Seoul, Oct 23 : South Korean police on Monday, 23 October announced plans to deploy over 1,000 personnel in narrow streets in Seoul to prevent overcrowding during Halloween week, as officials brace for massive gatherings on the holiday, a year after the crowd crush in the city's Itaewon area claimed 159 lives.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said it will implement safety measures from Friday to Tuesday in 16 locations, including in the special tourist zones of Itaewon and Hongdae, the shopping district of Myeongdong, the nightlife area near Konkuk University and Gangnam Station, reports Yonhap News Agency.

A total of 1,260 personnel from 12 police stations and 10 police squads will be deployed to reinforce safety in the areas on Friday and Saturday, when the greatest numbers of people are expected.