GYEONGJU, North Gyeongsang Province -- Security across Gyeongju has been tightened as Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) events begin, with a massive deployment of forces to protect visiting leaders and delegates, placing the city on one of the highest alert levels in its history.
While the nationwide terrorism alert level was raised to "caution" last Friday, it was elevated further to "warning" in Gyeongju and nearby regions -- Busan, Daegu, Ulsan and North and South Gyeongsang provinces -- for Tuesday through Saturday.
As leaders from the 21 member economies prepared to arrive, police in North Gyeongsang Province issued their highest-level security alert on Tuesday, allowing the mobilization of all available personnel. Up to 19,000 officers will be deployed across Gyeongju each day during the APEC meetings to keep the city secure.
At the center of the heightened security is Bomun Tourist Complex, about a 15-minute drive from downtown Gyeongju. It houses Gyeongju Hwabaek International Convention Center (HICO), the main venue for the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, as well as several hotels accommodating visiting leaders.
Since Sunday, security in the city has grown increasingly stringent.
Security screens have been installed around buildings, and steel barriers line the walkways. The restricted paths made many areas off-limits, forcing pedestrians to take long detours along routes that would normally take only minutes. Even bus stops have been fenced off, leaving just narrow gaps for passengers to get on and off.
Airport-style checkpoints were set up in front of HICO and the International Media Center, where uniformed officers conduct strict screenings. The checks are so meticulous that this reporter's wireless earbud case was opened, and even the inside of a snack bag and a card wallet were inspected.
Access to the front of the HICO compound was unrestricted when wearing a badge identifying this reporter as an APEC-accredited journalist. However, without a badge, the police immediately demanded credentials.
Security was equally tight at hotels where world leaders are reportedly staying. Signs warned of vehicle inspections, and large screens were installed at main entrances to block public view during arrivals and departures.
At the Hilton Gyeongju near HICO, where the U.S. delegation is expected to stay, potentially including President Donald Trump after his arrival here on Wednesday, the area was filled with black SUVs and security personnel. Workers unloaded what appeared to be bulletproof glass panels from trucks and assembled protective structures in front of the main entrance.
"As of Tuesday, an APEC accreditation badge isn't required to enter the hotel lobby, but it's expected to be needed starting Wednesday. Vehicle registration will likely also be required," a concierge at the hotel told The Korea Times.
At times, convoys of black vehicles bearing APEC or diplomatic plates were seen moving through the complex under police escort. On Monday around lunchtime, several fighter jets flew in formation at low altitude, while National Forensic Service vehicles were also spotted in the area.
A source familiar with APEC affairs told The Korea Times that only one or two officials in the country have access to integrated information from all government ministries, including real-time updates on security measures tied to the arrival times of world leaders.
Meanwhile, the Presidential Security Service (PSS) said it conducted final field training exercises last Saturday and Monday in Gyeongju and Busan. Key agencies -- including the National Intelligence Service, the military and the police -- joined to test coordination and simulate scenarios to ensure the safe movement of world leaders.
"We have completed final checks on all APEC security and safety measures through this training," PSS chief Hwang In-kwon said. "During the summit, we will ensure flawless protection to help make the event a success."