Less than a week before the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit, city officials are asking for the public’s cooperation in keeping its streets traffic-free for the hundreds of delegates moving within the city, officials said Monday.

Seoul Metropolitan Government is asking drivers to leave their cars at home on March 26 and 27 and use public transportation during the gathering of leaders of 53 countries and four international organizations.

Seoul City officials want drivers who absolutely must drive to leave cars with license plates ending in odd numbers at home on Monday and those with even numbers on Tuesday.

To anticipate the sudden influx of people hitting public transportation, city officials are increasing the number of subways and buses operating during morning and evening rush hours. Subway lines will see an additional 100 services during the two days, while 412 additional buses will be added as well.

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.

Roads surrounding the center will be blocked off as well. Half the lanes on Yeongdong-Daero and Teheran-ro will be restricted. Bongeunsa-ro and Asem-ro will be left with one lane each for the public from midnight Monday to 10 p.m. on Tuesday.

Construction or commercial trucks weighing 3.6 tons or more will be barred from the area until 10 p.m. Tuesday.

Roughly 2,500 traffic police will be posted all over the city’s major intersections throughout the duration of the summit.

By Robert Lee (robert@heraldcorp.com)