Talking Points: South Korea (April 14, 2017)

Talking Points – South Korea

The following Talking Points may be used in conversations with the media and clients when discussing safe travel to South Korea. (April 14, 2017)

1. Despite rising tensions between North and South Korea, the U.S. State Department has not issued a Travel Alert or Travel Warning nor has it stated that Americans should avoid travel to South Korea.

2. Safety is our top priority for our clients.

3. We provide the facts so our clients can make an informed decision about their travel plans.

Below you will find additional information, supporting material, and statistics supporting each talking point.

1. Despite rising tensions between North and South Korea, the U.S. State Department has not issued a Travel Alert or Travel Warning nor has it stated that Americans should avoid travel to South Korea.

 According to The Wall Street Journal, “In the past few days, the rhetoric has grown more heated from all sides. Meanwhile, satellite imagery shows signs that North Korea may be preparing a nuclear test ahead of its biggest holiday, the birthday of the country’s founder, Kim Il Sung.”

o “Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on [April 14] said Beijing was urging all sides to avoid inflammatory or threatening statements and deeds, adding that no one would win in a war.”

 On April 13, CNN reported that “The Pentagon sent the 97,000-ton USS Carl Vinson [to the Korean Peninsula] with an escort of a guided-missile cruiser and two destroyers after the latest missile test by North Korea last week.”

o “The strike group has been at sea since January and conducted military exercises with other nations in the western Pacific,” including Japan and the Republic of Korea and Australia.

o “Many analysts believe the movement of US warships is likely defensive in nature, setting the stage for a scenario in which the Vinson strike group could be called upon to perform a missile intercept.”

 Even in light of escalating rhetoric between North and South Korea, and the appearance of a military build-up, it is business as usual for the majority of people living in, and visiting, South Korea.

o According to Reuters, “The nonchalance about the possibility of conflict with the North has grown in recent years in the South, which remains technically in a state of war with its neighbor.”

 “South Koreans, especially young people, have become used to the bellicose rhetoric and nuclear bluster in the region.”

 “Retailers in Seoul said there was no indication that people were hoarding food or goods in preparation for a conflict.”

 The U.S. State Department has not issued any sort of alert or warning for Americans traveling to South Korea.

 

 The U.S. military has maintained a presence in South Korea since the end of the Korean War in the 1950s and conducts joint military exercises with South Korea annually.

2. Safety is our top priority for our clients.

 We highly recommend that U.S. citizens follow the advice of the State Department and register their international travel plans at https://step.state.gov/step. By entering information into the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), the Department of State can better assist travelers in an emergency.

 We strongly encourage all of our clients, whether they are traveling domestically or internationally, to purchase travel insurance, particularly right at the same time as travel has been booked. Travel insurance offers an additional layer of protection for travelers and can potentially help save a traveler hundreds or thousands of dollars if a medical or travel emergency occurs.

 While no one can say with certainty that any destination is 100% safe, we strongly encourage our clients to use care and common sense – no matter where they travel – to maximize their safety and security. For example:

o Leave your itinerary, and passport data page, with a friend or family member back home so you can be contacted in case of an emergency.

o Know and respect the laws in the country you are visiting.

o Follow your instincts and avoid any areas or situations that seem as though they could become dangerous.

o Remain alert to their surroundings at all times.

o Avoid all demonstrations, as even peaceful ones can quickly become unruly and a foreigner could become a target of harassment. If caught unexpectedly near a demonstration, obey instructions from police and leave the area as quickly as possible.

o Do not display expensive looking jewelry, large amounts of money or other valuable items. Also, do not leave luggage unattended in public areas and do not accept packages from strangers.

o Check with your cell phone provider prior to departure to see if your phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G/4G international networks.

o Check your medical insurance coverage to make sure it applies overseas. If it doesn’t, consider buying travel insurance that covers overseas medical attention and medical evacuation.

 If there is an emergency situation in South Korea, visitors can:

o Monitor the Embassy website (http://seoul.usembassy.gov) for updates and information.

o Monitor AFN (American Forces Network) (PDF 95.9KB) radio stations and follow the international and local news outlets for additional information.

o Citizens may also call the U.S. State Department toll free at 888-407-4747 in the U.S. or call the regular toll line at 202-501-4444 Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time).

3. We provide the facts so our clients can make an informed decision about their travel plans.

 We closely monitor the U.S. Department of State website for travel alerts as well as the more severe travel warnings for all destinations, including those that are most popular with our clients.

 Should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination, we alert clients who may be planning to travel there so they can determine for themselves if they still wish to travel.

 Also, should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination where a client is currently located; we try to immediately contact the client to check on their well-being and work to assist them if they require alternate travel arrangements.

 We are advocates for our clients; and they know that by working with a true travel professional, we are there for them before, during, and after their trip should they need us – which gives them peace of mind.