The two national labor federations, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) and the Federation of Korean Trade Unions, held large rallies across downtown Seoul on the 1st, Labor Day being observed as a legal holiday for the first time, and called for expanding labor rights.
The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) held the "2026 World Labor Day Rally" near Gwanghwamun Station in Jongno District, Seoul, at 3 p.m. on the day and called for recognizing the employee status of specially employed workers, among other demands.
Through a resolution, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) said, "For more than 10 million nonregular workers, including fixed-term, specially employed, and subcontracted workers, constitutional labor rights and the rights under the Labor Standards Act and the Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act are not properly guaranteed," adding, "With an all-out struggle, we will make the general strike in July a success and win bargaining with the parent company."
Yang Kyung-su, chairperson of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), said, "It took 63 years for Labor Day to regain its name," adding, "We must guarantee workers' basic labor rights through laws and institutions and, united in labor unions, give them the power to stand up to capital's offensive."
According to the organizers, 10,000 people gathered for the KCTU Labor Day rally, while an unofficial police estimate put the crowd at 8,000. The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) plans to march for about 45 minutes, passing Jonggak Station, Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station, and City Hall Station before returning to Gwanghwamun Station. The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) foreshadowed a general strike in July at the rally.
The Federation of Korean Trade Unions held the "136th anniversary World Labor Day national workers' rally" in Yeouido, Seoul, at 2 p.m. on the day. Democratic Party of Korea Seoul mayoral candidate Chong Won-o and Gyeonggi governor candidate Choo Mi-ae attended the Federation of Korean Trade Unions workers' rally.
Kim Dong-myung, chairperson of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions, said, "Labor Day has become a legal holiday, but many workers are still at their workplaces today," adding, "We will realize a just transition in which labor is not excluded, and discussions and decisions are made together."
According to the organizers, 30,000 people gathered for the Federation of Korean Trade Unions workers' rally, while an unofficial police estimate put the crowd at 15,000.