South Korea: Workers plan to rally in several cities nationwide May 1 to mark Labor Day

Event

Workers from labor unions, including the National Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) and Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU), plan to stage rallies nationwide in South Korea May 1 to mark Labor Day. Organizers have announced the following demonstrations:

• Busan: Geojehaemaji Station 14:00

• Changwon: City Hall 14:00 and Korea Industrial Complex Corporation 15:00

• Cheongju: National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art 14:00]

• Chungnam: Chungnam Provincial Office 14:00

• Daegu: City Hall 14:00

• Daejeon: City Hall 10:00

• Incheon: Bupyeong-daero 15:00

• Gwangju: City Hall 14:00

• Jeju: City Hall 10:00

• Jeonju: City Hall 14:00

• Seoul: Sejong-daero 14:00 and along Yeouido-daero, Yeouido Station Exit 3 14:00

• Ulsan: Taehwagang National Garden 14:00

• Wonju: City Hall 11:00

• Yeosu: City Hall 14:00

Hundreds to a few thousand people will likely participate in each event. Activists may gather at other locations; demonstrations are possible at government buildings and public squares. Rallies in Seoul are most likely to occur near Gwanghwamun Plaza, Seoul Plaza, City Hall Station, Dongdaemun Intersection, Jongmyo Park, Yeouido Park, and other protest sites.

Authorities will likely increase security at any rally site and its surrounding areas May 1. Localized transport and business disruptions are possible during the rallies, especially if activists occupy nearby roads. While violence is unlikely at the rallies, clashes between protesters and police remain possible.

Advice

Avoid the rallies as a precaution. Plan for possible ground transport disruptions in the affected areas. Seek updated information on roads in the area and allow additional time to reach nearby destinations.