S'poreans in Seoul calm despite prospect of protests over Yoon verdict

Singaporeans in South Korea appear to be unfazed by the prospect of large demonstrations when the country's Constitutional Court rules on President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment on April 4.

- Sherlyn Sim

Those whom The Straits Times spoke to plan to go ahead with their holiday plans, but some will take precautions, such as taking a day trip out of Seoul.

Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has urged Singaporeans to avoid areas in Seoul where the demonstrations are expected, namely around the Constitutional Court, Gwanghwamun, City Hall, the Presidential Office, the National Assembly and the Presidential Residence in Hannam-dong.

The demonstrations are expected to have an impact on tourists' plans, with cultural sites such as Gyeongbokgung, the National Palace Museum of Korea and National Folk Museum of Korea announcing closures for April 4.

The annual Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival from April 4 to 8 has also been postponed due to the ruling on Mr Yoon's impeachment, as well as to prevent crowd crushes.

The court will decide at 11am local time (10am in Singapore) on April 4 whether to remove Mr Yoon from office over his short-lived bid to declare martial law on Dec 3. He has already been suspended by lawmakers and arrested on insurrection charges.

Graphic designer Sophenia Siew said she and a friend still plan to visit Anguk, home to Bukchon Hanok Village and cafes, on April 3.