Police have promised to sternly respond to various rallies set to take place in downtown Seoul this long three-day holiday weekend, including National Foundation Day on Sunday.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on Friday pledged to block the illegal rallies through various measures including setting up checkpoints to prevent access.

The National Revolutionary Party and civic groups earlier said they will hold one-person protests and marches at Seoul Station and near City Hall on Saturday. Sarang Jeil Church plans to hold an outdoor Sunday service at a similar location. 

Out of 320 rallies set to be held from Saturday to Monday, organizers of 24 have called off the events, with the police banning the remaining 296. Separately, the Seoul city government imposed a no-assembly order on the Revolutionary Party and Sarang Jeil Church late last month.

Downtown traffic and bus routes may be affected this weekend, depending on the rally situation.