The 24th Seoul Queer Culture Festival (SQCF) will be held in the Euljiro 2-ga area and participants will march through downtown Seoul, including Seoul Plaza, the organizing committee said at a press conference.
In previous years, the festival was mainly held in Seoul Plaza, the city's landmark place located in front of Seoul City Hall.
This year, however, a Christian group has obtained the municipal authorities' approval for the use of the plaza on the same day. In early May, a civic committee under the Seoul Metropolitan Government approved the CTS Cultural Foundation's plan to hold a Christian youth concert in Seoul Plaza for two days from June 30.
The Seoul festival for the LGBTQ community and its supporters had been held every year since 2000 in various neighborhoods around the city before moving to Seoul Plaza in 2015. The festival at Seoul Plaza then continued until 2019 before switching to online events due to COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021.
Besides the street parade, various other events, including a queer film festival, an online queer parade and a rainbow merchandise festa, will also take place from June 22 to July 9, the SQCF organizing committee said, adding a total of 150,000 people are expected to participate in this year's festival events.
LGBTQ activists will hold a parade for the 24th Seoul Queer Cultural Festival (SQCF) in Seoul's Euljiro area, 16:30-18:00 July 1. The purpose of the event is to increase awareness of LGBTQ rights. The march will begin at Samil-daero, transiting through Myeongdong Station, Sogong-ro, Seoul Plaza, and Jonggak Station, before heading back to Samil-daero. Organizers anticipate 50,000 people will take part in the parade.
Anti-LGBTQ groups may stage counter-protests in Seoul Plaza, where the festival traditionally takes place. Authorities approved the application for the use of Seoul Plaza by the groups for a youth concert from June 30-July 1. Isolated clashes between LGBTQ activists and anti-LGBTQ groups have occurred during recent protests.
Authorities will likely increase security in the Euljiro area, Seoul Plaza, and along the march route. Localized transport disruptions are likely due to the parade and heightened security. Isolated clashes between the activists and counter-protesters are possible.
Avoid the affected area. Allow additional travel time if operating in the Euljiro area and in the vicinity of Seoul Plaza from June 30-July 1. Monitor local media for updated information about security and road conditions. Heed all official traffic and security advisories. Leave the area immediately if clashes occur.
