Protests Scheduled Across Downtown Seoul on Samiljeol... "Use Public Transportation"

Construction is underway on Sejong-daero in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 22nd, as the vehicle flow route on Sejong-daero around Gwanghwamun Square is scheduled to change starting March 6. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Traffic congestion is expected as rallies are scheduled across downtown Seoul on Samiljeol.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on the 26th, as group rallies will be held in the downtown area from 12 PM on the 1st, traffic control or congestion is expected on major roads such as Sejong-daero, Jongno, and Euljiro.

As of the 24th, 1,478 Samiljeol rally reports have been filed with the police in the Seoul area. The police have issued prohibition notices for 102 cases from 13 groups that reported rallies in prohibited zones or gatherings of 10 or more people.

The police stated that, according to the quarantine standards of local governments including Seoul City, they manage rally reports under the same criteria by issuing prohibition notices for all rallies reported with 10 or more participants and those in prohibited zones, regardless of the group.

A police official said, "Inconvenience due to traffic congestion caused by rally-related preparations is expected at the downtown entry points and most major roads on Samiljeol," and urged, "Please use public transportation such as the subway, and if driving is unavoidable, please detour around congested areas during the relevant times."

Detailed traffic information during rally and march times can be checked through the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency traffic information hotline (02-700-5000), the Traffic Information Center website (www.spatic.go.kr), and KakaoTalk (Seoul Police Traffic Information).