Military parade set for central Seoul

A massive military parade will take place in downtown Seoul on Wednesday, Armed Forces Day, to mark the 55th anniversary of the founding of South Korea’s military. About 25,000 soldiers and more than 400 pieces of military hardware will be mobilized for the event.
“Following the tradition of holding a large celebratory event and a street parade every five years on Armed Forces Day, Oct. 1, this year, we have prepared a parade with displays of advanced arms,” a spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense said.
On Wednesday morning, the main ceremony will take place at Seoul Airport, the defense ministry said yesterday. President Roh Moo-hyun will confer military decorations on three individuals and eight military units. He will also address the nation at that time.
Parachute jumps by airborne units and a taekwondo demonstration will follow. The U.S. Air Force will also participate in the air show with South Korean fighter jets.
The military parade is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. in downtown Seoul, the ministry said. The march will begin at Namdaemun, Seoul’s South Gate, pass City Hall and move toward Gwanghwamun.
From the junction at Gwanghwamun, infantry units will march toward Seodaemun, and mechanized units will head toward Dongdaemun, Seoul’s East Gate.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said yesterday that traffic will be controlled in the vicinity of City Hall from 1:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Wednesday.
Starting at 1 p.m., sections of Seoul roads will be shut systematically as the troops move from Seoul Airport to central Seoul. Traffic on Heonneung-ro in southern Seoul, the Yeokgok rotary, Namtaeryeong, Dongjak Daero, Hyeonchung-ro, Hangang Bridge, Samgakji, as well as on roads next to Seoul Railroad Station and Namdaemun, will be controlled according to the movements of the troops taking part in the parade, police said.

by Ser Myo-ja