Foreign embassies urge avoiding Seoul protest hubs ahead of Yoon ruling
Protesters attend a demonstration against impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, on March 22. FILE PHOTO/Agence France-Presse
SEOUL – Foreign embassies in Seoul have advised avoiding protest hubs as South Korea’s Constitutional Court prepares to rule on the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol.
The Constitutional Court delivered its verdict on Prime Minister Han Duck-soo’s impeachment on March 24– 87 days after the National Assembly passed the impeachment bill and 33 days after the final arguments in his trial.
The court’s ruling on Mr Yoon’s impeachment is expected after Mr Han’s but has been delayed multiple times, fueling tensions.
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The Singaporean Embassy warned its citizens that while daily life remains unaffected, larger-scale demonstrations are expected in Anguk, Gwanghwamun, Yeouido and Hannam-dong.
“Singaporeans in the Republic of Korea are advised to stay safe, remain vigilant, and prioritise safety by avoiding areas with large crowds and ongoing protests. Stay updated through local news and follow the advice of local authorities,” the embassy said in a statement.
Authorities, citing past violent protests and recent unrest, are bracing for potential clashes. With nearly 600 online riot threats and escalating rallies, police are considering issuing their highest-level alert, deploying special units near the Constitutional Court, Seoul Western and Central District Courts, and tightening security at foreign embassies such as the US, Japanese and Chinese missions.
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The Australian Embassy in Seoul urged caution, warning large crowds may gather in key locations, including the National Assembly in Yeouido, Gwanghwamun Square, the Constitutional Court in Anguk, district court buildings, the Presidential Office in Samgakji, the Presidential Residence in Hannam-dong and university campuses.
“There is likely to be a heavy police presence. Traffic and public transport are likely to be disrupted, and potentially, other essential services,” the embassy said.
The French Embassy in Seoul confirmed to The Korea Herald that it had shared security advisories via Kakao, WhatsApp, its website and social media channels.
The embassies urged avoiding political gatherings due to legal restrictions on foreign participation in protests. They warned of heightened security measures in Jongno-gu and Jung-gu, including metro station closures and restricted access near the Constitutional Court, on the president’s verdict day.
Families with children attending schools nearby should exercise particular caution, they advised.
In a press statement shared with The Korea Herald on March 23, the Moroccan Embassy in Seoul stated that despite ongoing political developments, daily life remains largely unaffected.
But it warned that larger protests may occur in Seoul and advised Moroccan nationals to remain vigilant, avoid large crowds and follow local authorities’ guidance.
“It is recommended to stay informed through local media and to follow the guidance of the South Korean authorities,” the statement read.
The Estonian embassy told The Korea Herald that it had not issued a formal advisory but remained in contact with its community in Seoul via KakaoTalk.
“Our community in Seoul is small and relatively young, and our consul is in contact with them through Kakao. They are basically all in a Kakao group,” the embassy said.
Most embassy officials told The Korea Herald that they were closely monitoring the situation and would issue further advisories if tensions escalate.
