Large-scale rallies and marches across downtown Seoul... Traffic congestion in the rain

On the afternoon of the 12th, participants are shouting slogans at the National Workers' Rally hosted by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, held in the area from Sungnyemun to Seoul City Hall in Jung-gu, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] On Saturday the 12th, a large-scale rally was held in downtown Seoul, causing ongoing traffic congestion.

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions and its affiliated industrial unions held the "2022 National Workers' Rally to Inherit the Spirit of Martyr Jeon Tae-il" around Sungnyemun from 3 p.m. for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The unions demanded legislation of the so-called "Yellow Envelope Act," which limits companies' claims for damages against striking workers, and mourned the victims of the Itaewon tragedy. Yang Kyung-soo, chairman of the KCTU, said in his opening speech, "Workers and the people are dying. Citizens died on the streets in broad daylight," adding, "The government avoiding responsibility is creating a procession of death."

Each industrial union marched from noon from Euljiro 1-ga Station, Cheonggyecheon Hanbit Square, Seoul Station, Yeouido, and Seodaemun Intersection to Sungnyemun, joining the workers' rally. The organizers estimated about 60,000 participants. Due to this rally, Sejong-daero was closed to two-way vehicle traffic, causing traffic congestion in the area.

About 1,000 members of the New Freedom Solidarity held a rally around Samgakji Station in Yongsan-gu, demanding the arrest and investigation of former government officials. Additionally, the Candlelight Victory Transition Action (Candlelight Action) gathered about 20,000 people (organizers' estimate) at Exit 1 of Samgakji Station to hold the "14th Candlelight March and November Nationwide Candlelight Rally," calling for punishment of those responsible for the Itaewon tragedy and the resignation of President Yoon Suk-yeol. Due to this rally, only one lane of Hangang-daero near Samgakji was open. With occasional rain, vehicles passing through downtown struggled to maintain speed.

The police controlled all lanes except emergency vehicle routes around the city during the rally times to prepare for rallies held in various locations. To minimize traffic congestion and inconvenience to citizens, they installed 60 guide signboards around the rally and march routes and deployed about 350 personnel, including traffic police, to direct vehicle detours and manage traffic.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.