"Foreigners Cancel Trips Saying 'Korea Under Martial Law Is Scary'... Tourism Industry Takes Direct Hit"

Hotel Industry Takes the Biggest Hit... Travel Agencies and Yachts Also Affected
"Rapid Response from Government and Local Authorities Needed"

On the 3rd, the tourism industry suffered damage due to the emergency martial law situation.

According to a recent survey of 40 tourism companies conducted by Busan City and the Busan Tourism Organization on the 20th, about 65% of respondents reported a decrease in reservations. By sector, the hotel industry was hit the hardest, followed by travel agencies, yachts, and other facilities. Seventy-five percent of the responding companies predicted that the current situation would have a negative impact on their management. Ongoing concerns such as protests and demonstrations, as well as a decline in national credibility, were identified as major worries.

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In particular, rather than short-term business losses, the prolonged situation causing an overall downturn in the tourism industry was cited as a greater risk factor. An industry official stated, “This is a time when swift responses from the government and local authorities are necessary,” adding, “It is urgent to prepare practical support measures to minimize damage to the tourism industry.”

In the case of Busan City, a letter signed by Mayor Park Hyung-jun was recently sent to 95 companies from 15 countries of overseas buyers and 51 sister and friendship cities. The letter emphasized that “Busan is a safe and attractive travel destination and is doing its best to provide tourists with a comfortable and safe travel environment.” It also included information that major tourist sites, tourism programs, festivals, and events are operating normally and are being managed through a thorough monitoring system by the city and basic local governments.

Additionally, the city announced plans to minimize industry damage by implementing measures such as an early execution of incentives to attract tourists, including a 50% discount promotion on the ‘Visit Busan Pass’ exclusively for foreign tourists.