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Greetings; I am Hyundong Cho, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the United States.

Last year, as we marked the seventieth anniversary of the linchpin of our bilateral diplomacy, the ROK-US Alliance, we expanded it to become a Global Comprehensive Strategic Alliance, and through "The Washington Declaration," we elevated it to be a 'nuclear-based' military alliance. We also expanded the Alliance by strengthening our cooperation in areas like the economy, science and technology, culture, and intelligence.

Last year President Yoon made four separate visits to the United States, which helped shape the Alliance into an "Alliance in Action Towards the Future,' a vision which involves addressing traditional security threats as well as confronting new global challenges like climate change and advanced technology. Our countries share a commitment to stabilize and diversify supply chains, foster an investment-friendly environment, and enhance cooperation in high-tech areas, including cyber, space, and quantum. In addition, the trilateral cooperation between Korea, the United States and Japan, which we solidified at Camp David last August, is playing a leading role in promoting peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacfic region.

As we build on the Alliance's seventy years of accomplishments, the Embassy is committed to actively engage as a responsible and contributing member of the international community, reflecting our aspiration of becoming a 'Global Pivotal State.'

First and foremost, the Embassy will exert every effort to ensure coordination between Korea and the United States remains airtight by fostering interactions at many different levels. We will also facilitate the institutionalization of Trilateral cooperation between Korea, the United States and Japan.

As North Korea's nuclear and missile capabilities grow, and its unprecedented provocations intensify, we are committed to enhancing our capabilities to jointly address Pyongyang's threats, including by using the effective operationalization of extended deterrence. I will also support our efforts with the United States to achieve the complete denuclearization of North Korea.

Washington D.C. remains at the forefront of economic security and diplomacy. Korean enterprises have significantly increased their U.S. investments, particularly in high tech sectors like batteries, solar, hydrogen, and wind energy. Korean companies achieved a notable milestone in 2023 by registering the highest number of automobile sales in the United States. Remarkably, in December of that same year Korea's monthly exports to the United States surpassed those to China, reasserting the United States as Korea's foremost export destination after two decades. Our robust economic ties with the United States continue to form a resilient foundation for our economy.

The Embassy is committed to navigating the evolving global economic landscape, including dealing with supply chain restructuring and increased competition in the high-tech sector. We will actively engage in addressing emerging challenges and will spare no effort in promoting job creation and strengthening the activities of Korean enterprises.

I am committed to shouldering the responsibility of fostering continuous growth and prosperity in our relations with the United States, including by reinforcing our engagement with the United States Congress, as well as broadening our connections with think tanks and other expert groups. The Embassy will always work diligently towards establishing a robust foundation for the Alliance's continued growth.

In the 120 years since the first Koreans immigrated to the United States, the Korean-American community has evolved into a 2.6 million strong diaspora and a crucial cornerstone of our bilateral relationship. The Korean government inaugurated the Overseas Korean Agency in June 2023, and the Embassy is dedicated to delivering consular services promptly and effectively, protecting the rights and empowerment of the diaspora community.

The trust and friendship between our countries stands stronger than ever. And I, along with the entire Embassy staff, will spare no effort in ensuring the betterment of our bilateral relations.

Ambassador Hyundong Cho

Update April 12, 2024

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“Seoul Edition 23: New Tradition”: BTS V Named Honorary Tourism Ambassador of Seoul 2023

 2,305 total views,  1 views today

Kim Taehyung, also known as BTS V, has been selected as the Honorary Tourism Ambassador of Seoul 2023, adding to the excitement of his upcoming solo album. He will bring the “Seoul Edition 23: New Tradition” theme with the tagline “Seoul My Soul.” Moreover, with the slogan Seoul, “Make It Yours,” V is promoting and representing Seoul as a place worth visiting for you to come to Seoul.

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“Seoul Edition 23: New Tradition”: Seoul Tourism Announces BTS’ V as the Honorary Tourism Ambassador of 2023

Bts v chosen as the honorary tourism ambassador of seoul 2023.

