Police will strengthen patrols during the Chuseok holiday and focus on managing relationship crimes such as domestic violence.
The Korean National Police Agency said on the 28th that it will run a "comprehensive public safety plan period" for two weeks from the 29th to Oct. 12 in preparation for the Chuseok holiday.
First, police will step up patrols around the residences of high-risk individuals feared to reoffend in relationship crimes, as well as at local festival venues, financial institutions, dwellings, entertainment districts, and busy downtown areas. To do so, it plans to deploy personnel intensively, including local police and mobile patrol units.
Also, as relationship crimes such as domestic violence and dating violence increase during the holiday season, authorities plan to conduct a full check of households at risk of repeat offenses, high-risk subjects, and child abuse victims.
According to police, during last year's Chuseok holiday, the average daily number of 112 calls for domestic violence and dating violence increased by 62.3% and 30.5%, respectively.
In cases of alcohol-fueled violence, police plan to respond by applying offenses such as the "possession of a weapon in a public place" law when necessary.
Traffic control will also be carried out in stages to match changes in movement and traffic volume, and safety inspections will be conducted at key facilities vulnerable to terrorism, such as airports and train stations.
In addition, firearms kept at police stations will be banned from being checked out from Oct. 2 to 12.
Preparations have also been made for Chinese tourists. Starting on the 29th, visa-free entry for Chinese group tourists begins, and with the Chinese National Day holiday overlapping, an influx of tourists is expected. Police will work to maintain public safety at major tourist spots and will provide information on the "112 foreign language interpretation center," which operates 24 hours a day for foreign tourists.
Yu Jae-seong, acting commissioner of the Korean National Police Agency, said, "As it is most important for the public to spend the holiday safely without incidents or accidents, we will concentrate police capabilities on commanders and situation rooms to help maintain a stable public order."