South Korean police elevated the security alert to the highest level Saturday in preparation for the Group of 20 Summit that begins next Thursday.

The highest level of security requires the largest possible number of police officers to be on emergency duty.

The National Police Agency says it will maintain airtight security by deploying a record 50-thousand police officers around the COEX Center, the venue for the summit in southern Seoul.

The highest level security alert will remain in place for eight days through November 13th, one day after the G20 summit closes.

The police have also ordered police stations around the nation to be especially vigilant as security in other regions may be compromised due to the concentration of the police force in the Seoul area.