On August 21, Visit Seoul’s official social media accounts unveiled the poster featuring BTS V as the Honorary Tourism Ambassador of Seoul. The captivating caption “V of BTS| The Honorary Tourism Ambassador of Seoul” and the enticing slogan “Seoul, Make It Yours” are set to entice numerous fans and travel enthusiasts to visit the city.

Seoul, Make It Yours #SEOULEDITION23 #V of #BTS #SeoulMySoul #Seoul #VisitSeoul #VisitSeoulTV pic.twitter.com/qm1NqBLgb9 — Visit Seoul (@VisitSeoul) August 21, 2023

Moreover, they released another intriguing poster, “Seoul Edition 23 Content Lineup,” on August 22. Visit Seoul’s “Seoul Edition 23: New Tradition” campaign, featuring a new content timeline starring V from BTS. Starting from August 23, they will release a new episode every week that showcases the vibrant essence of Seoul.

Seoul Edition 23 Content Lineup

From Gyeongbokgung Palace to Namsan Tower, BTS V will take you to the city’s attractions, culture, and vibrant lifestyle for local and international audiences.

Are you ready to leave for Seoul with V from BTS?! Check out new content from the Seoul Edition 23 campaign, starring V! 📅 From August 23, Visit Seoul will premiere a new weekly episode that captures the colorful essence of Seoul. pic.twitter.com/oDyA53aVe9 — Visit Seoul (@VisitSeoul) August 22, 2023

The premiere of “Seoul Edition ‘23: New Tradition” is scheduled for Friday, September 1. This documentary explores the unique blend of history and modernity in Seoul, making the city truly captivating.

Meanwhile, “Seoul Edition ‘23: Nature in the City” will premiere on Friday, September 8. It will showcase the harmonious relationship between the city and nature.

To stay updated with all the episodes and the latest information, you can follow Visit Seoul on their social media channels. They have an official YouTube channel called VisitSeoul TV . By tuning in, you’ll be able to experience the city through V’s perspective and get a closer look at the various aspects that make Seoul special.

BTS V’s New Solo Album “Layover”

V, a member of the globally popular Kpop group BTS, has been making waves in the music and fashion industries. BTS V will release his highly anticipated first solo album , “Layover,” on September 8.

The singer has already released two pre-released tracks leading up to the album release, creating excitement among fans. On August 21, he unveiled a teaser for the album’s third track, Blue, further increasing anticipation for its release.

From picturesque landscapes to hidden gems and cultural adventures, follow KoreaTravelPost’s  Twitter ,  Facebook ,  Instagram ,  LinkedIn , and  Flipboard  for a thrilling journey through the heart of Korea.

More to read:

• New and Exciting Bingsu Flavors to Cool You Down This Summer
• Top 4 Things to Do in Nami Island, South Korea
• Exploring the Best Stationery Stores in Seoul, South Korea: Your Ultimate Guide
• The Ultimate K-Pop Shopping Guide in Seoul
• The Ultimate Summer Essentials Guide for Your Korean Adventure

 2,306 total views,  1 views today

Jessica is dynamic mom-blogger and journalist who is passionate about Kpop, Kdramas, and variety shows. She eagerly explores the vibrant world of Korean entertainment and immerses herself in all things about South Korea, exploring its vibrant culture with unwavering enthusiasm.

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• Ambassador Katherine Tai to Travel to Paris, France
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October 29, 2021

WASHINGTON – United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Deputy United States Trade Representative Sarah Bianchi will travel to Tokyo, Seoul, and New Delhi to meet with government officials and stakeholders to discuss the enduring U.S. commitment to the Indo-Pacific region and to strengthen trade and economic relationships with key allies and partners.

On Monday, November 15, Ambassador Tai and Ambassador Bianchi will arrive in Tokyo, Japan.   On Thursday, November 18, Ambassador Tai and Ambassador Bianchi will travel to Seoul, South Korea.   On Monday, November 22, Ambassador Tai and Ambassador Bianchi will arrive in New Delhi, India.   Ambassador Tai and Ambassador Bianchi will return to Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, November 24.   Additional details on specific meetings will come at a later date.

