After President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law, major countries around the world issued warnings to their citizens residing in or visiting South Korea. Even the head of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) stated, "We are closely monitoring how the situation will unfold."
The U.S. Department of State has maintained its travel advisory level for South Korea at Level 1 on its website but included a link to an alert message from the U.S. Embassy in Seoul on the South Korea travel advisory page. Level 1, the lowest, means "exercise normal precautions," while Level 4 is "do not travel." The U.S. Embassy displayed a red banner alert on its English website on the morning of the 4th (Korean time), stating, "The situation remains fluid even after President Yoon lifted martial law," and urged, "Avoid protest sites and exercise caution near large crowds, gatherings, and demonstrations."
The United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office on the 3rd (local time) posted a warning on its South Korea travel advisory page, saying, "We are aware of the situation unfolding after the declaration of martial law in South Korea" and advised to "avoid political protests." After the lifting of martial law on the 4th, it stated, "Martial law has been lifted," but advised to "follow local authorities' advice and avoid large political gatherings." It also noted that protests are expected around Gwanghwamun, the Presidential Office (Samgakji), and the National Assembly (Yeouido) areas.
The French Embassy in South Korea, at 2 a.m. Korean time on the 4th, posted on its website and X (formerly Twitter) that "the political situation continues to unfold without violence" and advised, "Do not approach the National Assembly where crowds gather and do not participate in any political protests." At 7 a.m. on the same day, after the lifting of martial law, it announced, "The restrictions imposed overnight have been lifted," encouraging Korean residents to resume normal activities. Additionally, at 3:20 p.m., the embassy issued a further notice stating, "The political and security situation is returning to normal," but advised, "As protests and strikes led by political parties and labor unions are planned in the coming days, refrain from attending political gatherings."
Israel, which is currently at war, also issued a travel warning for South Korea. On the night of the 3rd, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement advising its citizens to "consider the necessity of visiting this country." The ministry added, "Until the situation becomes clear, stay at home or your accommodation and monitor new media reports."
The Embassy of Ukraine in South Korea, on the morning of the 4th, announced the lifting of martial law on Facebook and other platforms, urging its citizens to "follow embassy notices, refrain from participating in large-scale events, and adhere to local authorities' recommendations."
New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade raised its travel advisory level for South Korea from Level 1 to Level 2. On that day, through its travel safety website, New Zealand upgraded the advisory from Level 1, "exercise normal safety and security precautions," to Level 2, "exercise increased caution." New Zealand’s travel advisory system consists of four levels, with Level 2 indicating a country with safety and security issues more serious than those normally encountered in New Zealand.
The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade advised, "Caution is necessary when traveling to South Korea," noting that "martial law was temporarily declared on the 3rd and lifted on the 4th. New Zealanders in South Korea should avoid all protests." It further recommended, "Keep up to date with local developments through the media and follow local authorities' guidance," and reminded that "foreigners are prohibited from participating in political activities within South Korea."
Australia maintained its lowest Level 1 travel advisory, "exercise normal safety precautions," for South Korea but warned, "The domestic political situation is changing, affecting conditions in South Korea," and urged to "avoid protests." It explained, "More crowds than usual may gather at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square and Yeouido, and protest activities may intensify, potentially disrupting transportation and other essential services."
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also closely monitored the situation in South Korea. On the 4th, regarding the martial law situation in South Korea, Secretary General Stoltenberg said, "South Korea is part of our Indo-Pacific partnership along with Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, so we are very interested in how the situation will develop." He made these remarks during a press conference on the second day of the NATO Foreign Ministers meeting held in Brussels, Belgium, when asked about the matter.
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