Yongsan Police Department has been running a special counseling program every Friday evening this summer to help foreigners visiting Itaewon, one of the city’s most popular nighttime hangouts, feel safer.

Throughout August from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. every Friday, the counseling service was provided via a mobile booth set up near areas populated with bars and clubs.

The service is offered in English, German and Russian, and is especially catered to women.
“There were about 40 foreign women in their 20s who visited the center in August,” said police officer Seo Seung-man, who is part of the Yongsan Foreign Women Consulting Center.

The most frequently reported cases included harassment and driving under the influence.

Seo said that based on the successful operation, they are looking into extending the service.

By Seimi Chu, Intern reporter (khnews@heraldcorp.com)