Several countries issued a travel alert for South Korea after President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law on Dec. 3.
The UK Foreign Office said, “We are aware of the developing situation following a declaration of martial law in South Korea. Follow the advice of local authorities and avoid political demonstrations.” The British Embassy in Seoul posted a similar alert on social media, stating it was “monitoring the situation thoroughly.”
The U.S. State Department expressed caution even after the martial law was lifted, warning of potential instability. “The situation remains fluid as even peaceful protests can escalate into confrontational or violent situations,” the department stated, advising citizens to avoid protest areas. The U.S. Embassy in Seoul has also suspended passport and visa services while expanding remote work arrangements for its staff.
The Japanese Embassy in Korea reportedly sent emails to Japanese citizens residing in the country, warning, “While specific measures remain unclear, please pay close attention to future announcements.” The embassies of Singapore and Ukraine advised their citizens to refrain from participating in politically charged events and to respond in accordance with local conditions via social media.
