Seoul mayor assures tourists of city’s safety amid ongoing political turmoil
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According to the city government, the number of foreign tourists visiting Seoul has steadily increased since the Covid-19 pandemic.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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SEOUL - Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon on Feb 4 again moved to assure foreign tourists that the city remains safe, emphasising the municipality’s commitment to safety and openness amid ongoing political turmoil following 2024’s martial law declaration
“Korean society is a resilient one. Political turmoil is being resolved in an orderly manner, and judicial procedures are being carried out with great discipline,” he said during a press conference with foreign media in the South Korean capital on Feb 4.
“As a result, the tourism industry is gaining significant momentum, especially as foreigners recognise the safety of Seoul and have little to worry about when considering visiting Korea.”
According to the city government, the number of foreign tourists visiting Seoul has steadily increased since the Covid-19 pandemic. As at November 2024, 12.12 million foreign visitors had travelled to Seoul, recovering to 95 per cent of the record-high 12.74 million visitors in 2019.
Last week, the world’s largest travel platform, Tripadvisor, listed Seoul as the best city for solo travellers.
This recognition is based on the annual top 1 per cent of destinations worldwide according to traveller reviews and feedback on the platform.
Tripadvisor described Seoul as a city where the past and present blend harmoniously, praised its world-class subway system, and highlighted its well-organised tourism route maps and efficient transport operations, which make urban exploration convenient.
Attributing such achievements to the implementation of the city government’s tourism vision announced in 2023, Mr Oh said it would continue to prioritise creating a tourist infrastructure that is convenient and safe for solo travellers, aligning with the latest travel trends.
He added that Seoul’s public safety and security could be rated as “A+ level”.
“Highlighting these aspects naturally resonates with people. These days, exaggerations and lies are difficult to sustain, as individuals have the means to instantly share their judgments and thoughts with the world in real time. Therefore, even without us establishing a separate promotional plan, (Seoul being safe to travel) will likely be shared and recognised sufficiently,” he told reporters.
According to Mr Oh, an increasing number of foreign travellers enjoy various activities in Seoul, and one of them is hiking.
The city government has been operating the Seoul Urban Hiking Tourism Centre in Ui-dong, Gangbuk-gu, since September 2022. Located near Bukhansan National Park, the centre provides hiking information and related services for local and international tourists.
“Despite being a major metropolis, Seoul boasts many mountains that are easily accessible via public transportation, such as buses and subways,” Mr Oh said.
He also highlighted the city government’s policies, such as the Stepping Stone Income programme, a social welfare initiative that aims to provide financial stability and opportunities for young people and underprivileged citizens, and the Seoul Without Loneliness programme, which was established to address loneliness, isolation and reclusiveness, and 24-hour counselling and service connections for residents in need. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
