In 2019, by the time the American military left the South Korean capital, it had a reputation as an open and diverse neighborhood. This neighborhood is known for its bright bars, restaurants, cafes, and shops. As Halloween becomes increasingly popular in South Korea, the neighborhood’s reputation has attracted many people. This neighborhood is Itaewon in Seoul, South Korea. 

Saturday, October 29th, 2022, there were an estimated 100,000 people who passed through Itaewon. A Seoul citizen stated that Halloween is celebrated differently in Korea than it is in America. While American Halloween consists of children, typically ages 2-12, Halloween in South Korea is celebrated by young adults who go out in costumes and makeup for drinks. Hence, Itaewon was extremely crowded on Saturday with thousands of young adults going to the vintage shops, restaurants, pubs, and nightclubs to hang out and have fun. 

Halloween started to become popular in Itaewon during the period right before COVID-19 hit. The pandemic halted traffic in Itaewon and stopped crowds from going to celebrate Halloween and partying due to the restrictions placed. However, since the restrictions have been lifted, many people have been craving parties and social interactions. The Itaewon Halloween celebration called for a perfect chance for that. Itaewon was overrun with foreigners, celebrities, and young adults who wanted to party and celebrate Halloween this year. 

On Saturday night, when thousands of people were trampling through the streets in Itaewon, several of these people were trampled. As people were trying to squeeze into a narrow alley, several people would fall and wouldn’t be able to get back up. Because of how cramped the alley was, these people who fell to the ground ended up injured and or passing. In total, as of right now, around one hundred and fifty people have passed away. South Korean authorities have declared that they have formed an investigation to look into the tragedy. Among those who were affected by the stampede were twenty-six from fourteen different countries. 

Police have expressed their regrets about not having more officers tasked with crowd control during the Halloween festivities, and explained that they should have been more prepared since it was the first Halloween in which they were free from pandemic restrictions. On Sunday, President Yoon Suk Yeol declared a national mourning period that would last a week. National flags fly at half-staff, and several public events have been canceled or delayed. This is the second time in South Korean history they have had to hold a national mourning period.