South Korean martial law turmoil scares off foreign tourists

'Seoul is safe,' mayor says as businesses face canceled bookings

Fewer tourists have been seen in Myeongdong, a shopping destination in central Seoul, since the brief declaration of martial law. (Photo by Nami Matsuura)

NAMI MATSUURA, Nikkei staff writer

December 13, 2024 04:40 JST

SEOUL -- South Korea's short-lived declaration of martial law and the confusion that followed have exacted a heavy toll on the country's tourism, spurring officials to assure foreign travelers that it is safe to visit.

Businesses had just been recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, helped by the South Korean pop culture boom.