SEOUL, South Korea – The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has issued a strong advisory to the travel industry, urging heightened vigilance when planning and operating tours to the Philippines and Cambodia. This directive comes in response to a recent increase in violent crimes, job scams, and detention cases affecting South Korean citizens in these Southeast Asian nations. The Ministry emphasized the need for comprehensive pre-travel information and robust post-incident response systems, particularly as the summer peak travel season approaches.

The cautionary message was delivered during the "2025 First Half Government-Travel Industry Safety Meeting," held on May 27th and presided over by Chung Ki-hong, the government's representative for overseas Korean protection and consular affairs. This inter-agency dialogue underscored the government's commitment to bolstering public-private cooperation to ensure the safety of Korean nationals traveling abroad.

Attendees at the meeting included representatives from the Korea Association of Travel Agents (KATA), major travel agencies, airlines, the Consumer Dispute Resolution Commission, and the General Insurance Association of Korea. Discussions covered a wide range of topics crucial for safe overseas travel, including the political stability and safety information of key countries, trends in overseas infectious diseases and quarantine management, and strategies for strengthening collaboration with the travel industry.

During the session, Representative Chung Ki-hong highlighted the government's ongoing policy and institutional efforts to safeguard Korean travelers. He particularly stressed the critical importance of cooperation from the travel industry, which directly interacts with tourists on the ground. Travel industry officials responded positively, acknowledging the government's provision of practical information and proactive measures. They affirmed their commitment to prioritizing the safety of citizens as the summer vacation season draws near.

MOFA has stated its intention to continue regular communication with the travel industry, aiming to consistently strengthen the collaborative framework for the safe overseas travel of its citizens. This ongoing dialogue is crucial as international travel rebounds and new challenges emerge in various destinations. The Ministry's proactive stance reflects a growing emphasis on consular protection and pre-emptive measures to mitigate risks for South Korean tourists and workers abroad. This includes continuous monitoring of local conditions and providing updated travel advisories as situations evolve.