Singaporeans, travel agencies proceed with tours in South Korea after reversed martial law order
Singaporeans visiting or living in Seoul said that they were not too worried about the situation, but would take necessary precautions to remain safe.
Protesters hold up signs that read "Step down President Yoon Suk Yeol" as people and lawmakers attend a rally to condemn the South Korean President’s surprise martial law declaration and call for his resignation, at the national assembly in Seoul on Dec 4, 2024. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji
This audio is generated by an AI tool.
SINGAPORE: Singaporean tourist Denise was returning to her accommodation in Seoul on Tuesday (Dec 3) night when South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law.
The 30-year-old, who had been travelling solo around Seoul since mid-November, only became aware of the news when friends from Singapore checked in on her, she told CNA.
She was still walking around the Yongsan district until about 1am on Wednesday, and did not feel worried for her safety.
“It's very peaceful here, and it's been like this since the declaration last night. The only difference was that I could hear helicopters,” said Ms Denise, who declined to give her last name.
Apart from registering her whereabouts with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and avoiding areas with protests, Ms Denise was otherwise unaffected.
“Maybe I'm just processing the whole thing too, but I'm effectively just watching the locals to figure out if I should panic or not,” she said.
Like Ms Denise, other Singaporeans travelling or working in South Korea said they were minimally affected by the martial law order, which was imposed at about 11pm in Seoul on Tuesday but reversed hours later.
Travel agencies also told CNA that they were going ahead with tour packages while keeping a close eye on the situation.
President Yoon's decision to impose martial law - the first time in over four decades - shocked the country and triggered protests outside the National Assembly.
The president backtracked and lifted the order just hours later. However, protesters have since taken to the streets to call for his arrest, while South Korean lawmakers have called for his impeachment.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is facing mounting calls to resign over his decision to impose martial law on Tuesday night (Dec 3). He backtracked within hours after lawmakers defied security forces to vote against his shock move. Earlier, Yoon justified his actions by saying there was a need to "safeguard a liberal South Korea from the threats posed by North Korea's communist forces".
SINGAPOREANS MOSTLY UNAFFECTED
Another Singaporean travelling in Seoul, Mr Zachary Wu, said he felt “a bit of anxiety” when the news first broke and he thought about the safety of his group.
However, the group quickly realised that people and businesses were going about as per normal and will carry on with plans to travel out of the city for day trips.
The 35-year-old also added that the group will be taking precautions to be indoors by 10pm in case of any sudden protests.
Student Matthias Ong heaved a sigh of relief that the ticket he has for Dua Lipa’s concert in Seoul on Wednesday night will not go to waste. The 31-year-old has been living in the city on a student visa for the last seven months.
“I've been excited and hoping since yesterday that it will continue, Mr Ong said.
“I've been looking forward to this for months. I didn't get to see Dua Lipa at the Singapore leg of her tour since I've been based here, and Seoul is her last Asian stop. I know that's especially important for Dua and her fans.”
Live Nation Korea posted on social media on Wednesday afternoon that the concert at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul will proceed as planned.
Mr Ong was at home in the Sinchon region last night and did not see or hear anything out of the ordinary, and did not feel troubled when the news first broke.
“It was more a feeling of surprise and uncertainty as I was on the verge of living in a historic moment. I always knew the reality of living in South Korea meant that political situations like this could happen, but to see it actually happening was still surprising,” he told CNA.
Mr Ong also received a notification from the university he is attending that the first day of the new school term will commence as planned since the law had already been backtracked.
“Thankfully the law was lifted very quickly so I think the situation was brought under control. I'm sure my feelings would've been a lot different the next day if that weren't the case.”
International disputes lawyer Brandon Yap, who has been based in South Korea since the start of this year, said he was not worried about the situation and that it was “business as usual” for him.
He learned of the martial law from social media and Korean friends. Since the development last night, Mr Yap said his phone had been “blowing up” with friends and family reaching out to ask after his wellbeing.
“Nothing was happening around me so I felt pretty safe, and I was watching the vote on (television) - the military didn't look like it was taking steps to arrest anyone,” said the 31-year-old, who lives in the Gangnam district.
TOURS STILL GOING AHEAD
Meanwhile, travel agencies told CNA that they were proceeding with tours and plans pending further updates from MFA.
Chan Brothers Travel said the itineraries for tour groups currently in South Korea were not affected.
Its assistant director of marketing communications Jeremiah Wong said that the agency made detours where necessary to avoid potential protest areas.
“Travellers are being escorted by our experienced tour guides and/or tour leaders who are providing them with on-ground support and real-time updates,” Mr Wong added.
“We have not received any calls of concern so far and all our upcoming tours will proceed as scheduled. We are closely monitoring the situation and will adjust itineraries if need be as the safety of our customers remains the utmost priority.”
Nam Ho Travel, which has up to 50 tourists currently in South Korea, and more than 100 scheduled to travel there this month, said its tour groups were unaffected at this point.
"As of now, we have not received ... inquiries from our customers. However, we are closely monitoring the situation and will make decisions regarding upcoming trips based on official advisories and the safety conditions in South Korea," said a representative.
"Should any changes such as postponements or cancellations be necessary, we will inform our travellers promptly and provide the necessary support."
Hahnemann Travel and Tours, which has a tour group of more than 20 heading to Seoul next week, said that it was closely monitoring the situation by checking with its partners in South Korea.
Operations lead Mohamed Ahmad said that there was currently no change to the tour group's travel plans pending any advisory from MFA. The group will be in South Korea, including Seoul, for four to five days.
If travellers were advised against heading to South Korea, the agency will consult its management before deciding whether to reschedule or cancel the tour, Mr Ahmad said, noting that customers had called in to ask about the situation.
Korean Air, which operates three daily services between Seoul and Singapore, confirmed to CNA that all flights were operating on schedule and without disruption.
In response to CNA, a Singapore Airlines (SIA) spokesperson said that SIA and Scoot flights between Singapore and South Korea were operating on schedule.
SIA currently operates 28 weekly services to Seoul while Scoot operates nine weekly services.
"SIA and Scoot (will) continue to monitor the situation and will adjust our flights accordingly. The SIA Group’s top priority is the safety of our customers and crew," the spokesperson added.
