S'poreans in S. Korea go ahead with travel plans but take precautions

Singaporeans visiting South Korea are going ahead with their travel plans, but taking precautions against any possible fallout following the overnight declaration and lifting of martial law there.

- Rhea Yasmine

Mr Kayven Tan, 28, told The Straits Times on Dec 4 that he will proceed with his plan to explore Seoul, but will avoid areas where protesters have been known to gather.

He had arrived in the South Korean capital on the morning of Dec 3, and was shocked later that night to hear about South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's sudden announcement declaring martial law.

"We were a bit confused and taken by surprise. We didn't know what would happen when martial law was declared in South Korea," said the researcher.

"We were worried that if things got worse, many places would be restricted, basic services would be shut down, and (we feared) the possibility that we would not be able to leave the country as planned next week."

But his worries were eased overnight when Mr Yoon announced the lifting of martial law.

Similarly, Mrs Renee Yong, who is in Seoul with her family including three children, said it was business as usual there.

"(There are) no protests... at some of the touristy places in Myeongdong," said the 45-year-old. "Everything seems pretty fine."

Mrs Yong was asleep when martial law was imposed, and had woken up the next day to messages from friends and colleagues asking her to stay safe.