North Korea

Since it's been the headline on the news for awhile now, I'll just take the time to let everyone know what's going on over here in South Korea. Barely any South Koreans are freaking out. When I survey my students at school about the threat, they all joke that North Korea's missiles couldn't hit the broadside of a barn. I've only met 1 or 2 South Koreans that admit there could be war, and they say if there is war it'll be over in a day or 2.

Apparently North Korea issued similar threats about 20 years ago and many South Koreans freaked out and stockpiled resources getting ready for war, but nothing happened. That's why this time they are not taking it seriously. Obviously it'll come to a head someday, but hopefully not anytime soon. I've attached an email sent out by the US Embassy in Seoul. It will make you feel better to know that I am registered with the embassy, and should anything happen, they know where I am and will contact me pronto.

Email from the US Embassy in Seoul:

The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that despite current political tensions with North Korea there is no specific information to suggest there are imminent threats to U.S. citizens or facilities in the Republic of Korea (ROK). The Embassy has not changed its security posture and we have not recommended that U.S. citizens who reside in, or plan to visit, the Republic of Korea take special security precautions at this time. The U.S. Embassy takes as its highest priority the welfare of American citizens in Korea. Should the security situation change, the Embassy will issue updated information.

We urge U.S. citizens to keep in regular contact with family and friends. U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), to receive the latest travel updates and information and to obtain updated information on travel and security issues. We encourage you to read the Emergency Preparedness Section of the Embassy website. You can also get global updates at the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website where you can find the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warning, Travel Alert, and Country Specific Information. Follow us on Twitter and the ACS Seoul page on Facebook as well, or you can download our free Smart Traveler App, available through iTunes and the Android marketplace to have travel information at your fingertips. U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, U.S. citizens make
it easier for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.
Travel information is also available at http://travel.state.gov/. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-888-407-4747 FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-202-501-4444 FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting. These numbers are available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Monday through Friday, Eastern Time (except U.S. federal holidays).
For information on "What the Department of State Can and Can't Do in a Crisis," please visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs' website at http://travel.state.gov/. For further information on specific countries, U.S. citizens should consult the Country Specific Information pages, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings at http://travel.state.gov/ as well as the Worldwide Caution. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs' page on Facebook as well.

Embassy Contact Information
American Citizen Services
U.S. Embassy Seoul
188, Sejongdae-ro, Jongno-gu
Seoul 110-710, Korea
- or -
American Citizen Services
U.S. Embassy, Seoul
Unit #9600
DPO AP 96209
Tel: 02-397-4040 (Passport Inquiry line)
Tel: 02-397-4114 (All other services)
Fax: 02-397-4080
DSN: 721-4114
English: http://www.asktheconsul.org/
E-mail: seoulinfoacs@state.gov