The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport is holding a two-day joint multi-hazard response drill with related agencies starting Wednesday, simulating the loss of air traffic control facilities and communications networks.
On Wednesday, a digital disaster response drill will take place at the Korea Transportation Safety Authority headquarters, based on a scenario in which a wildfire and power outage cripple core information systems.
The drill, which also involves the National Geographic Information Institute, Korea Land and Geospatial Informatics, Korea Airports Corporation, Korea Expressway Corporation and Korea National Railway, assumes the simultaneous failure of the vehicle inspection management system and the national licensing examination management system. Participants will review initial response procedures — including the activation of emergency response bodies — and verify the effectiveness of the standard disaster crisis management manual and business continuity plans.
Particular attention will be paid to backup procedures for key operations: switching vehicle inspections to offline and manual processing, opening alternative counters for national licensing exam applicants, issuing public situation updates, and restoring systems using backup data. The drill aims to confirm that response systems can minimize public inconvenience even when information systems fail.
On Thursday, the Ministry of Land and Korea Airports Corporation will conduct a "Safe Korea Disaster Response Training" exercise at Gimhae Airport, involving 22 agencies in total, including the Busan Regional Aviation Administration, airlines, the Air Force, fire departments and ground handling companies.
Drawing on real disaster cases, the exercise will simulate a compound disaster scenario in which the primary and backup systems of Gimhae Airport's approach control facility fail in succession during deteriorating weather, causing a temporary suspension of air traffic control services that then leads to an aircraft emergency. Participants will review crisis alert issuance and situation management procedures.
Jeong Chae-gyo, director general for aviation policy at the Ministry of Land, said navigation safety facilities are critical national infrastructure that support the safe operation of aircraft, making swift and systematic responses to failures paramount. "Through this joint integrated drill with related agencies, we will thoroughly build our practical response capabilities to ensure aviation safety and protect the lives of the public in any emergency situation," he said.
Meanwhile, central government ministries, local governments and public institutions are conducting the "2026 Safe Korea Disaster Response Training" from Monday through Oct. 30. Korea National Railway conducted a drill Tuesday at the GTX Line B construction site, simulating a chain of compound disasters triggered by heavy rain and strong winds — including a crane collapse, damage to an elevated pedestrian bridge, a fire and the collapse of work facilities.
smh@heraldcorp.com
