Rising Terror Threats Worldwide... Tips for Vacation Season Response

NIS Prepares 'Terror Response Guidelines' for Vacation Season
"Increase in Terror Attacks Targeting Crowded Facilities, Caution Advised"
Check Leaf Patterns and English Names When Visiting Countries Where Marijuana Is Legal

Intelligence authorities have prepared 'terrorism response guidelines' for overseas travelers ahead of the summer vacation season. With the Paris Olympics scheduled and rising threats of terrorism targeting crowded facilities worldwide, they have organized useful information in an easy-to-understand manner.

On the 12th, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) announced that it created a leaflet titled 'Useful Terrorism Response Guidelines to Know' summarizing actions to take in the event of a terrorist attack, which has been placed in the departure halls of Incheon and Gimpo Airports. This content was also produced in the form of card news and posted on the NIS website, Facebook, and Instagram.

Excerpt from the National Intelligence Service's leaflet "Useful Counter-Terrorism Action Guidelines." [Image source: National Intelligence Service]

The NIS analyzed over 3,600 overseas terrorist incidents that occurred in the past three years and identified four main types: ▲firearms and bladed weapons ▲explosives and fires ▲vehicle ramming ▲chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) attacks. They developed response guidelines reflecting the opinions of domestic and international experts. The leaflet is designed with infographics for easy public understanding and includes precautions according to travel alert levels, as well as 24-hour consular call centers and emergency contact information for major diplomatic missions.

For example, the response guidelines for 'firearms and bladed weapon terrorism' are summarized with keywords for easy recall: ▲Run ▲Hide ▲Tell.

Excerpt from the leaflet "Useful Counter-Terrorism Action Guidelines" produced by the National Intelligence Service. [Image source=National Intelligence Service]

The NIS is providing various information to ensure the safety of citizens traveling abroad during the vacation season. Recently, it warned that visiting countries where marijuana is legalized or where so-called 'drug candies' are prevalent could inadvertently involve travelers in drug-related crimes.

In some U.S. states, Canada, Thailand, and other countries, it is easy to encounter cookies, beverages, and other products containing marijuana through restaurants or convenience stores. There are even promotional menus pairing marijuana with samgyeopsal, a popular Korean pork belly dish. In such cases, the 'marijuana content' label may only be provided in the local language, so caution is necessary. The NIS urges travelers to always check for leaf symbols representing marijuana and English terms such as cannabis, marijuana, or weed. Card news summarizing these precautions can also be found on the NIS website and social media channels.

Advertisement for local Thai food made with cannabis. The National Intelligence Service warned that consuming food containing drug substances while on duty could lead to involvement in crimes.
[Photo by National Intelligence Service]

An NIS official stated, "This summer vacation season coincides with the scheduled Paris Olympics and rising terrorist threats targeting crowded facilities worldwide, so caution is necessary," adding, "We hope the 'terrorism response guidelines' will serve as a minimum safety measure to protect oneself."