DFA: No need to cancel South Korea trips; just be cautious

South Korean protesters hold a banner that read “we condemn Yoon Suk Yeol’s illegal martial law” during a rally against President Yoon Suk Yeol at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on December 4, 2024, after martial law was lifted. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol abandoned a short-lived attempt at martial law on December 4 after lawmakers defied security forces to vote against his declaration and thousands of protesters took to the streets. —Photo by Jung Yeon-Je/Agence France-Presse

MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos planning to travel to South Korea, which emerged from a six-hour imposition of martial law on Wednesday, need not cancel their trips, according to an official of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

But they are advised to take extra precautions once in South Korea amid the political tensions in their host country.

“We wouldn’t advise them to cancel their trips, but we will tell them to be very circumspect and careful and take precautions, especially when they are abroad,” said Foreign Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega in a dzBB interview on Wednesday.

READ: South Korea lifts martial law decree after lawmakers vote against it

“There’s no war, that’s what’s important, so we will just advise those traveling to take precaution if they want to push through with their trips,” De Vega added.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol declared “emergency martial law” on Tuesday, accusing the opposition of controlling the parliament, sympathizing with North Korea, and paralyzing the government with antistate activities.

Stay calm

The martial law order was lifted hours after it was imposed after drawing strong opposition from parliament.

The estimated 68,000 Filipinos currently in South Korea were advised by the Philippine Embassy in Seoul to remain calm and “remember to follow the instructions that local authorities will issue.”

The Philippine Ambassador to Seoul, Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega, described the overall situation as normal.

“(It’s) business as usual, schools are open, all forms of public transport are also open and airports operating. Embassies are open,” she said in a text message reported by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

Other foreign missions in South Korea had advised their citizens to remain cautious and avoid participating in political rallies.

Fluid situation

The US Embassy issued an alert on Wednesday, saying the “situation remains fluid” despite Yoon’s withdrawal of his martial law order. It also announced the cancellation of routine consular appointments for US citizens and visa applicants.

“US citizens should anticipate potential disruptions. When in public, you should pay attention to your surroundings and exercise routine safety precautions,” the US Embassy said.

“You should avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and exercise caution in the vicinity of any large crowds, gatherings, protests, or rallies. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.”

British nationals in South Korea were advised to follow Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office travel advice and remain alert.

Vigilance

The Japanese Embassy in Seoul sent out multiple emails to its citizens urging them to “continue to monitor the news and ensure their safety.”

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Wednesday said Tokyo was monitoring the situation with “exceptional and serious concerns,” while pledging to “take all possible measures” to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals.

The Australian Embassy described the situation in South Korea as “evolving due to developments in domestic politics” and urged its citizens to avoid protests and demonstrations.

“Transport and other essential services may be disrupted. Monitor the media for updates and follow the advice of local authorities,” it added.

Daily routine can resume

The Russian Embassy told its citizens to “remain calm, follow the authorities’ recommendations, and refrain from participating in mass events, especially those of a political nature.”

Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy assessed that “at present, social order in South Korea is normal.”

“Chinese citizens in South Korea may return to their daily lives but are advised to remain vigilant, stay informed about the local situation, and enhance personal safety precautions,” it said. —with reports from INQUIRER.net, PNA