Korean Job Discussion Forums

[julian_w]

Standard email text:

"We are monitoring the situation on the Korean Peninsula, and our latest advice is provided in our travel advisory for South Korea: http://safetravel.govt.nz/destinations/southkorea.shtml
The website also has some information about the general kind of consular assistance the New Zealand government provides.

If this travel advisory changed significantly, we would update the travel advisory on that website, and directly inform New Zealanders who had registered their presence in Korea.
If you haven�t already, please think about registering your details: www.safetravel.govt.nz

The safetravel website also has some information about how the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade forms travel advisories, and what levels the advisories can take.
It also has information on preparations New Zealanders should make, such as comprehensive travel and medical insurance."

From www.safetravel.govt.nz./news/index.shtml#sthkorea:

Reminder Message to New Zealanders in South Korea
Posted: 9 April 2013, 9:15 NZTD

Despite current political tensions with North Korea there is no specific information to suggest an imminent threat to the safety of New Zealanders in South Korea. It remains possible that tensions could escalate with little warning. Should the security situation change, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade will review our current Travel Advisory and email those registered on safetravel.

South Korea has a modern, well developed emergency response infrastructure and plans in place for many contingency situations. In any emergency situation New Zealanders should always monitor developments closely and follow instructions issued by local authorities. While the New Zealand Government will do what it can to assist New Zealanders in emergency situations, and the Embassy in Seoul prepares accordingly, New Zealanders living and visiting South Korea must make their own preparations and decisions regarding their safety based on individual circumstances.

As we recommend for New Zealanders in all countries, it is important that you and accompanying family members are prepared for an emergency situation. Some of the measures you may wish to consider include:

- Ensure your passports are up-to-date and have a minimum of six months validity left on them. See the Department of Internal Affairs website for information on applying for a replacement passport.
- If accompanying family members do not travel on a New Zealand passport ensure they have a valid visa for possible onward travel to New Zealand.
- If you have recently had a child overseas, apply for New Zealand citizenship and passport for the child.
- Keep your essential documents in one secure place that is easily accessible to you at all times.
- Check you have comprehensive medical and travel insurance.
- Replace your credit cards if they are about to expire and ensure you have enough credit available to pay for unexpected flights and emergency accommodation.
- Prepare an emergency kit similar to what you would have at home in New Zealand, including cash, food, water, medicines, baby supplies, torches, radios, a backpack, etc.
- Keep your family in New Zealand regularly informed of your plans and well-being.

If you require consular advice and/or assistance please contact the New Zealand Embassy in South Korea - [email protected] or Consular Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Wellington - [email protected].

- See the South Korea travel advisory
- Register/update your details

From http://safetravel.govt.nz/destinations/southkorea.shtml:

South Korea

Reviewed: 04 April 2013, 15:40 NZDT
Still current at: 11 April 2013

Reminder Message to New Zealanders in South Korea
There is some risk to your security in the North-Western Islands (including Yeonpyeong-do, Daecheong-do and Baengnyeong-do) and surrounding waters due to tensions with North Korea and we advise caution.

Relations between South and North Korea are tense and this occasionally results in armed incursions by North Korea into South Korean territory. These incursions are most likely to occur in the North-Western Islands (including Yeonpyeong-do, Daecheong-do and Baengnyeong-do) and surrounding waters.

In November 2010, the North Korean military shelled the North-Western Island of Yeonpyeong-do, killing four people. In March 2010, the North Korean military sank a South Korean warship near the North-Western Island of Baengnyeong-do, resulting in 46 casualities. Further provocations (or reactions) cannot be ruled out.

General travel advice
Tensions on the Korean Peninsula could escalate with little warning so New Zealand visitors or residents are advised to monitor the media to stay informed of any developments and follow any instructions issued by the local authorities. On 4 March 2013, North Korea issued a statement saying it planned to nullify the Armistice Agreement with South Korea.

New Zealanders travelling or living in South Korea should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place.

New Zealanders in South Korea are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, or if already registered, update their details.

[Kiwigoddess]

thanks for that, have been watching to see if Korea was added to the list