Korea alerts
 

We are supposed to traveling to Seoul in mid-May on the AA non-stop DFW-ICN. With all the posturing from the North, we think there are better places to spend the time and take on Seoul at a calmer time.

AA says our cancellation would be subject to the $300 penalty for each ticket. What is the criteria for the airlines to waive the penalty in cases like this? BTW we are ExPlat/Million with AA.

Is anyone else travelling to ICN soon? What's your take?

Thanks

Currently booking a Tokyo/Seoul/Hong Kong business trip at the end of the month. Was hoping to do an extra day in seoul to go to Panmunjom, not sure how open it is or what days to visit.

Really not concerned about north korea, I certainly won't be taking a flak jacket like I do to warzones. I'm more concerned about Fukishima to be honest.

You need to specifically look for a "Panmunjom" tour, though I'd recommend also making sure you see Dora Observatory and 3rd Tunnel.

Iirc, tours can go Tuesday-Saturday, with some dates excepted.

Suppose to fly out next Monday night, LAX-HND-ICN-TPE, getting anxious. Also a connecting flight back at ICN early May.

I have a quick stopover at ICN in December...watching the headlines but not worried at this point.

There was an interesting article about the behavior of the North recently.
Basically, Kim is pissed about the annual joint US and South Korean military exercises but can't do much during the exercises because of the beefed up military firepower.
When the exercise is over after April, that's when Kim strikes back in some sneaky way, being the snake that he is.
So, I'm traveling thru Seoul this month but not too worried about the rhetoric.

Yes, maybe some forward lying islands could and should be avoided but they'll probably be closed for non-residents and/or civilians anyway.

Also a lot to see in more southern parts of SK outside of NK artillery range. ;)

Just actionless threats by NK. You are more likely get hurt from spicy kimchi.

$600 total for penalty to cancel. I hope the airline can waive that fee for you as you both are ExPlat.

Four hour layover in ICN on the 18th. Will be in Seoul April 30-May5. I'm not changing my trip unless missiles land in Seoul, in large numbers.

My friend is currently there for work. He says his hotel is packed with what looks like US military in plain clothes.

We're flying to Seoul on April 14 til April 21.
Getting more anxious each day, especially now that NK has urged foreigners to leave SK.

This is standard NK rhetoric.
You must not take NK verbiage at face value. Most of it is for internal consumption. New (young) leader has to establish his credentials with the hardline military establishment. Watch what the South Koreans do. The SK authorities have made no move(s) indicating that military action is imminent. I have a colleague in Seoul right now: he says the city is going about its normal business; Everyone has heard this NK war-mongering before. That is not to say the North Koreans won't fire off a missile. The South may respond. But North Korea does not want a war. It would lose quickly. The regime in Pyongyang is not stupid: it wants to survive. Also, the Chinese, despite being irritated by North Korea, does not want NK to go away either.

Hi all....advice please..... we have 7-hour layover in Seoul on Friday afternoon (flying KIX-ICN....then ICN-LAX that night)......plan was to take train into Seoul for a few hours...... but what signs or signals should we watch for that would say "stay at the airport"?......concern would be leaving airport, but returning to an airport with much longer security checks, or some type of closure, etc....... thoughts from experienced FTers?

Frankly, I wouldn't worry at this stage.
Read what I wrote in the previous post.
There is no material to the situation on the ground.