Foreign tourists visiting Seoul will now be able to receive not only travel information but also guidance on crime prevention and emergency response at tourist information centers. The Seoul Tourism Foundation and the police have agreed to expand the provision of safety information for foreigners using the tourist information network.
The Seoul Tourism Foundation announced on the 21st that it signed a memorandum of understanding with the Namdaemun Police Station on the 20th to enhance safety and convenience for foreign tourists.
This agreement focuses on linking tourist information and security information in areas with high foreign visitor traffic, such as Seoul Station, Myeongdong, and Namdaemun Market, which are under the jurisdiction of the Namdaemun Police Station.
Under the agreement, tourist information centers and tourist information offices operated by the Seoul Tourism Foundation will provide safety-related information, including crime prevention tips and emergency response methods, alongside existing travel information. The tourist information staff will also enhance their capabilities to guide foreign visitors on necessary safety information.
The police will collaborate to expand the use of the multilingual safety information service, 'QR One-Stop Safety Information for Seoul.' The police will manage the accuracy and timeliness of the information provided, while the foundation plans to inform visitors about how to access the service through tourist information centers and online channels.
Next month, a joint campaign aimed at crime prevention and improving street environments will be held in Myeongdong, a popular destination for foreign tourists. The 'Safety and Clean Myeongdong Campaign for Foreign Tourists' will provide information on how to use the emergency hotline 112, safety tips for tourists, and maintaining cleanliness around street vendors.
The campaign will also feature the creator 'HelpYun,' known for assisting foreign tourists. HelpYun will produce short videos addressing potential safety issues during travel and how to respond, which will be shared on the official tourism site 'Visit Seoul' and HelpYun's YouTube and Instagram channels.
Both organizations plan to identify additional safety services based on feedback from tourist sites like Myeongdong and Namdaemun Market and to expand their collaboration. The Seoul Tourism Foundation aims to extend the integration of tourist guidance and security information to other areas of Seoul based on this agreement.
Namdaemun Police Station Chief Ham Kyung-cheol stated, "It is important for foreign tourists to easily and quickly obtain necessary safety information in unfamiliar environments. We will continue to promote multilingual safety information services and collaborate on crime prevention through tourist information sites and promotional channels."
Seoul Tourism Foundation CEO Kim Byeong-min remarked, "Safety and convenience are essential conditions for tourists to enjoy the city. We will expand safety services that tourists can feel by linking tourism infrastructure with police expertise in public safety."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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