The Queer Festival returns to Seoul Plaza after 3 years… Protests in the neighborhood

The 23rd Seoul Queer Culture Festival, a LGBTQ festival, was held today (16th) at Seoul Plaza for the first time in three years.

It is estimated that 13,000 people gathered at the site while the main event, including a welcome stage and solidarity remarks, was held from 2 pm.

The march will then begin at 4 p.m.

Festival participants depart from Seoul Plaza, pass through Euljiro Entrance, Jongno, and Myeong-dong, and then return to Seoul Plaza, which is 3.8km away.

Afterwards, a celebratory performance continues at Seoul Plaza until 7pm.

Protests against queer festivals by Christian and conservative groups are being held in front of the Seoul City Hall and Daehanmun Gate, opposite Seoul Plaza.

An estimated 15,000 protesters against the queer festival criticized Mayor Oh Se-hoon for allowing the festival to be held and shouted slogans against the enactment of the Anti-Discrimination Act.

Police have deployed 58 companies to prepare for emergencies.

(Photo = Yonhap News)