South Korea Country Travel Advice Report - ASU Global Education Office
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Intelligence and Analysis Services
Country Travel Advice Report
South Korea
Overall Risk Rating: Low | 2.25
Drum Cussac Group Limited Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:42 (UTC)Intelligence and Analysis Services
Contents
Country Risk Rating Breakdown ................................................................................................................................................................................ 3
Country Overview ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Security
Overview ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Political
Overview ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Infrastructural
Overview ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Environmental
Overview ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Medical
Overview ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Fact Box ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Travel Risk Advice ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Threat Scale Reference ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Drum Cussac Group Limited 2 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:42 (UTC)Intelligence and Analysis Services
Country Risk Rating Breakdown
Country Overall Risk Rating Low | 2.25
Security Environmental Infrastructural Political Medical
Low | 2.25 Low - Moderate | 2.50 Negligible - Low | 1.75 Low | 2.00 High | 4.00
Drum Cussac Group Limited 3 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:42 (UTC)Intelligence and Analysis Services Country Overview Low | 2.25 South Korea is an advanced, developed nation in Southeast Asia and considered one of the most politically and economically stable countries in the world. Calls for the impeachment of former President Park Geun Hye on charges of influence-peddling generated uncharacteristic political uncertainty in late 2016 and early 2017 but dissipated following her subsequent removal from office. The conflict threat from North Korea continually looms large, although a historic thaw in relations under current leader Moon Jae-in has led to speculation, albeit premature at this juncture, of possible de-nuclearisation and a peace treaty between the two neighbors. While corruption exists, its impact on business activity remains low-to-moderate. The rule of law is generally observed and enforced, although corruption in the judiciary, as well as allegations of nepotism and patronage, have raised concerns. South Korea is generally safe from powerful earthquakes, although it is susceptible to storm systems during the typhoon season as well as aberrant weather patterns. High-quality healthcare is available, although modern and well-equipped hospitals are limited to urban centers. While South Korea has managed to contain the initial spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), there are concerns of a second wave of infections due to a recent surge of the number of clusters and untraceable COVID-19 cases in Seoul. Security Low | 2.25 Overview South Korea is generally a safe destination for travelers. Petty opportunistic crime poses a limited threat to visitors in the main urban centers. Protests and strike actions occur fairly regularly, although they mostly result in localized disruptions to traffic and commerce rather than pose a direct threat to the safety of individuals. North Korea remains a latent threat due to its history of provocative rhetoric and actions, along with its nuclear capabilities. Though generally reduced tensions from 2018 raised hopes for better ties between the two Koreas, periods of escalated rhetoric and symbolic threats continue to occur. Transnational extremist groups are not known to have a presence in South Korea, and the country has strong counter-terrorism capabilities in place. Political Low | 2.00 Overview The election of Moon Jae-In as the country's new president in early May 2017 helped eased some of the political uncertainty generated by the impeachment of his predecessor Park Geun-Hye over corruption allegations. Corruption levels are still considered low, whilst rule of law is generally observed. However, the recent scandal involving the former president, a confidante, and several local conglomerations have exposed a shady nexus between political and corporate interests in the country. Infrastructural Negligible - Low | 1.75 Overview There are no major safety concerns over air and land travel in South Korea. However, severe weather can result in disruptions. In addition, driving can be somewhat dangerous due to reckless motorists. Electricity supply, mobile network coverage, and Internet connections are reliable across the country, with the country having one of the fastest Internet connections in the world. However, cybercrime poses a credible threat due to the high use of, and reliance on, online networks and platforms. Environmental Low - Moderate | 2.50 Overview South Korea is susceptible to powerful and disruptive storm systems during the typhoon season from July to September. Climatic extremes can also occur during the summer and winter periods. The country does not lie in an active seismic region, and high-intensity tremors are rare. The demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas remain one of the most heavily mined areas in the world. Drum Cussac Group Limited 4 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:42 (UTC)
Intelligence and Analysis Services Medical High | 4.00 Overview There are no major disease-related concerns. However, the country has a recent history of a MERS outbreak. The country has high-quality medical care and well-stocked pharmacies, although they are mostly limited to urban centers. South Korea is currently affected by an outbreak of the COVID-19 virus which originated in mainland China. While the country has managed to contain the initial spread of the virus, there are concerns of a second wave of infections due to a recent surge of the number of clusters and untraceable COVID-19 cases in Seoul. Drum Cussac Group Limited 5 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:42 (UTC)
Intelligence and Analysis Services
Fact Box
Government
Presidential Republic
Type
Population 50,924,172 (2016)
Currency South Korean Won
Languages Korean
Time Zone UTC+9
Religions Christian 31.6%, Buddhist 24.2%, other or unknown 0.9%, none 43.3%.
