[Diary Point = Reporter Choi Seung-jin] Vehicle traffic will be completely banned on Itaewon-ro in Seoul on Halloween, Oct. 31. With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, large crowds are expected in major nightlife districts such as Itaewon, Hongdae, Seongsu and Gangnam, prompting the Seoul Metropolitan Government to deploy on-site crowd management.
The city is running a special Halloween safety period from Oct. 23 to Nov. 1. Within that window, Oct. 30 through Nov. 1 has been designated an intensive management period, as officials expect crowds to peak during those days. No fixed start or end time for the day-of controls has been announced; restrictions on Itaewon-ro will be adjusted in real time depending on conditions on the ground.
14 Districts, Including Itaewon and Hongdae, Under Watch
Eight areas are classified as priority management zones: the Itaewon Special Tourist Zone, the Hongdae Special Tourist Zone, Ikseon-dong, Myeongdong Street, the Seongsu-dong cafe street, the Konkuk University food street, Gangnam Station, and Apgujeong Rodeo Street. Six more areas — Wangsimni Station, Sinchon's Yonsei-ro, Balsan Station, Sillim Station, Sharosu-gil, and Nonhyeon Station — are managed as safety-watch zones.
Seoul plans to deploy a total of 3,271 personnel across the 14 districts, including 2,011 public officials and 1,200 private security staff. The city will use 361 crowd-detection CCTV cameras, its real-time urban data system, and drones; when crowd density reaches about 5 to 6 people per square meter, an automatic alert will be sent to relevant agencies.
Subway Is Safer Than Driving, But Trains May Skip Stops
On Oct. 31, vehicles will not be allowed on Itaewon-ro, and one lane of the Hongdae club street will be converted into pedestrian space. Itaewon-ro may also face flexible restrictions on Oct. 23, 24 and 30 depending on real-time crowd density, so drivers and taxi passengers should plan alternate routes.
At stations such as Itaewon, Hongik University, Seongsu and Konkuk University, exits may be closed or trains may pass through without stopping if crowds build up. Travelers should check Seoul's real-time urban data platform and Seoul Metro service announcements before heading out, and consider walking from a nearby station rather than insisting on the one closest to their destination.
Don't Fight the Flow of the Crowd — Leave Before It Gets Too Dense
The city warns that the risk of accidents rises in narrow alleys and on sloped streets. Pedestrians should keep to the right, avoid sudden stops or direction changes, and leave a crowded area immediately if walking speed slows or physical contact with others begins.
If you drop something in a crowd, do not bend down to pick it up. If you feel yourself being pushed, go with the flow of the crowd rather than resisting it; those with children should carry them or put them on their shoulders for protection. Anyone who feels endangered or spots an injured person should call 112 or 119.
In Itaewon, a disaster and safety situation-room bus will be stationed at Noksapyeong Square from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1. The city says it will send emergency disaster text alerts if warning signs emerge, and will activate its Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters if the risk of accidents increases.