SEOUL, Sept. 10 (Korea Bizwire) — The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Monday it will expand its distribution of emergency beacons designed to protect small business owners who often work alone and face heightened risks of harassment or intrusion.
The device, known as the “Safe Beacon,” activates flashing lights and a siren outside a shop when its emergency button is pressed. Simultaneously, an alert is transmitted to a district monitoring center, where police officers request nearby patrol cars to respond.
Since its introduction in July 2024, the beacons have been credited with deterring crime and facilitating swift police intervention. Officials said there have been 33 confirmed cases where police responded to incidents ranging from disruptive intoxicated customers to attempted break-ins. In a survey of users, 84.5 percent said the devices reduced their sense of fear.
The city plans to supply 10,000 units this year and is now accepting a second round of applications, following an initial rollout in May. Applications will be open from September 11 to 24 on the city’s website. Eligible applicants include single-store operators and businesses where staff frequently work alone for extended hours.
To ensure the devices reach those most in need, Seoul will offer them free of charge to value-added tax–exempt businesses and small-scale taxpayers with annual revenue under 104 million won (about $75,000).
Larger businesses classified as general taxpayers will pay a 20,000 won ($15) contribution. Final eligibility will be verified through the National Tax Service, with applicants notified individually by the end of October.
The program underscores Seoul’s efforts to bolster safety for the city’s many one-person businesses, which often lack the resources for private security but remain central to neighborhood life.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
