Seoul: A group of farmers calling for the stop of rice imports was engaged in an hourslong standoff with police in southern Seoul on Saturday as they attempted to enter downtown aboard tractors.

According to Yonhap News Agency, 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., as reported by the farmers’ group and police. The farmers had organized a march with the tractors in central Seoul, but the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency imposed restrictions due to potential traffic disruptions.

Police mobilized approximately 1,500 officers to block the road, resulting in severe traffic congestion in the area. This protest was not the first attempt by the farmers’ group to enter downtown Seoul; previous efforts were also halted by police to prevent traffic jams.