South Korea: President Yoon Seok-yeol to host US president in Seoul May 20-22

Event

South Korea will host US President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. for an official state visit in Seoul May 20-22. Biden will arrive May 20, most likely in the afternoon. On May 21, President Yoon Suk-yeol will host a bilateral summit with Biden and hold a dinner with business leaders in the Ministry of Defense complex. Officials have not announced the remainder of Biden's itinerary, but the US president reportedly could visit US military base Camp Humphreys and a semiconductor plant in Pyeongtaek, a university in Seoul, and/or the demilitarized zone (DMZ). Biden will stay at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Yongsan during the visit.

Activist groups opposed to the US-South Korea alliance could protest during the visit. Demonstrations could occur at the US Embassy, nearby Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul Plaza, and locations in Yongsan. However, significant rallies appear unlikely.

Increased security is highly likely in Yongsan, especially near the Ministry of Defense and Grand Hyatt, and other stops on Biden's final itinerary. Authorities will probably erect checkpoints and block roads around the Yongsan, Itaewon, and Samgakji neighborhoods, leading to localized disruptions. Temporary road closures and localized traffic delays are also possible in other areas to facilitate Biden's movements. Authorities could also temporarily close airspace around Seoul as the US president arrives and departs the city; flight delays are possible at Incheon (ICN) or Gimpo (GMP) international airports.

Advice

Heed all instructions of local authorities. Plan for localized traffic disruptions and flight delays. Seek alternative routes to avoid the Ministry of Defense complex and other locations on Biden's itinerary. Allow additional time to reach destinations and confirm meetings near planned events, especially in Yongsan.