Shoppers and tourists during the festive season in Seoul, South Korea. - BILLY
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Despite recent political tensions and protests in South Korea, Brunei Darussalam travellers remain confident in their year-end holiday plans to the country, with no significant disruptions reported.
A Brunei travel agent shared that they have not received any flight cancellations for South Korea amid the political situation.
“Royal Brunei Airlines still maintains its direct flights to Seoul, which means that travel is not affected,” the travel agent said.
Billy, a Bruneian resident travelling to Seoul with his family, expressed initial concerns about the trip but was reassured by contacts in South Korea.
“At first, we were worried about our vacation. Fortunately, my friends in South Korea assured me that everything is normal and safe. People are going about their daily lives, and international tourists are visiting without any issues,” he said.
Having arrived in Seoul on Wednesday (Dec 25), Billy confirmed that the situation on the ground aligns with his expectations.
“Everything is normal. The streets are bustling with festive shoppers, and there are tourists everywhere,” he observed.
South Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-Yul, in a recent joint press conference, highlighted the nation’s strong safety record.
“I ask that you relay back home and to the international audience that Koreans and the 2.7 million expats living in South Korea are going about their daily lives as usual under stable and orderly conditions and South Korea is a completely safe place to visit,” he said.
Meanwhlie, South Korean Minister of Economy and Finance Choi Sang-Mok reassured that South Korea will demonstrate its strong determination to overcome the instability.
“South Korea has navigated political differences in the past. Our constitutional, economic and contingency response systems have functioned effectively to resolve political uncertainties and minimise economic impact.
“We assure that South Korea will get back on track soon supported by the robust and resilient economic system of our country,” he said. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
