Embassy Updates on the “Tensions”
This was just received by registered Canadians.
“The Government of Canada’s travel advice for the Republic of Korea remains “Exercise normal security precautions”. However, we advise Canadians to continue to monitor developments closely as tensions on the Korean Peninsula could escalate with little warning.
Tensions have increased on the Korean peninsula as a result of North Korea’s ongoing nuclear weapons development program. In April and December 2012, North Korea attempted to launch two missiles into orbit, and on February 12, 2013, performed a nuclear weapon test. Additional tests cannot be ruled out. On March 11, 2013, North Korea issued a statement declaring that the Korean Armistice Agreement is invalid. While past threats made by the North to nullify this agreement have gone unfulfilled, further provocative action could occur. Canadians in the Republic of Korea should be vigilant, monitor developments and follow the advice of local authorities.
The Canadian Embassy to Korea is closely monitoring the situation and will advise the Canadian community in Korea of developments as required. As the situation evolves, we recommend that you consult the Travel Report for South Korea available at: http://travel.gc.ca/destinations/korea-south, for up-to-date information. Subscribe to travel updates at http://travel.gc.ca/news-warnings/subscribe .
Canadians are encouraged to maintain their level of readiness to cope with any emergency situation. Follow us on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/insidecanadaen, and consult the web links below for additional information:
Please ensure that your travel documents, including your passport, are valid.
To help you and your family prepare for emergencies, we encourage you to consult the Embassy Web page on Emergency Planning: http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/korea-coree/consular_services_consulaires/emergency_plan_urgence.aspx?lang=eng. Information on government evacuations can be found at: http://travel.gc.ca/assistance/emergency-info/evacuations
Canadian citizens requiring emergency consular assistance can contact the Embassy of Canada in Seoul at 21 Jeongdong-gil (Jeong-dong), Jung-gu, Seoul (100-120), Republic of Korea. Tel: 82-2-3783-6000; Email: seoul@international.gc.ca.
For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Seoul and follow the instructions. You may also call the Emergency Watch and Response Centre (EWRC) in Ottawa toll-free at 001-800-2326-6831, 002-800-2326-6831 or 008-800-2326-6831. You may also reach the EWRC directly by dialling 613-996-8885 (collect call where available) or by email at sos@international.gc.ca
Embassy of Canada to Korea”
Americans received a similar message:
The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that despite current political tensions with North Korea there is no specific information to suggest there are imminent threats to U.S. citizens or facilities in the Republic of Korea (ROK). The Embassy has not changed its security posture and we have not recommended that U.S. citizens who reside in, or plan to visit, the Republic of Korea take special security precautions at this time. The U.S. Embassy takes as its highest priority the welfare of American citizens in Korea. Should the security situation change, the Embassy will issue updated information.”
Our new Travel Partners, Panjumon Travel posted this article from a travel industry magazine – if you need to convince nervous friends and family back home that our streets aren’t filled with troops and bombs.
And Mike Stewart posted this on Facebook – 