PHOTOS: Seoul locks down key areas ahead of Yoon Suk Yeol verdict

By Han Jun-gu Posted : April 3, 2025, 13:52 Updated : April 3, 2025, 13:52
Police vehicle barriers are set up in front of the Constitutional Court and around Anguk Station in Jongno-gu Seoul April 1 2025 Yonhap
Police buses are parked on roads to the Constitutional Court and around nearby Anguk Subway Station as part of security measures one day before the Constitutional Court's verdict on the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, April 3, 2025. Yonhap

SEOUL, April 03 (AJP) - One day before the Constitutional Court is set to deliver its verdict on the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, authorities in the capital have significantly expanded security measures, sealing off key areas and restricting public access.

Police have widened the so-called “vacuum zone” around the court to a 150-meter radius, erecting large barriers and using buses to block roads and sidewalks leading to the court. The heightened restrictions are aimed at managing potential mass gatherings and ensuring public order.

In anticipation of large crowds, city officials are also removing public bicycle stands near the court to prevent accidents. Bicycle rental services will be temporarily suspended in key government districts, including areas surrounding the Constitutional Court, the National Assembly, and the presidential residence.

Businesses near the court have been advised to take precautionary measures, including removing outdoor signage on the day of the decision. Meanwhile, municipal authorities have fenced off flower beds around City Hall for safety and removed trash bins from major gathering sites to prevent potential misuse.

Public transportation services will also be affected. Seoul Metro has announced the closure of Anguk Station, which is near the court, on the day of the ruling. Authorities are also considering shutting down Hangangjin Station near the presidential residence.

Train services may bypass several major stations, including City Hall (Lines 1 and 2), Anguk and Gyeongbokgung (Line 3), as well as Gwanghwamun, Yeouido, and Yeouinaru (Line 5), depending on crowd conditions.

Educational institutions in the vicinity are taking precautions as well, with some schools opting for shortened schedules or temporary closures to minimize disruptions.

 
Tape marked Rental and Return Prohibited is attached to a Ttareungi bike station in Jongno Seoul April 3 2025 AJP Han Jun-gu
A bicycle stand in Jongno, Seoul, is closed to the public, April 3, 2025. AJP Han Jun-gu
 
Tape marked Rental and Return Prohibited is attached to a Ttareungi bike station in Jongno Seoul April 3 2025 AJP Han Jun-gu
A bicycle stand in Jongno, Seoul, is closed to the public, April 3, 2025. AJP Han Jun-gu
 
A road in front of Gwanghwamun in Seoul is quiet during rush hour as police control roads near the Constitutional Court April 3 2025 Yonhap
A road in front of Gwanghwamun in Seoul remains closed to traffic during the morning rush hour, April 3, 2025. Yonhap
  
More bicycles than usual are parked at a Ttareungi station near the restricted area April 3 2025 AJP Han Jun-gu
Bicycles removed from stands near the Constitutional Court are securely parked in Seoul, April 3, 2025. AJP Han Jun-gu
 
Barriers surround flower beds in front of City Hall Seoul April 3 2025 AJP Han Jun-gu
Flower beds in front of the City Hall are fenced off as part of security measures, April 3, 2025. AJP Han Jun-gu
 
Barriers surround flower beds in front of City Hall Seoul April 3 2025 AJP Han Jun-gu
Flower beds in front of the City Hall are fenced off as part of security measures, April 3, 2025. AJP Han Jun-gu
0 comments
0 / 300
View more comments
기사 이미지 확대 보기
닫기