15 Oct 2022 | 03:17 AM UTC
South Korea: Incheon Queer Culture Festival to take place in Incheon Oct. 15
Queer Culture Festival to occur in Joongang Park, Incheon, South Korea, from 12:00 Oct. 15. Increased security, traffic congestion likely.
Event
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) activists will hold the 5th Incheon Queer Cultural Festival at World Cup Plaza in Joongang Park from 12:00 Oct. 15. The purpose of the event is to increase awareness of LGBTQ rights. Participants will also march from Joongang Park to Olympic Park, and the Incheon Culture and Arts Center intersection from 16:30. Organizers claim that around 1,000 people will participate in the event.
Various anti-LGBTQ and conservative groups plan to hold counterprotests near Joongang Park during the event. Counterprotests could 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 World Cup Plaza in Joongang Park 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 Incheon; officials have advised motorists to use alternative roads like Gyeongwon-daero, Namdong-daero, and Hogupo-ro.
Advice
Consider using alternative routes to avoid Joongang Park and surrounding areas Oct. 15. Allow additional time for transport in downtown Incheon. Remain cooperative if stopped by security personnel for checks.
