Unionists observed the 69th May Day event at about 1,100 sites across the country amid a gloomy economic atmosphere.
Labor organizers estimated the nationwide turnout at about 2 million, though police estimates place the participant count at about 270,000.
All labor groups called for employment security and large tax cuts in their May Day slogans, which fall on the heels of statistics showing the unemployment rate shot up to its highest-ever level as a result of the economic slowdown and industrial structure reform.