Subject: Potential Threat to US Citizens in University Areas

On January 21, 2005, the U.S. Embassy transmitted by e-mail and cell phone notification the following information through the Embassy's warden system as a public service to all U.S. citizens in the Republic of Korea. Please disseminate this message to U.S. citizens in your organizations.

The U.S. Embassy is transmitting the following information through the Embassy's warden system as a public service to all U.S. citizens in the Republic of Korea. Please disseminate this message to U.S. citizens in your organizations.

Recently, inflammatory sexual content was posted to a website for English language teachers in Korea. That posting together with subsequent postings were taken by some to demean Korean women. We have noted recently, strong reaction in the form of web postings threatening attacks in the vicinity of Hongik University and the Sinchon area against Americans and other foreigners who speak English. All Americans and their families (especially young adults) are encouraged to exercise prudence and caution when visiting these neighborhoods. The Embassy advises that inappropriate social behavior in public may be seen as provocative by Korean nationals.

The U.S. Embassy in Seoul will continue to keep the U.S. community informed of any changes in the overall security situation. The Embassy encourages all U.S. citizens to register their presence in Korea with the American Citizens Services (ACS) office at the U.S. Embassy or via the Internet at http://travel.state.gov/travel/abroad_registration.html or http://www.asktheconsul.org/.

American Citizen Services
U.S. Embassy Seoul
32, Sejongno, Jongno-gu
Seoul 110-710, Korea
Tel: 02-397-4114
Fax: 02-397-4101
DSN: 721-4114

http://www.asktheconsul.org/ (English)
http://www.usavisas.org/ (Korean)
e-mail: seoul_acs@state.gov