"hundreds of thousands of people gathered." a religious group rally in downtown seoul...severe congestion forecast

[Anchor]
Today (27th), a religious group rally will be held in downtown Seoul, where hundreds of thousands of people gather.

Extreme traffic congestion is expected as the police control major roads in Gwanghwamun, Seoul Station, and Yeouido in preparation for the event.

I'm connecting with the reporter.

Reporter, what time is the rally going to be held today?

[Reporter]
Yes, the assembly is announced shortly from 1:30 p.m.

The Korean Church Association, which brings together Protestant groups, holds large-scale joint worship services from Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul to Seoul Station and Yeouido.

They will voice their opposition to the enactment of anti-discrimination laws and the legislation of same-sex marriage.

Organizers said there were 610,000 attendees registered until Thursday last week, with expectations that up to 1 million people could gather today, the day of the event, and major congestion is expected.

Police have entered an emergency system due to the prospect of a large crowd in the center of downtown Seoul.

Police believe that there are about 140,000 people attending, but they have controlled major roads where the rally has been predicted since early this morning, believing that the possibility of getting bigger cannot be ruled out.

Police have restricted vehicle traffic from early this morning on the section between Gwanghwamun and Seoul Station on Sejong-daero, the main rally site where the organizers set up the stage, and the section of the Seoul Bridge from the southern end of Yeouido Bridge.

Depending on the situation, we plan to expand the control section from Yulgok-ro Anguk Station to Gwanghwamun Intersection, Uiju Rotary in Seosomun-ro to City Hall, and from City Hall to Euljiro Entrance.

There are only a few hours left before the rally begins,

I'll show you what the situation is like on the spot and the situation while watching real-time CCTV.

■ Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul

First, Gwanghwamun Square.

Large stages and electronic boards are installed, and the traffic flow is not smooth due to the dense crowds from early morning.

■Seoul City Hall

Next is near Seoul City Hall.

Likewise, the one-way lane is controlled.

The flow of the vehicle is slow as we divide the lanes on the other side.

■ southern end of Mapo Bridge in Seoul

Lastly, it's Yeouido.

All lanes in the direction of Yeongdeungpo Station adjacent to Yeouido Park are closed.

There is a lot of two-way traffic in the opposite lane, but the traffic is heavy.

The police urged drivers to use public transportation such as subways today as much as possible, and to check real-time traffic information in advance.

So far, I'm YTN's manager in the social affairs department.