Korea keeps watchful eye on Turkey coup attempt

Seoul's foreign ministry said Saturday it is keeping a watchful eye on the coup attempt in Turkey, adding it has started using its emergency hotline to contact South Koreans and organizations in the country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said its embassy in Turkey will keep close contact with South Korean nationals and has asked them to not venture outside.

The ministry added that they should check local news reports frequently. Travelers are also advised to check possible cancellations of flight schedules, it added.

The Turkish military said Friday (local time) that it has taken full control of the country, although it still remains uncertain whether it succeeded. Around 30 South Koreans are presumed to be stuck at the main airport in Istanbul.

The ministry also plans to hold an emergency meeting on Saturday with officials from other government bodies to discuss the safety of its overseas residents. (Yonhap)