South Korea: Activist groups plan to hold rally and march in Seoul from 11:30 July 8.

Event

Dozens of animal rights organizations and civic groups under the banner of National Action to End Dog Meat plan to demonstrate in Jongno District in Seoul from 11:30 July 8. The action is to protest the dog meat industry and to demand the passage of the Amendment to the Animal Protection Act that would ban dog meat consumption. Activists will gather at Bosingak from 11:30 before embarking on a march from Bosingak to Jonggak Station starting at 13:30 via Jong-ro, Sejong-daero, Yulgok-ro, and Ujeongguk-ro. Organizers plan to end the action by 15:00. Similar demonstrations previously drew around 400 participants. Counterprotests, including those by the Korean Dog Breeding Association, are likely.

Police will probably maintain heightened security around the rally site and march route and may disperse overly disruptive crowds. Partial road closures and traffic diversions are likely, prompting localized transport disruptions and increased congestion on alternate routes. Skirmishes between rival activists cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Exercise caution around the event venue due to possible skirmishes. If violence break out, leave the area immediately for a secure, nongovernment building. Use alternative routes to circumvent the protest venue. Allow additional travel time to reach nearby destinations. Heed all official security and traffic advisories.