HK tourists surprised but unaffected by S Korea power drama

Stacy Shi

Hong Kong tourists in South Korea said they were hardly worried about the power play in the country, with martial law being declared on Tuesday night and then lifted hours later yesterday by President Yoon Suk Yeol.

According to the Travel Industry Authority, about 30 tour groups involving 400 Hongkongers have been confirmed safe and sound and no requests for assistance have been received.

Travel Industry Council executive director Fanny Yeung Shuk-fan told The Standard's sister news outlet Sing Tao Daily that there were no interruptions to flights or travel plans yesterday morning.

Sixteen flights from Hong Kong to Seoul yesterday operated normally and the same is expected for the 17 today.

Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Express and Greater Bay Airlines also announced no changes so far, but will closely monitor the developments and provide updates.

A traveler surnamed Law said she and her family were not worried about the political crisis.

She learned there were some demonstrations early in the morning but said she would stay in hotels if needed to minimize potential risks.

Lok, a Hongkonger who lives in Gyeonggi-do, near Seoul, quoted some locals as saying it was just a political power struggle, though some felt a little anxious, knowing that South Korea came under martial law in 1980.

"But we have already resumed normal routines, including work and school," Lok said, adding the news was fast flowing in the six hours under martial law.

A Korean in Hong Kong said: "We [thought] it was not real. But it was, so we were very surprised.

"About 40 years ago Korea was under a military government, but Korean people pushed for democracy, so we believe that this kind of situation would not last [for long]. We are happy to see that martial law was lifted."

Hongkongers in South Korea or those intending to visit should prioritize their safety, the government said, with the Security Bureau updating the outbound travel alert webpage for Korea, indicating social order there is normal and will monitor the situation.

The Immigration Department said it has not received any request for assistance so far.

Regarding travel insurance coverage, International Professional Insurance Consulting Association chairman Paul Law Siu-hung said many firms will have an exclusion of protection due to a coup d'etat or military operation, as the civil unrest may cover the whole country.

stacy.shi@singtaonewscorp.com

Editorial: Page 8