Seoul City is stepping up subway station security by closing up lockers and removing waste bins to ensure public safety and the smooth operation of the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit, officials said Tuesday.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, starting Wednesday lockers, mailboxes and parcel storages in all stations will be closed through the gathering of leaders of 53 countries and four international organizations.

The capital also added that it will remove all facilities that could be used to hide explosive material in stations operated by Seoul Metro and Seoul Metropolitan Rapid Transit Corporation. According to officials, this includes panels, automated hand sanitizers and other facilities.

Officials are also replacing all waste bins with transparent ones to enable early detection of dangerous materials. In 15 stations deemed high-risk and traffic areas, including City Hall, Seoul, Seolleung, Yeoksam and Sports Complex, officials are removing waste bins altogether.

City officials will also dispatch 150 security guards to patrol within stations and subway cars near hotels accommodating the heads of states.

Seoul City, Seoul Metro, Seoul Metropolitan Rapid Transit, military and police officials will operate joint situation rooms for swift and appropriate response to emergency situations.

The transportation system immediately surrounding COEX, the summit’s main venue, will also see a complete overhaul.

Officials said Samseong Station will be closed all day Monday and until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, but free shuttles will run to the station from Seolleung Station and Sports Complex Station.

By Robert Lee
(robert@heraldcorp.com)