Soldiers try to enter the National Assembly building in Seoul after martial law was declared. Photo: JUNG YEON-JE/AFP
New Zealanders in South Korea are being urged to register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade after martial law was declared in the country before being reversed several hours later.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol shocked Koreans and the international community when he made the surprise declaration of martial law during a late night television address.
He later backed down after lawmakers vetoed the move and protests broke out at the National Assembly building in Seoul.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was monitoring the situation closely.
All New Zealanders in South Korea were told to register as being in the country on the Safe Travel website.
"New Zealanders are advised to avoid all demonstrations, monitor the media to keep up to date with developments and follow the advice of local authorities," the spokesperson said.
They said 88 New Zealanders were registered as being in South Korea, 28 of them in Seoul.
"We have not received any request for consular assistance."
A spokesperson for Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said the declaration of martial law was a serious development.
They were monitoring the situation closely and also urged New Zealanders in South Korea to register on Safe Travel.
- RNZ with wires
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