Go home Yankee!

There are around 30,000 US Military personnel in Korea. Currently they are negotiating to move one of the largest bases from Itaewon (Seoul) to Pyeongtaek (70kms south of Seoul)- a move that is facing much resistance amongst Pyeongtaek residents and the wider Korean community. Mass protests within Pyeongtaek and Seoul have been held to voice disagreement with the US Military presence in Korea and wider issues regarding discontentment with the current government.

Without intent (promise!), we happened to stumble across one of the mass protests occurring in Seoul last Saturday. There appeared to be about a 3:1 ratio of riot police to protestors. A lot of the police looked really young and we were told that they were probably young Korean guys doing their compulsory military service, and not actually member of the police service.

Protestors near City Hall, Seoul

Trent had no trouble taking shots of the riot gear the police had, but we were told by one older Korean man who was in the protest to "Go home Yankees" (translated by our friend Min). After leading us through the crowd, Min also mentioned that is was probably dangerous for us to be here! However, in their defence, the protest did appear to be relatively organised and peaceful.

Riot police on the ready, their (white) buses forming a barrier

Police riot gear