Soldiers prepare to enter the main hall of the National Assembly in Seoul in the wee hours of Dec. 4, following President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law, citing the need to root out pro-North Korean forces and uphold the constitutional order. Yonhap

Martial law troops entered the National Assembly compound and were attempting to enter the main parliamentary building Wednesday after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law.

Troops were seen scuffling with a large number of people trying to block their entry while more people including citizens and reporters were gathered outside the compound in a standoff with parliamentary guards and police.

Three helicopters presumably carrying troops flew into the compound around 11:46 p.m. Tuesday and some witnesses claimed to have seen armed soldiers getting off.

Access to the compound was only allowed to lawmakers, parliamentary staff and accredited reporters after an ID check.

Troops were installing barricades outside the main parliamentary building. (Yonhap)