding BEXCO, the venue for the summits, will also be heavily managed, with local police officers monitoring the traffic flow for airtight security, while minimizing inconvenience for the public.”
Cargo trucks weighing over one-and-a half tons will be strictly barred from the Haeundae area of Busan, where the venue is,... and the Land Ministry has already boosted surveillance levels to level three out of five at seven major airports across the country.
Authorities advise users to be more vigilant and get to the airport ahead of time as the security checks may drag on.
Shin Se-min, Arirang News, Busan.