Is Korea a 'Travel Dangerous Country'?Concerns over a national image hit

[Anchor]
Since President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration and lifting of the emergency martial law, major countries around the world have been paying keen attention to the safety of their citizens staying in Korea.

New Zealand has also raised its travel advisory to Korea to the next level, raising concerns that the incident will hurt the country's national image and tourism industry.

I'm reporter Hong Joo-ye.

[Reporter]
Korea's declaration and lifting of emergency martial law shocked the world.

Travelers who were on a flight to Korea after hearing the sudden news still feel dizzy.

[Sevara / UAE tourist] I was a little worried before the flight, but the Emirates flight attendant said there was nothing to worry about, it was just a government issue.]

Foreigners who visit Gyeongbokgung Palace say they don't care at all and will continue their tour schedule.

[Steven Rowan / Australian tourist] If martial law had continued to be enforced, they would have been worried. But it was withdrawn in six hours. I don't think it's that dramatic.

There are many voices who are more worried about the future.

[Evan Watson / CNN Reporter] It looks like a political storm is going to sweep the country for a while.]

Countries are warning their citizens who live in or visit Korea.

The U.S. Embassy in South Korea posted an "alarm" on its English website, advising people to avoid the protest site, saying the situation is fluid.

In addition, the British Foreign Ministry specifically mentioned Gwanghwamun, Triangle, and Yeouido in Seoul as places where protests are expected on the Korean page of travel recommendations.

In the meantime, New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has raised the level of travel recommendations for South Korea from 1 to 2 out of 4 levels.

The emergency decree was lifted in six hours, but the country's long-established national image and tourism industry look inevitable.

I'm Hong Joo Ye of YTN.



Video editing: Ahn Hong-hyun