PHOTOS Members of umbrella union take to streets despite gov't warnings and virus fears

Members of the Korea Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) march down the street toward Seodaemun Station in central Seoul, Oct. 20, waving flags and calling on the government to improve workers' rights. The one-day strike saw demonstrations take place in major cities nationwide. Yonhap

Members of the KCTU rally in the streets of central Seoul, waving banners calling for the abolishment of precarious contract working and an improvement in working conditions, Oct. 20. Yonhap

KCTU members gather at the Seodaemon station intersection in central Seoul, confronting police officers blocking the streets, Oct. 20. Around 27,000 people took part in the rally in Seoul, according to the KCTU. Yonhap

Some Seoul metro stations, including Gyeongbok Palace, Gwanghwamun, City Hall, Jonggak and Anguk were closed between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. due to the mass rally. Yonhap

Workers at an elementary school in Sejong prepared snacks instead of normal lunch meals as members of the KCTU were participating in a strike, Oct. 20. Yonhap

Children receive snacks for lunch at an elementary school in Gwangju, Oct. 20, as members of the KCTU were participating in a strike. Yonhap

Police set up a barricade with police buses around the plaza in front of City Hall, Seoul, Oct. 20, before the start of a KCTU rally. Yonhap