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‘Only in Rio’: South Korea’s ambassador to Brazil is an unlikely samba star

Lim Ki-mo first heard Brazilian music 50 years ago in his home town of Busan; now his consular crooning marks a triumph of soft power

Brazil’s latest music sensation grinned from ear to ear as he moseyed down Copacabana beach contemplating his unusual rise to fame.

“Samba brings me joy and makes me happy,” the 59-year-old crooner said in Portuguese, as he paused to pose for photos in the shade of palm trees.

The entertainer in question isn’t your average Rio samba star. In fact, he’s a South Korean diplomat from a very different seaside metropolis on the other side of the globe. But Lim Ki-mo, Korea’s Busan-born ambassador to Brazil, has sung his way to stardom since being posted to the South American country three years ago, with a series of viral performances in which he has belted out Brazilian hits.

This week, Lim’s singing career hit new heights as he took the stage at one of Rio’s most illustrious samba spots, Renascença Clube, to perform with one of its top samba groups. Hundreds of samba connoisseurs threw their hands in their and danced euphorically as Seoul’s man in Brasília sang tracks by the legendary composer Adoniran Barbosa and the chart-topping combo Grupo Revelação.

“The crowd went berserk,” said Gabriel Cavalcante, the singer who invited ambassador Lim to perform with his group, Samba do Trabalhador .

Footage of the diplomat’s impassioned presentation exploded on social media with critics giving him a unanimous thumbs-up. “His performances … are filled with emotion and energy,” enthused the Rio broadsheet O Globo.

Cavalcante said the weekly jam session had hosted a who’s who of samba greats since its foundation nearly 20 years ago including Almir Guineto, Beth Carvalho, Nelson Sargento, Monarco and Arlindo Cruz. Never before had an ambassador been invited on stage.

“He was in ecstasy,” the sambista said. “[People might say], ‘Damn, this ambassador is bonkers.’ But he’s a true diplomat,” Cavalcante added of the South Korean’s soft power triumph.

Lim is not the first ambassador to try his hand at singing diplomacy in South America. The US envoy to Paraguay, James Cason, once released an album in the Indigenous language Guarani, although reviews were distinctly mixed .

Brazil’s foreign service once employed one of the country’s most celebrated composers, the bossa nova creator Vinicius de Moraes, although he was ejected by the military dictatorship before receiving a posthumous ambassadorship in 2010. Brazil’s current ambassador in London, a pianist called Antonio Patriota, makes records under the pseudonym Tonio de Aguiar . His latest album features a samba called Next Year’s Carnival performed by the samba singer João Cavalcanti.

Lim’s unlikely path to samba celebrity begins more than 11,000 miles to Rio’s east in South Korea’s second city, Busan, where he was born in 1965.

His first taste of Brazilian music came as a boy, when he heard The Girl from Ipanema on the radio. But only five decades later – after stints in China, Switzerland, Guatemala, Mexico, Argentina, the US and Jamaica – would the music-loving emissary secure a posting in Brazil.

While chargé d’affaires in Kingston, Lim offered a glimpse of his vocal talents, dressing up as Bob Marley to perform No Woman, No Cry. “It was on the front page of all the newspapers,” the ambassador said. But it was in Brazil that the diplomat found his true calling. After arriving in 2021, he developed an affection for Brazilian country music – known as música sertaneja – which reminded him of the Korean genre trot .

It was a grim time for Latin America’s biggest democracy. The science-denying far-right leader Jair Bolsonaro occupied the presidency. A Covid outbreak that would kill more than 700,000 people was running riot. “The social atmosphere was quite gloomy,” Lim said. “When I made a speech, nobody listened.”

So the east Asian envoy hatched a plan: he would sing Brazilian pop songs at events in the hope of lifting people’s spirits while simultaneously changing outdated perceptions of his own region, which generally revolved around North Korea’s nuclear threat, the Korean war and an excessively strict education system. “When I started singing, people really laughed, smiled and were happy. So they asked me to continue,” he said.

