South Korea martial law: Canada, other countries urge caution on travelers – National
Canada and other countries are urging caution for travelers to South Korea after the country was placed under martial law on Tuesday night, sparking protests and pro-democracy unrest.
President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on Tuesday night, accusing the opposition party in control of parliament of sympathizing with the North Korean Communists, and the military quickly descended on the National Assembly.
Angry lawmakers voted to overturn the announcement hours later, and the government formally lifted the order Wednesday morning during a meeting of South Korea’s compliance cabinet.
Protests continued in Seoul, however, with protesters calling for Yoon to be charged and arrested.
Canada updated its travel advisories on Tuesday afternoon, urging those in the country to be cautious, avoid protests and large gatherings, monitor local media for the latest information, and follow orders from authorities, including curfews.
Canada did not change its risk level, however, and said travelers can still take general safety precautions.
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Hyung-Gu Lynn, AECL/KEPCO Chair in Korean Studies in the Department of Asian Studies at the University of British Columbia, told Global News by email that he expects more protests and demonstrations to continue after martial law is lifted.
He said it would create transportation and transportation challenges for tourists in Seoul, including the areas around the presidential offices and the National Assembly.
The protests on the busy Sejong-daero street in downtown Seoul “will likely have a greater impact on tourists because of its central location and proximity to many major tourist spots,” Lynn wrote.
The United States and the United Kingdom also called for warnings for citizens who wish to travel to or are in the East Asian country.
Those countries’ advisories are similar to Canada’s, telling travelers to avoid political protests and follow instructions from local authorities. People are also advised to get the right travel insurance if they choose to travel as it should cover activities and expenses planned in case of an emergency.
“The situation remains fluid and US citizens should expect possible disruptions,” the US State Department wrote in a post to X.
The United States also said it is canceling the appointment of citizens and visa applicants scheduled for Wednesday.
At least three European Union countries have also issued similar guidance to travellers.
Bulgaria, Latvia and Ireland each urged citizens to exercise caution and avoid areas where there are public demonstrations or large gatherings.
In its recommendations, Latvia reiterated that people who do not follow the various restrictions can be arrested, searched and detained.
–in files from Sean Boynton’s Global News, The Associated Press and Reuters
© 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
