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Halloween Crowds in Seoul: Updates on Itaewon and Hongdae

A combined 160,000 people gathered in Itaewon and Hongdae for Halloween weekend. Authorities managed traffic and transit to ensure public safety.

FollowinTrend Desk Nov 1, 2026, 5:45 PM 2 min read AI-assisted

Nighttime urban scene in a narrow street of Seoul, showcasing vibrant city life and architecture. — Photo: Alicja Ptak / Pexels Illustrative stock photo, not taken at the event.

Quick facts

Approximately 160,000 people visited Itaewon and Hongdae for Halloween weekend.
Subway Line 6 bypassed Itaewon Station for 10 minutes due to high foot traffic.
Police confirmed a report of drug-laced candy in Hongdae was a false alarm.

Why it matters

The high search volume for 'Bupyeong' and other districts suggests a widespread public focus on urban crowd density and safety protocols. The events in Itaewon and Hongdae highlight the effectiveness of current administrative measures, such as pedestrian-only zones and transit restrictions, in managing large gatherings during major holidays.

A total of 160,000 people gathered across Itaewon and Hongdae during the Halloween weekend, as of November 1, 2026. Authorities monitored the crowds closely to manage safety in these popular districts, resulting in temporary transit adjustments and police presence throughout the night.

Why it is trending now

The high volume of visitors led to specific operational changes in Seoul's public transport network. According to MBC News, subway Line 6 trains bypassed Itaewon Station for approximately 10 minutes near the end of the night to prevent overcrowding on platforms. In addition, police closed a five-lane road in front of Itaewon Station starting at 6 p.m., converting the space into a pedestrian zone to facilitate safer movement.

Key facts

Itaewon saw approximately 30,000 visitors, while the Hongdae area near Hongik University recorded nearly 130,000 people, according to KBS News.
Police investigated a report in Hongdae regarding a man distributing candy disguised as a foreign language app character; officials confirmed the candy contained no illegal substances, as reported by MBC News.
A traffic accident occurred on the Capital Region First Ring Expressway around 9:30 p.m. involving a passenger car and a 1-ton truck, leaving a 40-year-old driver injured but in stable condition.

Why this is trending in South Korea

The surge in search interest for areas like Bupyeong and the broader Seoul metropolitan region reflects heightened public attention toward crowd safety during large-scale events. This follows the fourth anniversary of the Itaewon tragedy, with citizens gathering to leave flowers and messages in remembrance.

Background and context

Halloween has become a significant social event in Seoul, drawing large crowds to nightlife districts. This year, the intersection of the weekend and the holiday prompted extensive police planning and traffic control measures to manage the influx of pedestrians. Commemorative events for the 2022 tragedy have also been a central focus for the public this week.

What happens next

Local authorities continue to monitor traffic and public safety as the weekend progresses. Police are investigating the exact circumstances of the traffic accident on the expressway to determine the cause of the collision between the passenger car and the truck.

Frequently asked questions

How many people were in Itaewon and Hongdae?

A combined total of 160,000 people were reported in the two areas. Itaewon saw approximately 30,000 visitors, while the Hongdae area near Hongik University recorded nearly 130,000 people.

Was Itaewon Station closed?

Itaewon Station was not closed, but subway Line 6 trains bypassed the station for approximately 10 minutes near the end of the night to prevent overcrowding on the platforms.

Were there any drug incidents in Hongdae?

No. Police investigated reports of a man distributing drug-laced candy, but official checks confirmed that the items contained no illegal substances, and the report was concluded as a false alarm.

Is the traffic accident on the expressway related to Halloween?

The accident on the Capital Region First Ring Expressway involved a passenger car and a truck. Reports do not link the accident directly to Halloween festivities, though it occurred on the same night.

What safety measures were taken?

Police implemented traffic controls, including closing a five-lane road in front of Itaewon Station to vehicles starting at 6 p.m. to create a pedestrian-only zone for safer crowd movement.