Traffic Drives on the right
Plug Types Type C and Type F
Ethnicities Homogeneous
Drinking
Safe to Drink
Water
Significant Dates: January 1 - New Year's Day February 9 - 25 - PyeongChang Winter
Olympics February 16-19 - Seol-nal (Lunar New Year) March 1 - Samil Day April 13 -
Parliamentary Elections May 1 - Labour Day May 5 - Children's Day May 22 - Sukka Tansin
Additional
II (Buddha Day) June 6 - Memorial Day (Hyun Choong II) June 13 - Local elections August
Information
15 - Independence Day (Kwang Bok Jul) September 23-26 - Harvest Moon Festival
(Chusok) October 3 - National Foundation Day (Kae Chun Jul) October 9 - Hangeul Day
December 25 - Christmas Day
International
Country +82
Code
Drum Cussac Group Limited 6 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:42 (UTC)Intelligence and Analysis Services
Travel Risk Advice
Vaccinations and Key Health Risks
You should visit a health care professional at least four to six weeks prior to the trip. Travellers should ensure that they have routine vaccination
courses and boosters. Routine vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and
annual flu vaccine.
Most travellers will require vaccines from:
Hepatitis A
Typhoid
Dependent on work, reason for travel, or underlying health conditions, some travellers visiting South Korea may require vaccines from:
Hepatitis B
Malaria
Rabies
Japanese Encephalitis
Pre-departure
Travellers should have adequate travel insurance in place to enable rapid medical treatment or emergency extraction from South Korea.
Travellers should provide friends and family with a copy of their travel itinerary, and make a copy of important travel and identification
documents.
On Arrival
There are no significant measures that need to be undertaken on arrival into South Korea.
In Transit
Public transport is generally safe, and self driving may be conducted.
At Your Hotel
Relations between South Korea and North Korea remain tense, and the level of tension on the Korean peninsula can change with little
notice. Travellers should familiarise themselves with local plans and shelters. Shelters in Seoul are marked with a special symbol. Travellers
should further develop a grab-bag containing minimum essentials.
Local authorities hold occasional civil emergency exercises during which time sirens are sounded and people are asked to take shelter
indoors. Participation is not obligatory but travellers should follow any instructions by local authorities during any exercises.
Travellers can use the American Forces Network (AFN) 360 app to access the AFN radio stations throughout for guidance during a crisis.
In the Street
Travellers should be aware of the national culture and behavioural expectations. There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex
relations. While South Korea remains socially conservative with regards to LGBT-related issues, progress has made in terms of advocacy
and anti-discrimination efforts based on sexual orientation. Major urban centres such as Seoul have also hosted an increasing number of
venues and events catering to the community.
Travellers should avoid overt displays of wealth and dress discreetly and appropriately to the environment. Do not display money, jewellery
or valuables and keep a low profile. In Seoul, Itaewon, Sinchon, Myeongdong, and Hongdae are well-known entertainment and shopping
districts in which crowds, alcohol, and a higher prevalence of drug activity present a higher risk for crime.