Having made headlines with his viral country performances , the ambassador dived into samba, after becoming fascinated by lyrics he considered spiritual and philosophical. Late last year he performed a song by the group Raça Negra with Rio’s samba-loving mayor , Eduardo Paes, and cavorted on stage with the singer Luiz Carlos.

A few weeks later at Rio’s carnival he was introduced to Cavalcante, who invited him to visit the Renascença Clube. “You may sing a song,” the ambassador remembers the sambista telling him. “Oh, really?” the ambassador replied.

On Monday, the Korean diplomat made his way to the club to perform with Samba do Trabalhador, whose members include the composer Moacyr Luz and Junior de Oliveira, the percussionist grandson of the samba legend Silas de Oliveira. Lim calmed his nerves with the help of five Brazilian beers.

“[I] want the world to see Korea as a pleasant, happy and humorous country,” the ambassador said – a mission the overwhelmingly positive public reaction suggested he accomplished.

“Bloody hell,” said Cavalcante . “I don’t think there could be anything more improbable in the world than an ambassador – a South Korean authority! – turning up at a Monday samba session, drinking five beers and asking for the microphone … Only in Rio. There’s just nowhere else on Earth where this would happen.”

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Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to South Korea.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

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Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to South Korea. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to South Korea.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Japanese Encephalitis

Recommended for travelers who

• Are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live
• Spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis
• Frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis

Consider vaccination for travelers

• Spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets
• Going to areas with Japanese encephalitis who are uncertain of their activities or how long they will be there

Not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese encephalitis season. 

Japanese encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine for US Children

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of South Korea take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for South Korea.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

South Korea is free of dog rabies. However, rabies may still be present in wildlife species, particularly bats. CDC recommends rabies vaccination before travel only for people working directly with wildlife. These people may include veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers working with specimens from mammalian species.

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

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Learn more about tick-borne encephalitis at your destination .

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Yellow Fever

Required if traveling from a country with risk of YF virus transmission and ≥1 year of age. 1

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Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Airborne & droplet, avian/bird flu.

• Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets
• Avoid domestic and wild poultry
• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in South Korea, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the  Department of State Country Information Pages  for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Although South Korea is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in South Korea include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately.  Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
• Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call South Korea’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

Malaria is a risk in some parts of South Korea. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Make sure there are seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in South Korea, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for South Korea for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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3 North Korean refugees share stories of terror, perseverance in US tour that stops at SMU

Grace Kang remembers hearing screams coming from a room where her mother was being interrogated by Chinese border patrol.

“I closed my eyes and covered my ears, angry and terrified of the soldiers with guns on their hips,” Kang recalled Monday.

Kang, her mother and grandmother were caught by Chinese border patrol while they were trying to flee North Korea to avoid starvation, she said. Kang was released by authorities and allowed to stay in China because of false identification her mother obtained. After living in China for several years without legal immigration status, she reunited with her family and in 2007 moved to South Korea.

“We refused to let death take us,” she said to a crowd of about 100 people at Southern Methodist University.

Kang was among a panelist of three North Korean women who shared stories of how they left the despot-led isolationist country. The panel was part of “A Path to Peace: The Hopeful Hearts of North Korea,” an event to raise awareness of the situation in North Korea.

According to South Korea’s Ministry of Unification , more than 34,000 North Korean defectors entered South Korea as of December.

Bella Ha, 21, shared how she grew up indoctrinated by North Korean propaganda.

“When my mother suggested that I join her in China, where she had escaped to three years prior, I called her a traitor,” Ha said.

When Ha was 9 years old, her mother arranged for a broker to take her to China. Her father got her a new jacket and snow boots for the trip.

“I couldn’t have imagined that those moments together would be our last,” she said.

Six months after escaping to China in 2011, Ha came to South Korea with her mother. She recalled how she was able to sing songs and watch cartoons that weren’t about the Kim regime. Through movies, she learned about friendship, romance, heartbreak and hope.

