South Korean president annouces public safety overhaul in wake of ferry accident

SEOUL, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- South Korean President Park Geun-hye announced a nationwide safety inspection overhaul on Tuesday aimed at preventing future disasters.

The initiaitve comes in response to increased awareness and concern about safety standards following the deadly April Sewol ferry sinking in which more than 300 people died.

Nationwide safety inspections of public facilities, Park said, should also include a review of both regulations and implementation.

She encouraged citizens to become involved in safety monitoring, telling a gathering of government officials and private sector experts "We should ensure that people can play the role of watchman for safety standards in the society."

The president also directed more funding be set aside for safety, underscoring the necessity of maintaining safety standards at schools.

A deadly gymnasium collapse earlier this year in the southern city of Gyeongju was blamed on poor roof construction.