"We Were Stuck Last Week, and Now Again?" Seoul Braces for Weekend "Traffic Hell" as Rallies and Marathons Hit Downtown Roads

Traffic restrictions across Gwanghwamun, Yeouido, Seogang Bridge and other areas on Nov. 7-8
Large rallies by the country's two major labor unions also planned
Public frustration grows over a series of marathons

After severe traffic congestion gripped parts of central Seoul last weekend due to a large-scale marathon, more marathons and large rallies are scheduled this weekend, raising concerns about disruptions for residents. In particular, vehicle traffic is expected to be restricted on major downtown roads, including around Gwanghwamun, City Hall and Yeouido, prompting calls for caution among those planning weekend outings.

Severe traffic congestion affected downtown Seoul in several areas during a large marathon last weekend. This weekend, more marathons and large-scale rallies are scheduled, raising concerns about disruptions for residents. The photo shows the Seoul Station Bus Transfer Center. Photo by Kang Jinhyung.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on the 6th, large rallies organized by the country’s two major labor unions and marathon races will be held in central Seoul and the Yeouido area on November 7 and 8. The police plan to deploy 186 traffic officers to manage traffic. On Saturday, November 7, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) will hold a pre-rally near the Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Office in Jung-gu, Seoul, starting at 1 p.m.

Participants will march along Eulji-ro and Jahamun-ro toward Daehanmun Gate, then hold the main rally for about an hour on the stretch between Sungnyemun Intersection and Taepyeong Intersection. Starting at 4 p.m., they will march along Sejong-daero and Sajik-ro to Singyo Intersection, then return to the Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Office via Jong-ro and Namdaemun-ro. As a result, traffic congestion is expected on major downtown roads around Seoul Station, City Hall, Gwanghwamun and Jongno.

Marathons and large rallies will also take place in the Yeouido area on the same day. The “Save Race Marathon,” sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will be held at Yeouido Park starting at 8 a.m. Participants will start at Yeouido Park, cross Seogang Bridge, turn back at the Gwangheungchang Station intersection and return to the starting point. During the race, vehicle traffic on Seogang Bridge will be restricted from the north end to the south end from 7:50 to 9:15 a.m.

Marathons and large-scale rallies will also continue in the Yeouido area. The “Save Race Marathon,” sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will be held at Yeouido Park from 8 a.m. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency...

Starting at 2 p.m., the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) will hold a rally in the Yeouidaero area. Traffic congestion in Yeouido is therefore expected at various times throughout the day. Downtown roads will also be restricted on Sunday, November 8. The “Freedom and Democracy Marathon,” starting from Seoul Plaza at 7:30 a.m., will be held that day. Participants will run a course starting at Seoul Plaza, passing through the Heunginjimun Gate and Euljiro areas, and returning to the starting point. Accordingly, vehicle traffic will be completely blocked from Sejong-daero Intersection to Heunginjimun Intersection from 7 a.m. to 8:35 a.m. Depending on the progress of the event, traffic restrictions and vehicle detours may also be implemented on nearby roads.

The police plan to minimize disruption by keeping public transportation, including metropolitan express buses, operating as much as possible and introducing reversible lanes on some road sections. An official from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said, “Traffic congestion is expected in central Seoul and Yeouido,” and urged people to “use the subway whenever possible and check traffic updates in advance if you must drive.”

The concern is that these downtown traffic restrictions have been recurring in recent months. The JTBC Seoul Marathon, held on November 1, led to restrictions on major roads in Seoul from Gwanghwamun Square to Olympic Park and from Sangam to Yeouido. As a result, 190 city bus routes were diverted, disrupting residents’ travel.

As large-scale marathons continue to be held throughout the fall, traffic congestion caused by road closures, as well as noise and the handling of waste left behind after events, have also become points of contention. According to data released by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the number of marathons sponsored by the central government rose from one last year to 23 this year. However, the figure also includes races whose sponsoring institution changed from the Seoul Metropolitan Government to the central government, so it should be distinguished from the actual increase in newly held races. Despite the positive effect of promoting recreational sports through marathons, some have criticized the events for placing the burden of traffic restrictions on the general public.

In response, the Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to establish a “Downtown Marathon Management Consultative Body” with relevant agencies, including the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, and strengthen oversight of race schedules and traffic restrictions starting next year.

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