Over 20 Rallies Reported Across Gyeongju
Welcoming and Opposing Protests to Take Place Simultaneously on the 29th
Maximum Security Measures in Effect
As the visit of U.S. President Donald Trump draws near, tensions are mounting in Gyeongju, the venue for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit. With various rallies-both welcoming and opposing-scheduled to take place, the police are making every effort to strengthen public security.
The area around the Gyeongju APEC venue with enhanced security and surveillance. Photo by Yonhap News Agency
The police announced that over 20 rallies have been reported throughout Gyeongju from October 27 to November 1. Of these, 19 rallies are directly related to APEC issues.
The day expected to see the most intense conflict is October 29, as rallies with opposing views are scheduled to take place at the same time to coincide with President Trump’s attendance. The “2025 International People's Action Against APEC Organizing Committee,” a progressive coalition, plans to hold a press conference at the entrance of the Bomun Tourist Complex that morning under the slogan “Oppose Tariff Bombs, Economic Exploitation, and APEC; Condemn Trump’s Visit to Korea.” The organizers explained that their purpose is to protest APEC’s prioritization of free trade and market openness, which they argue favors multinational corporations at the expense of the rights of workers, farmers, and other vulnerable groups in each country. They also criticized U.S. tariff policies as “imperialist coercion.” After the press conference, the group will march through downtown Gyeongju.
On the same day, the conservative group “Freedom University” will hold a counter-march from the Shilla Bell Pavilion to the Hwangridan-gil area. The organizers stated that their event is intended as a counter-rally to the anti-American protest, as well as to support the strengthening of the South Korea-U.S.-Japan alliance and to criticize China’s visa-free policy. They emphasized that it is “absolutely not an anti-China rally.” The organizers expect around 1,000 participants.
Labor groups are also mobilizing. The Korean Optical High-Tech Branch of the Metal Workers’ Union is conducting a protest against the Japanese company Nitto Denko in downtown Gyeongju through October 30. On November 1, an “International People’s March Against APEC 2025” is also planned at the old Gyeongju Station.
Police car and sidecar moving for security training ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit. Photo by Yonhap News Agency
With rallies scheduled one after another, security measures in Gyeongju have been significantly heightened. More than 19,000 police officers, 181 sidecars, and 156 patrol cars have been deployed, focusing on the Bomun Tourist Complex and major tourist attractions. The Hwangridan-gil area, Daereungwon, and the bus terminal vicinity have been designated as “special public security zones.” In an interview with Yonhap News Agency, Oh Bumyeong, Commissioner of the North Gyeongsang Provincial Police Agency, stated, “We will prevent unexpected incidents such as surprise demonstrations,” adding, “While fully guaranteeing the freedom of assembly, we will manage the situation in accordance with the law and principles.”
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