Skift Take
Reports say that few locals or tourists are fleeing the country or even considering it under the assumption that North Korea’s threat is more sabre rattling than a call to action.
North Korea has warned foreigners to leave South Korea immediately to avoid being hurt in the event of nuclear war.
The latest threat of conflict was issued via the state-sponsored KCNA news agency and comes as tensions on the Korean peninsula grow by the day.
“We do not wish harm on foreigners in South Korea should there be a war,” said the KCNA news agency, citing its Korea Asia-Pacific Peace Committee.
The escalation in threats of military conflict is fuelled by Pyongyang’s anger over the imposition of UN sanctions after its last nuclear arms test in February.
The sanctions have led to one of the worst humanitarian crises in the country since the end of the Korean War in 1953.
Last week Pyongyang advised embassies there to consider pulling out in case of war.
Earlier today, North Korean labourers failed to turn up for work at a factory complex operated with South Korea, effectively shutting down the last major symbol of cooperation between the hostile neighbours.
Few embassies in Seoul have advised their citizens to quit, however. The United States, which has also been threatened by Pyongyang, has said there were no imminent signs of threats to American citizens.
Pyongyang has shown no sign of preparing its 1.2 million-strong army for war, indicating the threats could be partly intended for domestic purposes to bolster Kim Jong-un, 30, the third in his family to lead the reclusive country.
South Korea's president said she was disappointed at North Korea's d
