South Korea: Heightened security presence reported in Seoul amid National Foundation Day rallies October 3 /update 1

Event

Police in Seoul have set up dozens of checkpoints and erected blockades using buses to prevent rallies from taking place on National Foundation Day on Saturday, October 3. Conservative opposition groups announced plans to hold demonstrations in Seoul on Saturday to mark National Foundation Day, despite a ban on public gatherings due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The annual rallies, which usually attract thousands of people, have been banned by local officials, with the Seoul Administrative Court upholding the government's refusal to grant an exemption to the current ten-person limit on public gatherings. Local authorities and police have issued warnings against the banned rallies and stated that any gatherings will be dispersed.

A heightened police presence is likely across the capital and in other major urban centers on Saturday due to the planned rallies. Large-scale demonstrations are likely to cause significant localized travel disruptions and there remains a risk of unrest and clashes between demonstrators and police.  

Advice

Those in South Korea are advised to monitor developments, anticipate travel and business disruptions on Saturday, avoid demonstrations and other gatherings, and heed any directives issued by local authorities.