South Korea: Activists plan to protest over business restrictions due to COVID-19 in central Seoul Dec. 22

Event

Unionized workers, small business owners, and self-employed people plan to rally in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, from 15:00 Dec. 22. Participants intend to denounce COVID-19-related rules such as mandatory vaccination or testing for customers and workers at high-risk sites like dine-in and entertainment venues. Although authorities have not pre-emptively banned the protest, police action is likely if the protest violates ongoing social distancing controls that prohibit gatherings of more than 50 people with mixed vaccination status and over 299 fully vaccinated people.

Officials will almost certainly monitor the protest and will likely try to disperse disruptive gatherings. Clashes between protesters and police are possible, especially if security personnel use force to break up protests. Participants intend to hold a street march or vehicle rally; localized transport disruptions are likely, especially in downtown areas. Officials may impose checkpoints and roadblocks depending on the scale of the protest. Transport disruptions affecting subway and bus services may occur. Localized business disruptions are also possible.

Advice

Avoid protests due to possible violence. If clashes break out, leave the area immediately. Follow all security personnel instructions. Allow additional travel time near protests. Confirm business appointments and transport schedules in advance.