SEOUL – In response to concerns arising from a temporary six-hour martial law declaration on the night of 3 December, South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has acted swiftly to reassure both tourists and the global travel industry.

On 4 December, the ministry issued a formal statement to key organisations, including the Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO), Korea Tourism Association, and Korea Association of Travel Agents. It also sent diplomatic notes to foreign embassies to underline that South Korea remains a safe and stable destination for visitors.

“Everyday activities, including travel and commerce, continue as normal. There is no need for travel advisories or restrictions,” the ministry declared in its official release. Tourist attractions nationwide remain open, with additional measures introduced to enhance visitor safety through the Korea Travel Helpline (1330), which offers assistance via phone and live chat.

Industry Collaboration
Second Vice-Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ms Jang Mi-ran, has held discussions with local tourism stakeholders to address industry concerns and gather input on improving traveller experiences.

Despite initial apprehensions, tourism activity has remained largely unaffected. Hotels such as the Park Hyatt Seoul and Sofitel Ambassador Seoul reported no significant cancellations or alterations to guest itineraries. “Our guests have shown no signs of panic or hesitation regarding their travel plans,” a representative from Park Hyatt Seoul told The Korea Herald.

Monitoring Tourism Trends
Korea Tour Net, a travel agency catering to international visitors, confirmed on 4 December that no cancellations had occurred. “While political events like this can impact tourism, we’ve observed no disruptions so far,” an official from the agency stated.

Another travel agency noted that while tourists had reached out for updates, all scheduled tours and bookings remained intact.

Reassurance and Stability
The Culture Ministry emphasised that South Korea continues to prioritise the safety and convenience of its visitors. By working closely with local and international partners, the country aims to sustain confidence in its vibrant tourism sector, even amid brief periods of uncertainty.

With major attractions operating as usual and strong communication between government and industry, South Korea remains a welcoming destination for travellers worldwide.