“This was a world that was free,” Ha said. “This was the world the North Korean regime hadn’t wanted me to see.”

Lily Jo, 23, spoke about the lack of health care in North Korea. Her older sister had a life-threatening experience instead of, what should have been, a safe and simple procedure for appendicitis. She recalled how her “helplessness ached like an open wound.”

“Seeing my family in pain but being unable to provide them with what they need made me feel powerless,” Jo said. “I wanted to help the people I loved, but didn’t have the resources or the ability to do so.”

All three women are part of Liberty in North Korea’s advocacy fellow program. The international nonprofit helps North Korean refugees share their personal experiences and humanize people who live under the Kim regime.

Jo, who attends Korea University, is the president of a North Korean human rights organization at her college in South Korea. Ha, a second-year student studying political science and diplomacy at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, said she wants to go to law school and improve the legal system in South Korea. Kang is the CEO of “For Legacy,” a startup company that provides online memorial services for people who defected from North Korea.

Since early April, the trio has been traveling to different parts of the U.S. to share stories of escaping from North Korea at a young age. Before Dallas, they spent time in Atlanta and Los Angeles. They will be going to Waco later this week.

This was the first time in the U.S. for all three women.

“I’m an only child,” Kang said in Korean during an interview with The Dallas Morning News conducted through an interpreter. “I feel like I found two lost sisters.”

Reliving their trauma hasn’t been easy, but the women said they recognize the importance of their perspectives.

Monday evening was the second time Liberty in North Korea held the “Path to Peace” event at SMU, said Jihoon Choi, who is a liaison for the organization. Choi organized the event for the first time last year, when he was a senior at SMU and the president of the campus’ Liberty in North Korea chapter.

“I really saw that students and other Americans were really passionately listening to our stories,” Kang said.

©2024 The Dallas Morning News. Visit dallasnews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Ukraine-Russia war latest: Macron explains at what point he'd send troops to Ukraine; children injured in guided bomb attack

A Russian ballistic missile struck a postal depot in the Ukrainian port of Odesa and injured 14 people. Meanwhile, drone attacks have targeted Russian energy infrastructure, according to officials. Listen to a Daily podcast on whether the UK should send troops to Ukraine as you scroll.

Thursday 2 May 2024 16:20, UK

• Macron explains at what point he would send troops to Ukraine
• Six children among injured in Russian strike
• 'Large fire' in Ukrainian port city after missile strike
• Drone attacks 'damage Russian energy infrastructure'
• Russia claims victory over Ukrainian village - reports
• Analysis: Will US aid help turn tide on Russia?
• Your questions answered: Why can't Ukraine destroy key Crimean bridge?
• Listen to the Sky News Daily above and  tap here  to follow wherever you get your podcasts
• Live reporting by Lauren Russell

That's it from our live coverage for today - thanks for following along. 

Before we go, here is a quick reminder of today's updates: 

• French President Emmanuel Macron said he would consider sending troops to Ukraine if Russian troops broke through the frontline
• Ukrainian workers picked through the ruins of a postal depot destroyed in a Russian attack yesterday, which set off a large fire
• At least six children and an adult were injured in a Russian guided bomb attack in Kharkiv 
• Sweden saw a surge in cyber attacks as it moved towards NATO membership, analysis found
• Russia said it had seized control of the village of Berdychi in eastern Ukraine.

The Ukraine war is unlikely to end anytime soon, the top US intelligence official has predicted. 

Avril Haines, director of national intelligence, said that Vladimir Putin sees domestic and international developments going in his favour, making it likely he will press on with actions in Ukraine. 

"Putin's increasingly aggressive tactics against Ukraine, such as strikes on Ukraine's electricity infrastructure, are intended to impress Ukraine that continuing to fight will only increase the damage to Ukraine and offer no plausible path to victory," she said.

"These aggressive tactics are likely to continue and the war is unlikely to end anytime soon."

It comes as the White House said it remains "deeply concerned" that it is not seeing China make any changes with helping Russia's military - after concerns raised by US secretary of state Antony Blinken.

