09 Mar 2024 | 04:22 AM UTC
South Korea: Multiple groups plan rallies in Seoul March 9
Multiple protests and marches to occur in Seoul, South Korea, the afternoon of March 9. Tight security, localized disruptions likely.
Various groups plan to stage demonstrations in Seoul from the afternoon of March 9. The most prominent gathering will occur 13:30-15:00, when 1,500 members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) will march from the Dongdaemun Design Plaza via Sejong intersection to the Press Center in Jung District. Organizers are demanding the resignation of President Yoon Suk-yeol over inflation and perceived labor rights' suppression. Planned gatherings will occur at the following locations:
Donghwa Duty Free Shop: Rally to occur 13:00
National Assembly Building: Outfits to march from the National Assembly Station toward political party offices at 15:00, and toward the assembly building from Yanghwa Bridge at 16:00
War Memorial of Korea: Groups to gather at North Gate and in front of the monument; marches planned to the venue from various exits of Samgakji Station
Press Center: National People's Movement to rally with around 2,000 people from 15:00
Seoul Plaza: Activists denouncing government actions following the Itaewon crowd crush to gather from 17:00; rallies to mark the 500-day anniversary of the incident to also occur in Blue Square, Itaewon Station, and Itaewon Square
Presidential Office: Candlelight Action group opposing President Yoon's term to gather near his office in Yongsan after marching through downtown areas
Bosingak: March from Ilmin Museum of Art from 12:00
Gwanghwamun Square: Rally towards Press Center from 14:00
Authorities will likely increase security deployment and may impose traffic restrictions for the day, mainly around Sejong-daero in central Seoul. Although violence is unlikely, minor scuffles may break out if protesters attempt to breach security cordons or police try to disperse gatherings forcibly.
Localized transport disruptions are likely, especially if large gatherings materialize or activists block streets. Traffic delays will most probably affect roads in downtown Seoul, including the Jongno, Euljiro, Itaewon-ro, Eunhaeng-ro, Gukhoe-daero, and Yeouigongwon-ro roads, as well as Sejong and Sungnyemun intersections.
Exercise caution near large gatherings. Leave the area at the first sign of security disturbance. Confirm road status and transport reservations, especially in downtown Seoul. Allow additional time for travel; use alternative routes to circumvent rally sites. Heed all local security and traffic advisories.
