An American, Steven Choi, 25, experienced the process of martial law declaration and withdrawal during a trip to South Korea on the 3rd. Choi met with a Chosun Biz journalist near Hongdae Station in Mapo District, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 10th and said this.
“I was a bit nervous because of the declaration of martial law. I've watched ‘Spring of Seoul’ three times due to my interest in other countries' history, so I was a little surprised to see it happen in reality. There wasn't much of a big reaction or urgent calls to come back from those around me. Instead, there was a lot of talk asking, ‘What if something like this, like the Capitol riot four years ago, happens in the U.S. again?’ with former President Donald Trump coming to power with more supporters.”
Although several countries classified South Korea as a ‘travel advisory country’ after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, foreign visitors like Choi showed a reaction that ‘South Korea is as safe as before.’
Darren Tan, 20, from Singapore, said at Seongsu-dong in Seongdong District that he arrived in South Korea two days before the declaration of martial law. Tan said, “I was in Busan, not Seoul, on the day of martial law, so I felt safe,” and added, “People around me weren't too worried. I would recommend a trip to South Korea to my friends.”
Kimo Tjonaayoek, 25, from the Netherlands, who met at Seoul Station, arrived in South Korea on the day martial law was declared. He said, “I learned about it from the Dutch news. There's an adrenaline rush, but it's not scary,” and added, “It feels like just another event.” Olga Kopilina, 40, from Russia, said, “It feels safer than Russia.”
Some foreign tourists noted that martial law was declared just before their flights to South Korea, and they couldn't cancel their already purchased tickets. Hujayma Bakar, 40, from Singapore, who met in Myeongdong, said, “My parents were very worried. I also checked with the embassy before the trip and found nothing particularly worrying.”
There were also reactions that seeing martial law lifted quickly made people think South Korea is safe. Bilge Kacmaz, 19, from Belgium, who met in Seongsu-dong in Seongdong District, said, “I believed in South Korea's system because it was back to normal within six hours of the declaration,” adding, “I have no worries about traveling since public safety is ensured.” Then commented, “Foreigners would be dumbfounded to hear that martial law was lifted overnight while everyone was asleep. I am as well.”
Self-employed individuals also reported that the number of foreign tourists was unaffected. Mr. Oh, 40, who runs a cafe in Seongsu-dong, said, “The number of foreign customers remains the same after martial law was declared, but domestic customers have decreased,” adding, “Sales during weekdays have dropped by 50% after the martial law situation. It seems people don't go out in the evening.” A representative from CJ Olive Young, a must-visit travel course for foreign tourists, said, “We are closely monitoring foreign tourists after the martial law situation, but foreign sales have not changed much.”
However, there were concerns about potential impacts in the future. Mr. Jung, 48, who works at a grocery store targeting foreigners in Myeongdong, said, “Foreigners who have already booked (flights, hotels, etc.) are coming, but many who have a lot of time left before their scheduled trip are canceling,” adding, “It seems like there will be an impact.”