15 Jul 2022 | 10:33 AM UTC
South Korea: Seoul Queer Culture Festival to take place in Seoul July 16
Queer Culture Festival to take place in Seoul Plaza, Seoul, South Korea, from 11:00 July 16. Increased security, traffic congestion likely.
Event
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) activists will hold the 23rd Seoul Queer Cultural Festival (SQCF) at Seoul Plaza from 11:00 July 16. The purpose of the event is to increase awareness of LGBTQ rights. Participants will also march from Seoul Plaza to Eulji-ro, Jongno District, and Toegye-ro 16:00-17:30. The event has attracted more than 100,000 people in previous years, though the turnout in the upcoming rally may be lower due to COVID-19 concerns.
Various anti-LGBTQ groups plan to hold counterprotests during the event. Activists will gather at Seoul Metropolitan Council and Sejong-daero 13:00-20:00, as well as march from Seoul Station to the Samgakji area. Counterprotests will likely be smaller in scale, possibly drawing several hundred participants. Minor skirmishes between rival demonstrators cannot be ruled out, although police will likely try to keep the two groups apart.
Authorities will likely increase security at Seoul Plaza and surrounding areas. Localized transport and business disruptions are possible during any protest, especially if activists occupy nearby roads. Traffic congestion is likely in downtown Seoul and along Eulji-ro, Hangang-daero, Samil-ro, and Toegye-ro.
Advice
Consider using alternative routes to avoid Seoul Plaza and surrounding areas July 16. Allow additional time for transport in downtown Seoul. Remain cooperative if stopped by security personnel for checks.
