Hundreds of thousands of South Koreans flocked to polling stations across the nation on Thursday (May 4) to choose their next president, two months after the previous one was ousted from office in disgrace and amid regional tension over a belligerent North Korea. Instead of voting on the scheduled election day of Tuesday (May 9), many chose to cast ballots earlier as they have to work or have other plans, such as a trip to vacation hot spots. Some 3,500 polling stations are open across the nation from 6am to 6pm from Thursday to Friday.
When The Korea Herald visited airports, other transport hubs and local community centres on Thursday, the lines were long and the enthusiasm was palpable.
At Incheon International Airport, Koreans lined up to vote on the third floor before travelling abroad for the three-day weekend that starts with Children’s Day on Friday.
“I had to vote this time, given all the irregularities we have witnessed for the past several months,” Choi Jeong Mok, a 28-year-old officer worker, said while waiting in line with his girlfriend. “It is convenient to vote in advance. Now, I can now relax and enjoy my trip to Vietnam.”
Full Article: South Koreans swamp ballot booths as early voting in presidential election kicks off, East Asia News & Top Stories – The Straits Times.