Jul 02 2008
South Korean protests over U.S. imported beef turn violent
Protests in South Korea have turned violent. Protestors are demanding that the government renegotiate United States beef imports, that recently began after five years of being forbidden due to an outbreak of mad cow disease.
The U.S. Embassy in Seoul, South Korea, is urging American citizens throughout the Republic of Korea to exercise caution. They are reporting that the protests, which began eight weeks ago, have become more violent in recent days. Police have begun using water cannons and fire extinguishers to stop demonstrators. Police have stated they reserve the right to use tear gas.
So far demonstrations have not been overly anti-American, but citizens are strongly urged to avoid areas of protests and to exercise extreme caution if in the vicinity of demonstrations.
Embassy Seoul Contact Information:
American Citizen Services
U.S. Embassy Seoul
32, Sejongno, Jongno-gu
Seoul 110-710, Korea
Tel: 02-397-4114 (operator available 24 hours a day)
Fax: 02-397-4101
DSN: 721-4114
Website: http://www.asktheconsul.org/
Email: seoul_ACS@state.gov
