South Korea holds nationwide air raid civil defense drill

South Korea held a nationwide civil defense drill on Thursday to prepare for potential air raids, a key component of the annual Ulchi civil defense exercise. The drill, which began with sirens at 2 p.m., saw government officials and employees evacuating to underground facilities in Seoul's Government Complex.

Tourists and citizens in areas like Gwanghwamun and near Gyeongbokgung Palace also participated, taking shelter under eaves as instructed by officials. The exercise involved approximately 3,200 participants, including government officials, police special forces, firefighters, and guards. They practiced responses to chemical, biological, and radiological threats, as well as emergency first aid.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and other ministers donned safety helmets and carried gas masks, simulating a response to an air raid scenario. The drill emphasized preparedness for national disaster situations, with participants engaging in various emergency response and first aid drills.