Drum Cussac Group Limited 7 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:42 (UTC)Intelligence and Analysis Services
Travellers should use only small denominations of the local currency, and keep large amounts of cash and cards in a separate place on your
person. Reduce the contents of your wallet or purse contents, particularly cards which may denote affiliations, memberships and accounts.
Do not use credit or debit cards unless absolutely necessary and then only at respected, well-known retail and service establishments.
Travellers should ensure that their mobile phone is carried with sufficient battery life and programmed with appropriate emergency numbers.
Travellers should also carry an ID card or passport and emergency medical information.
Travellers should be aware of their location and surroundings. Avoid high-crime areas and of walking through dimly lit streets after dark.
Travellers should know routes and carry a map if necessary, but keep it concealed.
In crowded situations, travellers should be aware of jostling as this may be a ploy for pick-pockets. Travellers should also be aware of people
loitering, and also that attackers may first pass their victim to attack from behind.
COVID-19 Information
Total Cases (ECDC) (Updated on Monday): 190,166
Weekly percentage increase in cases:6.12%
Travel Restrictions: Internal Restrictions Authorities will further intensify restrictions in most areas of South Korea amid elevated COVID-19
activity. Officials will place most provinces under Level-3 restrictions, the second-highest level on the country's four-tier system, July 27-Aug. 8.
Under Level-3 controls, the government limits public gatherings to four people, except for cohabitants, and public groups to 50 people. The
government recommends that local authorities not count fully vaccinated people in gathering totals, though local variation is likely. Officials limit
capacity at religious and sporting venues to 20 percent and outdoor sporting venues to 30 percent.
Employers with more than 50 workers must facilitate staggered commuting and lunchtimes; officials recommend up to 20 percent of staff
telecommute. Most nonessential and entertainment businesses must close at 22:00 daily; capacity is limited to one person per eight square
meters (86 square feet) at indoor venues. However, exhibitions can occur, with a capacity limited to one person per six square meters (64 square
feet). Provincial and city governments can adjust measures at any level based on local COVID-19 activity, and many governments further restrict
private groups and event capacity below the nationwide thresholds.
The government continues to implement Level-4 measures in Greater Seoul, including Incheon and Gyeonggi Province, through at least Aug. 8.
Daejeon authorities will also implement Level-4 measures July 27-Aug. 8. Officials limit groups to two people from 18:00 daily. Businesses,
except manufacturers, must reduce on-site workers by 30 percent. Restaurants can only service dine-in customers until 22:00. Entertainment
businesses, including nightclubs and pubs, remain closed, and spectators cannot attend sporting events.
The government requires individuals to wear facemasks on public transportation, in most public indoor areas, and at large gatherings nationwide.
Authorities may fine people not wearing or improperly wearing facemasks up to KRW 100,000. However, officials no longer require people that
have received one vaccine dose to wear a facemask outdoors; the measure does not apply to Jeju or Greater Seoul.
High-risk businesses must participate in a contact-tracing system requiring patrons to produce a quick response (QR) code for scanning before
entering designated establishments. Companies can manually record contact information if necessary. The government will close non-compliant
businesses for 10 days from the first infraction. Authorities could shut companies for 20 days and three months for the second and third violations,
respectively. Fines are also possible. Several major industrial plants and offices have temporarily closed after employees tested positive for
COVID-19. Commercial disruptions are possible at any establishment that authorities deem in breach of COVID-19 rules or where outbreaks
occur.
International Travel Restrictions South Korea continues to suspend visa-free and visa-waiver programs with countries that have banned entry for
South Korean citizens and travelers with short-term visas issued before April 5, 2020. South Korean residents, including long-term visa holders,
can enter the country. Most foreign residents must obtain permits before departing South Korea to facilitate any planned re-entry. All permitted
foreign nationals must submit a negative result from a PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before departure; passengers from the
Philippines and Nepal must take tests at approved facilities. South Korea will require all inbound passengers to present evidence of a negative
result from a PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure from July 15. Officials will ban most travelers without tests; exceptions are
possible for children under age six and South Korean nationals with a humanitarian COVID-19 quarantine exemption.
