South Korea: Workers plan to rally in several cities nationwide April 30-May 1 to commemorate Labor Day /update 1

Event

Workers from labor unions, including the National Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), plan to stage rallies nationwide in South Korea April 30-May 1 to commemorate Labor Day. Organizers have announced the following actions:

• Busan: Busan Port International Passenger Terminal 14:00 April 30

• Changwon: Jungang-daero 14:30 May 1

• Cheonan: Cheonan Yauri 11:00 April 30

• Cheongju: HS Biz Tower, Cheongju Industrial Complex 14:00 May 1, before marching towards Bongmyeong Intersection

• Chuncheon: Chuncheon Station Square 14:00 May 1

• Daegu: Banwoldang Public Transportation Zone 14:00 May 1

• Daejeon: Boromae Park 10:00 May 1

• Gwangju: 5.18 Democracy Square 14:00 May 1

• Incheon: Incheon Culture and Arts Center 14:00 May 1

• Jeju: Jeju City Hall 10:00 May 1

• Jeonju: Jeonju City Hall 14:00 May 1

• Muan County: Jeollanam-do Office 14:00 May 1

• Pohang: Pohang Cooperation Center 14:00 May 1

• Seoul: Sejong-daero 14:00 May 1

• Suwon: Gyeonggi Provincial Office and Jangan Park 11:00 May 1, before marching towards the main protest site at Hwaseong Haenggung Palace. Participants will subsequently march through Haenggung Intersection, Paldalmun Roundabout, Gyodong Intersection, Docheong Five-way Intersection, and Suwon Station.

• Ulsan: Taehwagang Station Plaza 14:00 May 1

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 April 30-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.