South Korea martial law: Canada, other countries urge travelers to exercise caution – State

Canada and other countries are urging travelers to be cautious South Korea after martial law was briefly imposed in the country on Tuesday nightleading to protests and democratic chaos.

President Yoon Suk Yeol did martial law declaration late Tuesday accusing the opposition, which controls parliament, of sympathies with communist North Korea, and military troops soon arrived at the National Assembly.

Outraged lawmakers voted hours later to overturn the decree, and the government formally rescinded the order at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday morning to comply with South Korean law.

However, protests continued in Seoul, with demonstrators demanding impeachment and arrest.

Canada updated its travel advice on Tuesday afternoon, urging those in the country to exercise caution, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, monitor local media for updates and follow authorities’ instructions, including curfew orders.

Canada, however, did not change its overall risk level, saying travelers can still take the usual safety precautions.

Hyun-Gu Lin, head of Korean studies at the University of British Columbia’s Asian Studies Department at AECL/KEPCO, told Global News in an email that he expects mass demonstrations and protests to continue even after martial law is lifted.

He said this would likely cause logistical and transportation problems for tourists in Seoul, including areas around the presidential offices and the National Assembly.

Protests on busy Sejong-daero Street in central Seoul “are likely to have the greatest impact on tourists because of its central location and proximity to several major tourist spots,” Lin wrote.

The U.S. and U.K. also urged caution for residents who want to travel to or are in the East Asian country.

These countries’ advice is similar to Canada’s, telling travelers to avoid political demonstrations and follow the instructions of local authorities. People are also advised to take out adequate travel insurance if they choose to travel, as it should cover planned activities and expenses in the event of an emergency.

“The situation remains fluid and U.S. citizens should anticipate potential disruption,” the U.S. State Department said wrote in a post about X.

The US also said it was canceling regular consular appointments for citizens and visa applicants scheduled for Wednesday.

At least three European Union countries have given similar instructions to travelers.

Bulgaria, Latvia and Ireland called on citizens to be vigilant and avoid places where there are public demonstrations or large gatherings.

In its recommendation, Latvia also emphasized that persons who do not comply with various restrictions may be detained, searched and arrested.

—with files from Global News’ Sean Boynton, Associated Press and Reuters

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