17 May 2024 | 02:59 AM UTC
South Korea: Activists to commemorate uprising anniversary in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, May 17-18
Activists to commemorate uprising anniversary in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, May 17-18. Localized traffic disruptions possible.
Activists will mark the 44th anniversary of the Gwangju Uprising in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, May 18. Organizers have announced the following commemorative events:
May 17: Around 2,000 participants will gather at Gwangju Park and Catholic Bukdong Church at 17:00 before marching to Geumnam Park and Jeonil building.
May 18: Memorial service at May 18th National Cemetery at 10:00; related ceremonies planned at 5.18 Democracy Square at 17:00 and May 18th Memorial Cultural Center at 18:00.
Authorities will likely monitor well-attended events. Officials will almost certainly impose security cordons, traffic diversions, and reroute or curtail public transport serving the areas near large planned gatherings. Road closures could lead to increased congestion and traffic delays on alternative routes. Localized traffic disruptions are also likely as participants enter and leave the venue of large rallies.
Exercise caution around event venues. Check for disruptions before beginning journeys and plan alternative routes if necessary. Allow additional travel time to reach destinations if operating in Gwangju through May. Heed all security and traffic advisories.
The Gwangju Uprising occurred in Gwangju, South Korea, May 18-27, 1980, in retaliation to the military opening fire on university students protesting martial law. Military action to quell the uprising led to the death of hundreds of activists. South Korea established May 18 as a national day of commemoration for the event in 1997.
