On December 3, South Korea’s parliament voted against President Yoon Suk-yeol’s plan to declare “emergency martial law.” The president said this was necessary to protect the country from “North Korea’s communist forces” and “anti-state elements.”
If the plan had passed, it would have banned political activities and put all media under government control. However, 190 out of 300 lawmakers voted against it, stopping the proposal.
Does It Impact Travelers?
If you don’t mind seeing more police and some roadblocks, now could be a good time to visit South Korea. The South Korean won has dropped to a two-year low against the US dollar, which may help visitors save money.
Currently, there is no travel warning against going to South Korea. The UK Foreign Office updated its travel advice but still encourages travelers to visit. They advise, “Follow local authorities and avoid political protests.”
Popular places like Seoul, known for its mix of modern buildings and traditional Hanok villages, are still welcoming tourists. However, the political situation and ongoing tensions with North Korea could cause uncertainty for future travel plans. It’s important to stay informed and follow local advice if you plan to visit.
Travelers Go Missing on Jeju Island
As tourists deal with the political unrest, local media reports that 38 Vietnamese tourists went missing after arriving on Jeju Island last month.
This group of 90 visitors flew from Nha Trang, Vietnam, on November 14 on a chartered VietJet Air flight. They were scheduled to return home on November 17, but only 52 showed up at the airport for the flight home.
The other 38 tourists were unaccounted for, leaving the rest to return to Vietnam without them. South Korean authorities are investigating their disappearance and are reviewing surveillance footage to track their movements.
