Where crowds gather,
know before you go
PeoMap visualizes real-time crowd levels for 120+ major areas across Seoul on a map. With data refreshed every 5 minutes, you can check crowd levels before you visit and choose a safer route.
Why did we build this?
On October 29, 2022, the Itaewon crowd crush claimed 159 lives. Tens of thousands of people packed into the narrow alleys of Itaewon, Seoul during Halloween, yet citizens had no way to know the danger in advance or choose an evacuation route.
Similar risks keep repeating across Seoul since then. Around Seongsu-dong pop-up stores, Hongdae streets, Gangnam event venues, thousands of people gather at specific times, and the risk of crush injuries resurfaces again and again. Subway exits, narrow alleys, plazas — the places and times where crowds gather are somewhat predictable, yet that information rarely reaches citizens.
Seoul City already publishes crowd-level data for major areas through its Real-Time City Data API. PeoMap turns this open data into a map anyone can intuitively understand. With just a web browser — no app install needed — you can instantly check how crowded any part of Seoul is right now.
"There should never be another Itaewon. Knowing in advance means you can avoid it."
Key Features
Intuitive Map
See crowd levels across Seoul at a glance — one color instantly shows crowded vs. relaxed.
Updated Every 5 Minutes
Collects Seoul open data every 5 minutes to provide the latest crowd information.
Crowd Notifications
Get a daily 8am push notification with a crowd forecast for your chosen areas.
My Location
Check crowd levels around your current location and pick a less crowded spot.
Favorites
Pin areas you check often to favorites for quick access.
Crowd Forecast Warning
Get an early heads-up on areas that are relaxed now but expected to get crowded soon.
120+
Monitored Areas
5 min
Data Refresh Interval
24/7
Always Running
Data Source
PeoMap uses the public API of Seoul's Real-Time City Data (Seoul TOPIS). Seoul's open data is publicly accessible, and crowd figures are calculated by the city from telecom mobility data, transit data, and more. Actual on-site conditions may differ slightly, so please use this as reference information.
Safety Guidelines for Crowded Situations
A location marked "Crowded" isn't just busy — it's a zone where crush or trampling injuries can occur. Please refer to the crowd-safety guidelines from Korea's Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the National Fire Agency.
⚠ Avoid crowded areas
Take a different route around alleys or plazas marked as crowded on the map when possible. Risk increases in narrow passages like alleys, stairwells, and subway exits.
⚠ Stay near a wall or pillar
If caught in a crowd, move toward a wall or pillar rather than the center of the road to reduce pressure. Moving slowly with the flow of the crowd is safer than going against it.
⚠ Shout loudly if someone falls
To prevent a chain-reaction collapse, shout loudly to alert those nearby and immediately call emergency services.
⚠ Cross your arms over your chest if breathing is difficult
If pressure makes it hard to breathe, cross your arms in an X over your chest to minimize chest compression and preserve breathing space.
⚠ Check peak times in advance
Crowd levels spike sharply on weekend afternoons, right after events start or end, and during seasons like Halloween or year-end. Check PeoMap for real-time conditions before you go and adjust your timing.
The guidance above summarizes general crowd-safety rules published by public agencies such as Korea's National Disaster and Safety Portal. In an actual emergency, always follow on-site instructions and directions from fire and police authorities first.
How Is Crowd Level Calculated?
Seoul's real-time city data calculates crowd level based on the estimated population per unit area for a given location. It estimates the population present using telecom base-station signal data, compares it against the same time slot historically, and classifies how much busier than usual it is into 4 levels (Relaxed · Normal · Slightly Crowded · Crowded).
This means the absolute number of people can differ between locations even at the same "Crowded" level. A wide area like Gangnam Station may show as Relaxed even with many people if they're spread out, while a narrow alley can turn Crowded quickly with relatively fewer people. Tap an area on the PeoMap map to see the estimated population range alongside the color for a more accurate read.
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