This photo provided by the Seoul metropolitan government shows a previous edition of the Seoul International Fireworks Festival. Yonhap

'Prime Minister Han Duck-soo instructed the government Friday to take thorough measures to ensure crowd safety during the 2024 Seoul International Fireworks Festival this weekend, his office said.

The annual festival hosted by Hanwha Group will take place Saturday over the Han River near Yeouido and Ichon Hangang Park, drawing an expected 1 million people.

Han ordered relevant government agencies, including the ministries of the interior, culture, industry and health, as well as the police and firefighting agencies, to make utmost efforts for crowd control, such as by establishing an emergency contact system for use during emergencies and accidents, separating entrance and exit ways, installing safety barriers and securing emergency exits.

He especially called for safety measures for accident-prone areas, such as slopes and waterfronts, and preparing sufficient firefighting equipment against possible fires.

Han further called for measures to respond to medical emergencies and handle a surge of people taking the bus and the subway after the show.

The festival will begin at 1 p.m. with various promotional events at booths set up at Hangang Park. The fireworks show will begin at 7 p.m. (Yonhap)