Nation marks 10 years since Sewol tragedy with memorials, safety programs
![A person looks at photos of victims of the Sewol ferry tragedy at a classroom of Danwon High School in Ansan, Gyeonggi, on Monday. Tuesday marks the 10th anniversary of the tragedy, where 304 passengers and crew died after the Sewol ferry capsized off the coast of Jindo, South Jeolla, on April 16, 2014, while en route to Jeju Island. Of those who died on the ferry, 250 were juniors from Danwon High School. [YONHAP]](https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/data/photo/2024/04/15/b378aaf4-ef98-4d56-aa94-d21bcb1b4e41.jpg)
A person looks at photos of victims of the Sewol ferry tragedy at a classroom of Danwon High School in Ansan, Gyeonggi, on Monday. Tuesday marks the 10th anniversary of the tragedy, where 304 passengers and crew died after the Sewol ferry capsized off the coast of Jindo, South Jeolla, on April 16, 2014, while en route to Jeju Island. Of those who died on the ferry, 250 were juniors from Danwon High School. [YONHAP]
With Tuesday marking the solemn 10th anniversary of the 2014 Sewol ferry tragedy, localities have unveiled measures and events commemorating the disaster while emphasizing the importance of safety.
A remembrance event of the tragedy will take place on Tuesday at Hwarang Public Garden in Danwon District, Ansan, Gyeonggi.
According to the Gyeonggi provincial government, a minute-long siren will sound at the neighborhood of Danwon District Office at 4:16 p.m. Tuesday, ushering in a moment for residents to remember the victims.
Tuesday also marks National Safety Day, which was designated in 2015 to remember the victims of the Sewol ferry disaster and the significance of safety.
In line with the commemoration, the Seoul city government said Monday it designated this week through Sunday a period to raise safety awareness for residents.
Safety experience centers in five different districts — Songpa District and Dongjak District in southern Seoul, Yangcheon District in western Seoul, Gwangjin District in eastern Seoul and Seongbuk District in northern Seoul — will host programs on safety for children and their families.
Around 20,000 to 63,000 people participated in such programs at each center last year alone.
In Songpa District, a safety-themed festival slated for Tuesday invites children to activities like simulated elevator evacuations and virtual reality-based lessons on coastal traffic safety. Dongjak District will conduct three-day disaster training sessions for 100 public servants starting Wednesday, focusing on earthquake evacuation tips and fire extinguisher usage.
The safety experience centers are open to the residents; participants can attend the sessions after booking them.
Another safety experience center is slated to open in Gangseo District, western Seoul, on Wednesday. The three-story center will host 12 educational safety programs featuring immersive 4D technology.
The center will undergo a trial period before opening its doors to the public in the third week of May. Students and civil defense corps can use the facility during the trial period.
The city government additionally stressed that it would exert all efforts to ensure safety at large-scale festivals and events. Prior consultations on safety management are conducted for events anticipating large crowds, and drones are deployed to monitor blind spots in surveillance coverage.
![Visitors look at the Sewol ferry docked at Mokpo New Port in South Jeolla on Monday, a day ahead of the 10th anniversary of the Sewol ferry tragedy. [YONHAP]](https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/data/photo/2024/04/15/3b4b7a4d-7c18-4854-8bcc-93c378d133bc.jpg)
Visitors look at the Sewol ferry docked at Mokpo New Port in South Jeolla on Monday, a day ahead of the 10th anniversary of the Sewol ferry tragedy. [YONHAP]
In commemoration of the Sewol ferry tragedy, the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education said it will distribute educational materials on the disaster to all public elementary, middle and high schools in the capital during the week.
According to the education office on Sunday, it also advised schools to host different events to commemorate the victims of the tragedy, such as a memorial service and hanging yellow ribbons, which symbolize the disaster's victims.
Schools can also voluntarily set a week in April to commemorate the tragedy.
On Saturday, thousands of people commemorating the victims of the Sewol ferry tragedy gathered in downtown Seoul.
Families of the victims addressed their hopes for a safer society, encouraging the participants of the ceremony to come together and create a place where everyone can be happy and secure.
The Sewol ferry capsized off the coast of Jindo, South Jeolla, on April 16, 2014, while en route to Jeju Island, killing 304 passengers and crew. Of those who died on the ferry, 250 were juniors from Danwon High School in Ansan, Gyeonggi.
BY CHO JUNG-WOO [cho.jungwoo1@joongang.co.kr]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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