Suwon Launches "2025 Hwarang Exercise" to Establish Integrated Defense Posture

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Jung Jun-sung] Suwon Special City has begun the "2025 Hwarang Exercise" through June 19th to strengthen the region's integrated defense posture.

The Hwarang Exercise is a biennial training conducted to strengthen integrated defense capabilities involving civilians, government officials, military personnel, police, and firefighters, and to develop military operational capabilities.

The 2025 Hwarang Exercise, which began on June 16th, involves 23 cities and counties including Suwon under the Seoul Metropolitan Army Command's jurisdiction, operating under the control of the Ground Operations Command.

The city prioritizes mastering procedures for implementing integrated defense operational plans and strengthening response capabilities involving the city's national defense elements encompassing civilians, government officials, military personnel, police, and firefighters.

On June 16th, the Gyeonggi Province Integrated Defense Coordination Council heard the Seoul Metropolitan Army Commander's military situation briefing and recommendation to declare an integrated defense emergency. Following the council's deliberation, the integrated defense emergency was declared.

Once the integrated defense emergency is declared, an "Integrated Defense Support Headquarters" is established within Suwon City Hall to support integrated defense operations and operates until the emergency situation ends.

During the Hwarang Exercise period, the following will take place: △inspection of self-defense plans centered on national key facilities within Gyeonggi Province △coordinated integrated response measures with military, police, and firefighting units △wartime conversion and integrated damage recovery in case of weapons of mass destruction attacks.

A city official stated, "During this Hwarang Exercise period, opposition forces and mock explosions will proceed as if in actual situations," and urged, "If you discover terrorism, explosives, or suspicious individuals, please actively report to the police (112), military units (1338), or firefighting services (119)."