Large-scale labor rallies took place across Seoul on May 1, 2024, led by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions and the National Solidarity of Workers [1, 2].
The demonstrations mark a significant symbolic shift for South Korean workers, as this is the first time the holiday has been observed as "Labor Day" following its name restoration after 63 years [1].
The events began at 3 p.m. in the Gwanghwamun area [1, 3]. Organizers said the gathering served to commemorate the restored holiday and to honor a union member who died during recent Cargo Truckers Solidarity rallies [1, 2].
Following the initial rally, protesters began a 2.6km march [1, 3]. The route took participants through Jongno, Namdaemun-ro, and Sogong-ro, eventually ending at the Sejong-daero intersection [1, 2].
Police deployed personnel to manage the crowds and coordinate traffic flow along the march route to prevent gridlock in the city center [2, 4].
"Today is the first Labor Day we meet after the name was restored from Workers' Day for the first time in 63 years," a YTN anchor said [1].
Reporter Lee Su-bin, reporting from the scene, said the World Labor Day rally hosted by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions began at 3 p.m. [1]. Lee also said the subsequent march would cover 2.6km through the designated city corridors [1].
“Today is the first Labor Day we meet after the name was restored from Workers' Day for the first time in 63 years.”
The restoration of the term 'Labor Day' after more than six decades reflects a shift in the linguistic and political recognition of workers' rights in South Korea. By combining the celebration of this name change with memorials for fallen union members, the rallies underscore a push for greater systemic protections and the formalization of labor dignity within the national consciousness.
