Oh Se-hoon Visits Namtaeryeong: "Tractors Absolutely Prohibited from Entering the City"

Oh Se-hoon Inspects Namtaryeong Pass Ahead of Jeonnong Tractor Protest
"Strict Response Principle Due to Threat to Public Safety of Seoul Citizens"

On the 25th, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon visited Namtaryeong Pass, where the entry of the National Peasants' Federation (Jeonnong) tractor march protest into Seoul is expected, and stated, "Entry into Seoul city is absolutely not allowed."

According to Seoul City, Mayor Oh made this statement around 11:30 a.m. after receiving a report at Namtaryeong Pass on the tractor protesters' attempt to enter the city, the authorities' blockade status, and measures to alleviate traffic inconvenience for citizens.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon visited the Namtaryeong area, where a tractor protest by the National Farmers' Federation was scheduled on the 25th, to receive a briefing on the situation from Lee Yeon-hyung, Chief of the Seoul Bangbae Police Station, and to share countermeasures. Photo by Seoul City

Jeonnong had previously announced a protest using tractors and a march toward Seoul. Accordingly, Mayor Oh visited Namtaryeong Pass, where the tractors participating in the protest are expected to enter Seoul, to inspect the site and receive a report on traffic measures. At this meeting, Mayor Oh emphasized, "Strict response is the principle against actions that threaten citizens' safety and are not permitted," adding, "Especially since there is an anticipated risk to the public safety of Seoul citizens, tractor entry into the city is absolutely prohibited." He further stated, "The court also denied permission for the tractor march," and requested the police to strictly follow this policy.

Jeonnong is known to plan holding an impeachment-related rally at Namtaryeong Pass in Seocho-gu in the afternoon and attempt to march across Hangang Bridge to Dongsipjagak next to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Severe traffic congestion is expected on Dongjak-daero and Gwacheon-daero in Seocho-gu, as well as heavy traffic heading from Gwacheon City in Gyeonggi Province toward downtown Seoul.

In response, Seoul City plans to temporarily reroute 29 city bus lines passing through the controlled sections according to police control measures to ensure citizen safety and minimize traffic inconvenience. Additionally, Seoul City is monitoring traffic conditions 24 hours a day and providing real-time traffic information and details on road control sections through 650 bus information terminals (BIT), 313 variable message signs (VMS), and the TOPIS website.