As about 260,000 people are expected to flock to BTS's Gwanghwamun comeback concert, an unexpected key variable has emerged: "restrooms." With a shared view that "people shouldn't have to deal with basic inconveniences when they come to enjoy a great day and a great show," the Seoul Metropolitan Government is going all out to secure and guide people to restrooms.
Ahead of "BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG" on the 21st at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, Jongno District and the Seoul Metropolitan Government have significantly expanded restroom infrastructure. Portable toilets have been installed near the venue, and nearby buildings are also opening their restrooms to the public. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon inspected the site on the 19th and said, "We are paying special attention to safety and restroom issues."
More than 20 portable toilet stalls have been installed inside the fenced area near the venue, and over 100 additional stalls have been set up on the outskirts, including behind the U.S. Embassy. A total of 126 portable toilets will be deployed across the Gwanghwamun Square area. Including restrooms opened in nearby buildings, about 90 locations with more than 2,600 stalls will be available. By simple calculation, that is about one stall per 100 people.
However, long lines will be inevitable before the concert starts and right after it ends as crowds converge. Some also note that, given the high proportion of female attendees, the perceived wait times could be even longer.
Guidance systems have also been strengthened to reduce congestion. Jongno District has installed banners with QR codes at key points. Scanning them takes you to the Seoul Smart Map, where you can check information such as restroom locations, medical booths, and amenities. Naver Map is also providing real-time information on the locations of key facilities such as restrooms, entry gates, and medical support booths, as well as traffic control updates.
The government and related agencies have also begun safety management. A crowd disaster crisis alert at the "caution" level has been issued for the Jongno and Jung districts, and the disaster medical response system has been activated. The National Emergency Medical Center, public health centers, disaster medical assistance teams (DMAT), and fire authorities are cooperating to prepare for emergencies.
The Central Emergency Medical Situation Room has issued the "interest (Blue)" level and is conducting 24-hour monitoring. Fifty-one emergency medical institutions in Seoul are also managing bed availability and patient intake in real time, and fire authorities plan to support the rapid transport of patients with minor injuries.