The government has declared a weeklong national mourning period after the tragic plane crash in Muan, South Jeolla Province, that claimed 179 lives.

Acting President Choi Sang-mok made the announcement Sunday during a Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting in Seoul. 

The national mourning period will be observed until 12 a.m. January 5.

During the period, there will be joint memorial altars set up at Muan International Airport, at the accident site, and in 17 cities and provinces across the country, including South Jeolla Province, Gwangju, Seoul and Sejong.

All central government, local government and other public institutions will fly flags at half-staff, with public officials wearing mourning ribbons.

Choi said as the acting president, responsible for public safety, he was overcome with indescribable grief and regret over the accident. 

He declared Muan County a special disaster zone, vowing to provide all necessary support and stressing that a dedicated public official will be assigned to each bereaved family. 

He also pledged to ensure the victims are identified as quickly as possible.