Seoul's Dongdaemun-gu conducted civil defense evacuation drills and an emergency vehicle access exercise Thursday as part of the 2026 Ulchi CPX.
District Mayor Choi Dong-min visited Janghangpyeong Station with about 30 civil defense unit leaders to receive briefings on shelter conditions and monitor the progress of the civil defense evacuation drill. The drill ran simultaneously across the entire district.
Choi then joined the Dongdaemun Fire Department for an emergency vehicle right-of-way exercise. A fire department vehicle traveled the route from Dongdaemun Fire Station to Cheongnyangni Produce Market, with Choi observing road conditions and assessing how easily emergency vehicles could move through the area.
Cheongnyangni Produce Market is densely packed with shops and foot traffic, making it critical that fire trucks and ambulances can reach the scene quickly in an emergency. The exercise allowed the district to identify potential obstacles to emergency vehicle movement and review coordination procedures with the fire department.
After the drill, the Dongdaemun Fire Department, volunteer firefighters and the market merchants' association held a public awareness campaign in and around the market. Merchants and residents received guidance on how to clear the way when emergency vehicles approach, what to do in a crisis, and why keeping fire access lanes open at all times matters.
Drawing on conditions observed during the exercise, the district plans to consistently review its coordination with the fire department and other relevant agencies, and to raise public awareness of emergency vehicle access — with a focus on traditional markets and congested areas.
"When a fire or disaster strikes, a matter of minutes can mean the difference between life and loss for residents, so securing clear routes for emergency vehicles to reach the scene quickly is essential," District Mayor Choi said. "We will consistently conduct drills that simulate real situations with the fire department and other agencies, and continue on-site outreach so residents can learn what to do in an emergency."
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