During a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and senior Chinese officials last week, Mr Blinken said: "Fuelling Russia's defence industrial base not only threatens Ukrainian security, it threatens European security.

"Russia would struggle to sustain its assault on Ukraine without China's support."

Mr Blinken did not elaborate on how the US would address the matter if China continues to help Russia, but today White House spokesperson John Kirby said imposing further sanctions on Russia and North Korea is not off the table.

Sweden's succession to NATO prompted a surge in Russia-linked cyber attacks that not only targeted the Swedish nation but also other countries including the US and Ukraine, according to new analysis.

NetScout says it observed a "massive shift" in distributed-denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks as Sweden worked towards joining the alliance after over two centuries of neutrality.

Note: DDoS refers to when attackers flood a server or network with excessive traffic that it is unable to process fast enough.

NetScout says Swedish government infrastructure was targeted in such an attack in May 2023, with the attacks "strengthening" throughout last year and into 2024 as the country achieved NATO succession after a nearly two-year wait, the firm said. 

There was an "onslaught" in February when Sweden's foreign minister hinted at Hungary dropping its objection to Stockholm becoming part of NATO, it said.

Attacks peaked on 4 March this year, three days before Sweden officially joined the alliance, with 2,275 recorded in a single day.

An investigation by NetScout found that the "likely culprits" of the DDoS attacks were Russia-supporting cyber groups which it described as "politically motivated".

Russia-linked groups have been behind a number of cyber attacks since the war began. One of the most dramatic saw services provided by Ukraine's biggest telecoms operator knocked out for days for some 24 million users.

At least six children and one adult have been injured after Russian guided bombs hit Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region.

The bombs struck civilian infrastructure and private houses, injuring at least six children and one adult, local officials said.

Houses and civilian infrastructure in the town of Derhachi - a frequent site of Russian aerial strikes - was damaged due to the strike.

"Two of the children received minor injuries to their limbs, and four - moderate injuries," regional governor Oleh Synehubov said on Telegram.

Kharkiv, which lies about 30km from the border with Russia, and the surrounding region have long been targeted by Russian attacks but the strikes have become more intense in recent months, hitting civilian and energy infrastructure.

Moscow denies deliberately targeting civilians.

Ukrainian troops on the frontline have said ammunition shortages mean it is a "luxury" if they shoot 30 shells a day.

A commander manning a US-supplied M777 howitzer artillery gun close to Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region said the number of shells fired daily was sometimes in single digits.

Parts of the Ukrainian military are swiftly running out of ammunition or simply do not have the shells they need to suppress Russian attacks that have recently ramped up, particularly in the east.

"If we compare it with the beginning [of the full-scale invasion], when we fired up to 100 shells a day, then now, when we fire 30 shells it's a luxury," commander Oleksandr Kozachenko said.

Russian attacks 'unpredictable'

Ukrainian officials believe that Moscow wants to seize the eastern city of Chasiv Yar by 9 May, when the Russians celebrate Victory Day.

If they succeed, it would place some of the largest Ukrainian-held cities in the Donetsk region within artillery range, according to military analysts from Black Bird Group - a group of volunteers in Finland.

Troops describe Russian attacks in the region as steady but often unpredictable.

Mr Kozachenko and his unit are now waiting for a fresh influx of ammunition from the US aid package that was approved last week.

French President Emmanuel Macron has said he would consider sending troops to Ukraine if Russian troops broke through the frontline.

The president said it would also be a possibility if Ukraine turned to the French government for help - but stressed that currently there is no consensus between Ukraine and France on this issue.

Speaking to The Economist, Mr Macron said: "I have a clear strategic goal: Russia cannot win in Ukraine. If Russia wins in Ukraine, there will be no security in Europe."

He called Russia "a threat to the security of Europeans" and France would have to "in any case" ask itself the question of sending its troops if they went ahead with a further offensive.

It is the second time Mr Macron discussed sending troops to Ukraine after saying "we cannot exclude anything," in a meeting of Kyiv's partner countries back in February.

