South Korea: Local elections to take place in several provinces and cities nationwide June 1

Event

South Korea will hold local and by-elections in several provinces and municipalities nationwide June 1. The local elections will coincide with by-elections for vacant seats in the national assembly, with the campaign period from May 19-31. Voters will head to the polls to select metropolitan mayors, provincial governors, and heads of local administrative units in Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, Gangwon, Gwangju, Gyeonggi, Incheon, Sejong, Seoul, and Ulsan; as well as Jeju, North Chungcheong, South Chungcheong, North Jeolla, South Jeolla, North Gyeongsang, and South Gyeongsang provinces. Campaign events are likely in these areas ahead of election day; however, the most prominent events will probably occur in Seoul and Busan, which are holding mayoral contests.

Campaign gatherings are likely ahead of the vote. Officials will probably increase security near events with high-profile candidates, particularly in Seoul, and polling locations. Localized transport delays could occur. Most campaign events will remain largely peaceful, though minor clashes between rival activists or demonstrators and police cannot be ruled out, especially if there are perceived irregularities.

Advice

Avoid all political gatherings as a precaution. Monitor local media for campaign event announcements. Plan for possible road closures, traffic congestion, and crowded public transportation during campaign events and voting, especially in Seoul and Busan.