Seoul: Traffic congestion is expected in central Seoul this weekend due to an international fireworks festival and a marathon, police said Friday. The Seoul International Fireworks Festival is set to take place in Yeouido on Saturday, while the YTN Seoul Tour Marathon will be held on major roads in downtown Seoul on Sunday morning.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced that it will completely restrict vehicle traffic on Yeouidong-ro, stretching from the south end of Mapo Grand Bridge to the 63 Building, from 3 p.m. Saturday to midnight Sunday. Additionally, vehicle traffic on the nearby Wonhyo Grand Bridge will be completely restricted in both directions from 9 a.m. Saturday to 3 a.m. Sunday due to preparations and dismantling of the event.

The police have confirmed that only nearby apartment residents and event vehicles will be allowed to pass through the restricted roads. Furthermore, subway trains will not stop at Yeouinaru Station, where the largest crowd is expected, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday.

For the first time, this year's fireworks festival will feature a pre-festival event, prompting police to deploy personnel to roads, subway stations, and riverside parks around Yeouido from Friday evening.

The YTN Seoul Tour Marathon is scheduled to take place from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Sunday on a course starting at Seoul City Hall Plaza, passing through Sejongdaero Intersection, Jongno, Euljiro, and Cheonggyecheonro, and ending in Mugyoro. The police have warned of traffic congestion in downtown areas due to the marathon.