Americans warned on S. Korea

A travel advisory posted July 20 by the U.S. State Department at its www.state.gov travel information section has been confirmed. The advisory warns all U.S. citizens residing or traveling in South Korea to be on a heightened sense of alert, as there have been incidents of random attacks involving Americans.

Such a public announcement by the United States underlies its recognition of the anti-American sentiment that has been building in connection with the Status of Forces Agreement revision negotiation and the Maehyang-ri incident. In the past, the U.S. State Department has issued such warnings when it felt the safety of its citizens was jeopardized by terrorist or other similar attacks.

"There have been several random attacks in recent weeks involving Americans," the advisory states. "American citizens visiting the Itaewon district and market areas in Korea should stay alert, keep a low profile, avoid large crowds, travel in groups to the extent possible, avoid confrontations with vendors, and report suspicious activities to the police. U.S. citizens planning to visit South Korea are advised to consult the Department of State`s Consular Information Sheet (CIS) for South Korea before commencing travel."

A source in the Korean government, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed concern about the posting.

"While there has been a few incidents involving violence against Americans, to have such advisory posted where not only Americans but the whole international community turns its eyes would be a detriment to Korea`s image," he said.

Cha Seung-Ryul, executive manager of the Citizen`s Action Committee Against the Unfairness of the SOFA Revision, lashed out against the United States, saying, "Their action reveals plainly their misguided ideology, which writes off the Korean people`s interest in the right to live decent lives as `reckless anti-Americanism.` It would not be advisable for the U.S. to deceive or cheat the voices of people calling out for a fairer U.S.-Korean relationship."