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Barricades installed, security heightened in Seoul's Gwanghwamun for BTS comeback show

Published: 21 Mar. 2026, 09:29 Updated: 21 Mar. 2026, 10:25

Preparations are underway for BTS's comeback concert in central Seoul, on March 20. [YONHAP]

Police stepped up security at Gwanghwamun Square on Saturday — from metal detectors to multiple layers of barricades — as hundreds of thousands gather for BTS's long-awaited return to the stage.

The K-pop septet will perform at Gwanghwamun Square to mark its return after a four-year hiatus, with 260,000 people expected in an area stretching from the square to Sungnye Gate, over a kilometer (0.62 miles) away.

Security has been tightened as fans and visitors flock from around the world, with authorities planning to deploy around 15,000 safety management personnel, including some 6,700 police officers.

As part of safety measures, officials have designated a 200-meter-wide (656-foot-wide), 1.2-kilometer-long crowd control zone, surrounded by barriers and accessible through 31 entrances.

Officials have placed heavy focus on possible terror threats, with the terror alert for the area raised to the second-lowest level in a four-tier system. Police commandos will be mobilized to monitor such threats.

Police also restricted the release of firearms to licensed owners Saturday as a precautionary measure. Korea requires all gun owners to store their weapons at local police stations.

Concertgoers will have to go through metal detectors to enter the concert zone, with police planning additional checks. Those without identification could be asked for their resident registration numbers or fingerprints.

Subway locker services at 17 stations across Seoul will also be closed Saturday over terror concerns.

Rescue authorities plan to set up three medical stations near the concert area, while organizers plan to separately operate 11 medical booths.

YONHAP