Mandatory screenings are ongoing for arrivals at ports of entry nationwide. Authorities in Seoul require all inbound passengers remaining in the
city to undergo COVID-19 testing upon arrival at Incheon International Airport (ICN) or designated testing facilities; travelers must await test
results before continuing their journey. Most international travelers must quarantine for 14 days upon entry. South Korean nationals, long-term
residents, and some relatives of these groups can self-quarantine in their residence. Other travelers must quarantine at government-designated
facilities at their own expense. Authorities require travelers from most African nations, the UK, and Brazil to quarantine at government facilities for
two days and one night and undergo two COVID-19 tests before moving to self-quarantine for 14 days. Arrivals from India must undergo seven
days of quarantine at government facilities, followed by seven days of self-quarantine. Travelers from South Africa and Tanzania must quarantine
Drum Cussac Group Limited 8 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:42 (UTC)Intelligence and Analysis Services at government facilities for 14 days. Officials will subsidize quarantine costs for South Korean nationals and foreign long-term visa holders traveling from these countries if they submit COVID-19 test results before departure. Returning citizens that do not submit COVID-19 test results before entry and short-term foreign travelers must pay quarantine fees. Authorities will ban foreign travelers from both countries if they do not provide COVID-19 test results before departure. The government exempts people fully vaccinated in South Korea from quarantine requirements, provided they test negative for COVID-19. Officials also permit individuals visiting family or for business, academic, or public interest purposes to enter quarantine-free if fully vaccinated abroad. Permitted passengers must still undergo COVID-19 testing before departure and upon arrival. The government does not permit quarantine-free travel from 21 countries, including India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Indonesia, South Africa, Brazil, and Bangladesh. Authorities also allow unvaccinated people for essential business and official trips to apply for quarantine-free entry. In addition to pre-departure testing, these travelers must undergo COVID-19 testing in-country and abide by health surveillance procedures. Additional Information: https://kr.usembassy.gov/022420-covid-19-information/ Drum Cussac Group Limited 9 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:42 (UTC)
Intelligence and Analysis Services
Threat Scale Reference
Threat Rating Implication
The operating environment is benign and there are only isolated threats to business
1 - Negligible
and/or travel.
The operating environment is generally permissive, although there are a limited
2 – Low
number of threats to business and/or travel that requires basic mitigations.
The operating environment is challenging and there are serious threats to business
3 – Moderate
and/or travel that requires some mitigations.
The operating environment is hostile and there are significant threats to business,
4 – High
personal safety and/or travel, requiring comprehensive mitigations and planning.
The operating environment is characterised by pervasive direct threats to business,
5 – Extreme
personal safety and/or travel, requiring strict risk management procedures.
Drum Cussac Group Limited 10 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:42 (UTC)Intelligence and Analysis Services
Disclaimer
Drum Cussac Group Ltd makes no representation, warranties or assurance against risk with respect to the contents or use of this document, and
specifically disclaims any express or implied warranties or usefulness for any particular purpose of this publication. Recommendations made are based on
information available at the time of writing. No express or implied warranty is given in respect of any judgment made or to changes, or any unforeseen
escalation of any factors affecting any such judgment.
Copyright
Copyright 2016 Drum Cussac Group Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express prior consent of Drum
Cussac Group Ltd.
Drum Cussac is a global consultancy delivering intelligence-led, technology-enabled risk, security and crisis management solutions to leading
international organisations. Our specialist operations teams are recognised experts in providing a highly responsive and proactive resource in
challenging and demanding situations.
Drum Cussac Group Ltd info@drum-cussac.com
+44 (0) 1202 802 060 drum-cussac.com
+44 (0) 1202 937 707 (24hr) @DrumCussac
LinkedIn.com/company/drum-cussac
Global Presence Europe | North America | Latin America | Africa | Middle East | Asia and Pacific
Drum Cussac Group Limited 11 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:42 (UTC)You can also read
