30 May 2024 | 07:58 AM UTC
South Korea: Seoul Queer Culture Festival to take place in downtown Seoul June 1
Queer Culture Festival to take place in downtown Seoul, South Korea, June 1. Increased security, traffic congestion likely.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) activists will hold the 24th Seoul Queer Cultural Festival (SQCF) in downtown Seoul from 14:00 June 1. The main event will occur along Namdaemun-ro and Ujeongguk-ro. Participants will also march from Jonggak Station to Jongno 2-ga, Toegye-ro 2-ga, Hoehyeon, Bank of Korea, City Hall, and Euljiro 1-ga intersections 16:00-18:00. The event will likely draw more than 100,000 people.
Anti-LGBTQ groups could hold counterprotests during the event. Such gatherings 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 the event venue and surrounding areas. Localized transport and business disruptions are possible, especially if activists occupy nearby roads. Traffic congestion is likely in downtown Seoul and along Eulji-ro, Jong-ro, Namdaemun-ro, Samil-daero, Sogong-ro, Togye-ro, and Ujeongguk-ro.
Consider using alternative routes to avoid the affected areas June 1. Allow additional time for transport in downtown Seoul. Remain cooperative if stopped by security personnel for checks.
