Large-scale rallies will be held across central Seoul on May 1 for Labor Day.
The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) will hold advance rallies by its affiliated groups from 1 p.m. in areas including Jongno, Eulji-ro, and Yulgok-ro.
Starting at 3 p.m., they will hold the "2026 World Labor Day Rally" in front of the Dongwha Duty Free Shop in Jongno District, with a large number of participants. From 4 p.m., they will also march 2.6 kilometers along Sejong-daero, Eulji-ro, and Sogong-ro.
The Federation of Korean Trade Unions will also hold an advance rally from 1:30 p.m. on Yeoui-daero and stage a "National Workers' Rally" from 2 p.m.
Disability groups including the National Solidarity for the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Jeon Jang Yeon) will hold the "5th Labor Day Resolution Rally for Persons with Disabilities" around 1 p.m. in front of the Seoul regional headquarters of the Korea Employment Agency for Persons with Disabilities. Afterward, they will march through Myeong-dong Station and City Hall to the Dongwha Duty Free Shop, then join the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) rally.
The "Stop Irregular Work Joint Struggle" will also hold a rally at 11 a.m. at Jeon Tae-il Bridge near Pyeonghwa Market and march to the Dongwha Duty Free Shop.
Police will also move to maintain order on the first day of the holiday. They said they would deploy the minimum number of personnel to prevent congestion but signaled a stern response to illegal acts.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency stressed in a media notice the day before that "we plan to deploy only the minimum number of mobile units needed for order and traffic management for Labor Day rallies," while adding, "we will respond strictly to illegal acts in accordance with the law and principles."