Farmers aboard tractors have standoff with police in southern Seoul

A group of farmers calling for a halt to rice imports became engaged in an hourslong standoff with police in southern Seoul, Saturday, as they attempted to enter downtown aboard tractors.

Thirty-two tractors affiliated with the Korean Peasants League were prevented by police from entering the capital further on a road in Geumcheon Ward at 12:30 p.m., according to the farmers' group and police.

The group had planned a protest using the tractors in central Seoul, but the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency notified them of the restrictions, citing the potential impact on traffic.

Police mobilized 1,500 officers to block the road, causing severe traffic congestion in the area.

Previously, the farmers' group had attempted to enter downtown Seoul, but the police did not allow them to move into the capital out of concerns over traffic jams.