Large-scale counter-rally amid cold wave... Severe traffic congestion in downtown Seoul

On the afternoon of the 10th, a conservative group is holding a rally to eradicate Jusa-pa on Sejong-daero in Gwanghwamun.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Gong Byung-sun] Over the weekend, as temperatures in Seoul dropped to minus 8 degrees Celsius, large-scale counter rallies were held in the city center. As the groups holding the rallies took control of the roads, citizens inevitably experienced traffic congestion.

At around 12:30 PM on the 17th, conservative groups including the Liberty Unification Party led by Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church held a rally condemning the Democratic Party and supporting the Yoon Seok-yeol government in front of Donghwa Duty Free Shop in Jongno-gu, Seoul. They marched along Sejong-daero from in front of Donghwa Duty Free Shop to City Hall Station. As a result, traffic congestion occurred at the Gwanghwamun intersection near Gyeongbokgung Palace from around 1 PM. By around 4 PM, the Jongno 2-ga intersection also began to be blocked.

Near the presidential office in the Samgak area, progressive and conservative groups held counter rallies. The progressive group 'Candlelight Transition Action' held a rally condemning the Yoon Seok-yeol government from around 3 PM in front of Exit 6 of Samgak Station. From around 3:30 PM, they planned to march along Hangang-daero and hold a large-scale rally with about 20,000 participants in front of Sungnyemun.

The conservative group 'Shinjayuyeondae' held a counter rally from around 4:40 PM in front of Exit 10 of Samgak Station. About 1,000 people gathered for their counter rally. With progressive and conservative groups mixed together, traffic congestion occurred on Hangang-daero and in front of the Yongsan presidential office as well.

Rallies were also held in the Seocho and Gyodae areas. Around the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul, about 300 citizens' groups including the progressive Reform National Movement Headquarters held a 'Democratic Party Leader Protection Rally and March.' This area also experienced traffic congestion due to the rallies.

The police operated variable lanes in the rally areas and guided regular vehicles to use bus-only lanes. Additionally, about 220 police officers were deployed for traffic control along the rally and march routes, and 53 guide signboards were installed.

Meanwhile, temperatures in Seoul dropped to minus 8.4 degrees Celsius that day. Daytime temperatures also hovered around minus 5 degrees, showing severe cold below freezing.

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