It's been around a year since Ukraine was in final preparations for its much-touted spring counteroffensive against Russia.

The aim was to breach Russian lines and recapture large swathes of occupied territory. But despite a surge in military support from the West, the counteroffensive did not live up to expectations and Ukraine failed to push back Russian forces. 

Our military analyst, Sean Bell , says Ukraine has provided an "incredibly robust defence" since then, but a long delay by US Congress in passing a multi-billion dollar aid package for Kyiv has "taken its toll".

"Ukraine has lost ground on the frontline and Russia has momentum, which has impacted Ukrainian morale and cost lives," he explains.

So will the US decision to provide $60bn of military aid turn the tide in Ukraine's favour? This is among the topics discussed by Bell in this week's Red Matrix podcast .

Russia could make advances this summer

Momentum is vital in warfare, Bell says, and Russia has plenty of this after capitalising on Ukraine's much-publicised shortage of weapons to target its energy infrastructure, cities and the frontline.

Despite heavy Russian casualties, Bell says Vladimir Putin will want to seize the window of opportunity to inflict more losses on Ukraine "before US military aid can be brought to bear".  

"Many military analysts believe that Russian advances in key sectors of the frontline look likely to be repeated this summer as there is increasing evidence that Russia is preparing for a large-scale summer offensive," he says.

Putin's long game

Mr Putin is preparing for a long war which will eventually see Western support for Ukraine wane, Bell says.

"Russia has more soldiers, has tripled the size of its defence industrial base to create a sustainable supply of weapons... and can fund the war through huge and sustainable oil revenues," he explains.

Ukraine, meanwhile, is "critically dependent" on Western aid. 

Despite the contrast in military might, Bell doesn't anticipate a strategic Russian breakthrough - with Moscow's battlefield success "not a foregone conclusion".

He points to recent comments from Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who said Western allies can defend Ukraine in the same way they defended Israel from a recent Iranian attack.

"Why not afford Ukraine the same level of support?" says Bell.

Western hesitation emboldens Putin

The West "has the military might to stop Russia's invasion in its tracks", says Bell, but has so far been deterred by escalating Russian rhetoric.

But longer it "tolerates" Russia's actions, the more emboldened Mr Putin will become, making him a "more dangerous threat to the West in the coming years", he adds.

Regardless of the US's huge military aid package for Ukraine, Mr Zelenskyy and his forces look to be in for a "very difficult spring and summer", Bell says.

This weekend (Sunday 5 May) Ukrainians will celebrate Easter.

As part of the religious holiday Easter cakes will be sent to troops on the frontline. 

Some Ukrainian soldiers attended a church service in Kyiv where all the cakes were blessed by clergymen before being sent to those fighting.  

More than 900 packages worth almost 3m hryvnias (£60,000) were destroyed in a Russian missile strike on a postal depot last night. 

Earlier we reported that 14 people had been injured after the strike in the city of Odesa.

Regional governor Oleh Kiper said a large fire had also broken out as a result. 

In a post on Facebook , the postal company said there were a total of 904 packages waiting to be delivered in the warehouse that was destroyed. 

"Not only our depot and branch was destroyed by the Russian rocket, but also 15.5 tons of your orders from online stores with clothing, appliances, kids toys, treats for pets, medicines, parcels with care for family members," it wrote. 

It said it had started to call affected customers who will receive a full refund. 

Russia used more than 300 missiles, around 300 Shahed-type drones and over 3,200 guided bombs to attack Ukraine in April, according to Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Writing on the Telegram messaging app, Mr Zelenskyy said cities and communities around the country "suffer every day and every night from this deliberate and vile terror".

He added that only the "force of Ukraine's air defences, the force of the soldiers who hold the frontline and the force of the unity of the world" can stop Russian aggression. 

Mr Zelenskyy has continually asked allies for more air defence systems to protect against Russian strikes - especially Patriot air defence launch systems or the French SAMP/T system. 

Both the US and Germany have agreed to send Patriot defence systems, which White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said at the start of the week should reach the frontlines "soon".

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