U.S. Forces Korea is advising all U.S. personnel to avoid a large area of downtown Seoul on Friday and Saturday because of large gatherings that could turn violent.

According to the USFK Web site, a protest group with strong anti-American sentiment is planning a series of demonstrations at the Seoul City Hall Plaza and/or the Cheonggue Plaza. One demonstration is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, and a larger protest, expected to draw about 100,000 people, is planned for Saturday. Several other groups also plan to protest government policies in rallies Friday that could draw an additional 20,000 to 100,000 people, USFK said.

The Korean National Police have vowed to exercise tight control over the crowds, USFK said, creating the potential for violent clashes between police and protesters. Security cordons near the plazas are expected to cause delays.

USFK is advising Americans to avoid the area as well as mass transit that is near or leads to the area. For more information, go to http://www.usfk.mil/usfk/ShowSafety.aspx?ID=444 or call DSN 723-3717.