S. Korea simulates N. Korean air raids nationwide

People are evacuated to underground shelters in Gwanghwamun district, in central Seoul, on Wednesday during a civil defense drill simulating a North Korean air raid. / Yonhap

By Chyung Eun-ju

South Korea held nationwide drills Wednesday simulating North Korean air raids.

The drills were part of the annual South Korea-United States Ulchi Freedom Guardian exercise that started Monday and will run until Aug. 31. The drills were launched amid mounting tensions over North Korea's nuclear threats.

Air raid alarms sounded for three minutes in 40 cities at 2 p.m. Planes representing North Korean combat jets released colored smoke bombs to simulate an air raid.

During the alarm, evacuation personnel guided citizens to nearby basements. Vehicles were stopped for five minutes, with the exception of emergency vehicles. Drivers were told to pull over, turn off engines and listen to the radio.

The exercise was over in 20 minutes.

Cheongju in North Chungcheong Province, Goesan-gun, Jeongpyeong-gun, Jincheon-gun, Boeun-gun and Cheonan in South Chungcheong Province were affected by heavy rain and excluded from the drill.

Subways, trains, airplanes and ships were not affected and hospitals continued as normal.

KBS aired a special live broadcast about the drills from 1:50 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. During the exercise, radio stations nationwide told citizens of the importance of national security drills and safety measures.

Interior and safety minister Kim Bu-kyum participated in the drills with citizens in Gimpo in Gyeonggi Province, which is close to the inter-Korean border. A minister participating in an emergency drill with citizens is unprecedented in Korea.

There are about 18,000 places nationwide to shelter during air raids, including subway stations and garages, according to the ministry. For further information, see the “Safety Stepping Stone” app or access the ministry’s homepage at safekorea.go.kr.