Korea issues travel advisory after latest coup attempt in Bolivia

People cover their faces while demonstrators face members of Bolivia's military, as Bolivia's President Luis Arce "denounced the irregular mobilization" of some units of the country's army, in La Paz, Wednesday (local time). Korea has issued a travel advisory for Bolivia after a short-lived attempted coup there, urging Korean residents and tourists in the South American country to take extra saftey precautions. Reuters-Yonhap

Korea issued a travel advisory Thursday for Bolivia after a short-lived attempted coup there, urging Korean residents and tourists in the South American country to take extra precaution to stay safe.

This warning comes after an apparent failed coup attempt erupted Wednesday (local time) in Bolivia, where armored vehicles rammed into the doors of the government palace in the capital La Paz. Juan Jose Zuniga, the former army chief behind the rebellion, was arrested on suspicion of sedition.

Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the current state of Bolivia as “highly unstable,” with tensions still brewing in the city streets between supporters of President Luis Arce and protesters.

“The military forces behind the armed rebellion have retreated, but the dangers remain out there. We advise our citizens, including travelers, to refrain from visiting the central area, at which the presidential palace and Plaza Murillo are situated, and pay particular attention to safety,” the ministry said in a statement.

It also called for Korean visitors to be kept appraised of news regarding the situation and contact mission offices in case of emergency.

Bolivia, a country of 12 million people, has a long history of political instability. Reportedly, there have been more than 190 coup attempts and revolutions in the country since it declared its independence in 1825.