Choo Mi-ae: "Gyeonggi Province's security is South Korea's security...should become an opportunity for crisis management advancement"

Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae emphasized the establishment of a firm security posture on the first day of the Eulji Exercise, stating, "The ordinary daily lives of residents can only be protected under solid security."

Governor Choo stated at the first situation briefing meeting for the 2026 Eulji Exercise held at the Wartime Comprehensive Situation Room at 8 a.m. on the 18th: "The Eulji Exercise is a very important training that examines our crisis response capabilities in preparation for national emergencies such as war and contingencies, and strengthens the national emergency preparedness posture through practical training with the people, government, and military united as one. Gyeonggi Province's security is South Korea's security. There should be no complacency whatsoever regarding security," he emphasized.

Governor Choo further stated: "Gyeonggi Province is a border area and simultaneously a region where the most concentrated population of South Korea resides. It is a key strategic location for national and military important facilities, with over 50% of our armed forces deployed here." He added, "I hope you will make every effort to establish wartime emergency preparedness through the Eulji Exercise spanning three nights and four days starting today."

He continued, "Based on functional Chungmu plans, respond swiftly and boldly, prioritize resident protection, and work to ensure that administrative functions do not cease even during wartime. I hope the Eulji Exercise concludes successfully and becomes an opportunity for Gyeonggi Province's crisis management capabilities to advance to the next level," he added.

The Eulji Exercise is a national emergency preparedness drill conducted nationwide at the whole-of-government level to protect the lives and property of citizens in the event of national emergencies such as war or terrorism.

Gyeonggi Province plans to conduct emergency mobilization of civil servants, wartime organizational training, and resident movement drills in adjacent areas on the 18th.

On the 19th, practical provincial-level training on protecting North Korean refugees will be conducted at the Hwaseong City Agricultural Technology Center, and on the 20th, nationwide air raid preparedness civil defense drills will be held.

During civil defense drills, when air raid sirens sound, residents should evacuate to nearby shelters, subway stations, underground parking lots, or underground spaces in large buildings. Vehicles driving on controlled road sections should participate in actual fire truck and ambulance passage training exercises following guidance from training personnel.