From back in October 2006 . . .
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It said the underground test, done in defiance of international warnings, was a success and had not resulted in any leak of radiation.
A South Korean official said an explosion had been detected in the north-east of North Korea, measuring 3.5 on the Richter scale.
North Korea said last week that it planned to test a nuclear weapon.
South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun has called an emergency meeting of his government's National Security Council.
A South Korean official said that there had been a grave change in the security situation on the peninsula.
Officials in South Korea have been quoted as saying that an explosion was detected in north Hamgyong province in North Korea.
South Korea's Yonhap news agency is reporting that the test took place in Gilju in Hamgyong province.
Prior to the test, there had been speculation that any such trial would take place either in Gilju or Hagap in the centre of the country.
The entire region has been on high alert since North Korea said last week it would conduct a nuclear test.
Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has just arrived in Seoul for a meeting with Mr Roh, following talks on the crisis with his Chinese counterparts in Beijing.
At the Beijing summit, Japanese and Chinese leaders had earlier said that such a test would be considered "unacceptable".
North Korea says it has carried out its first ever test of a nuclear weapon, the state news agency has reported.
Everything considered, and all things being 'equal'--it doesn't hurt to be prepared.
I haven't registered my presence in Korea with the Canadian embassy since 2006 when I did it for the first time (I didn't even know I should do something like that when I first came in 2005). Sitting at my desk with Julianne (she's American) just now she looked totally puzzled about the whole 'register with your embassy' thing and said, "I didn't even know you can do that."
So I've put a bunch of stuff (below) for Canadians to check out (sorry, but Americans will have to look up their own stuff). The problem is it appears that the online registration link that I used in 2006 no longer works, or is having problems of one kind or another . . .
If you know a working link please post it in the comments for this post. I'm sure myself, and any one else who hasn't registered for 2009, would love to know the link and use it rather than having to do whatever the other option is to registering online.
I've sprinkled comments of my own throughout the info below in blue. I hope the info helps people out.
I may just stock up on large bottles of water, cans of tuna, cans of mixed vegetables, candles and matches, batteries for my flashlight, multipacks of ramion (NOT the kind in the large disposable containers), and, of course, chocolate bars!!! I'm actually serious about this. On the EXTREMELY RARE CHANCE THAT ANYTHING ACTUALLY HAPPENS WITH NK it's probably a good idea to have a 30 day supply of water and non-perishable food items in the apartment.
This might sound totally nutbar but I'll take my chances with the name calling over not having food and water in an emergency . . .
At the end of this post you'll find the embassy's "Your Emergency Kit - A Checklist" where it suggests, of many other things, that Canadians,
13. Maintain a 30 day supply of non-perishable food and drinking water in your house should you have to stay put, while awaiting an opportunity to evacuate safely.
I seriously don't believe anything is going to happen in terms of North Korea attacking South Korea during the next 2 weeks while the South Korean forces and US forces are doing their training exercises . . .
And if it something does happen the only thing one can do will be to keep calm, and wait to find out where you're supposed to go to be evacuated (the radio frequencies are listed by region in Korea below).
I'd recommend reading through this entire post if only for the bizarre experience of seeing what governments plan for when something happens and they have to get their citizens out of a foreign country. "The Four Steps of an Evacuation" plan below is rather interesting, and something that we should know regardless of what happens with NK.
Enjoy,
J
UPDATE: Oh yeah, one more thing . . . in case any of you were thinking, like I was, that the Canadian government foots the bill to get us home in an emergency--it ain't gonna happen.
From the info below . . .
"Consequently, all costs associated with your evacuation / repatriation from the
Update 2: I was just re-reading and noticed this (further below in the info),
In order to make our warden network effective, it is important that our registration records be up-to-date. If you change your address, telephone or employer or leave the country, please inform the Consular Section of the Embassy at 02-3455-6000 ext. 3263, or via e-mail at seoul-cs@international.gc.ca, or via the Embassy’s website at www.korea.gc.ca
I guess emailing or calling is the way to go if the link for online registration is no longer up and running . . .
How Canadian Government Offices can Help
Once again, please bear in mind that Canadian government offices are not permitted to become involved in any case, conduct an investigation, or act as lawyers or mediators in any personal, legal or contractual conflicts experienced by Canadian citizens. They cannot investigate, certify or vouch for prospective employers. It is up to each individual to evaluate any employment offer before signing a contract.
The Canadian Embassy in Seoul can, however, assist Canadians in a variety of ways. It offers notarial services, and also provides passport and consular services. It can assist in providing the telephone numbers of various Korean government agencies that you may have to contact. If you do find yourself in need of legal advice, the Embassy can give you a list of attorneys; however, it is unable to recommend any specific lawyer from this list, and the choice of legal representation must be your own decision. Embassy personnel will attempt to respond to all your questions or complaints. Finally, it is advisable for all Canadian citizens in Korea to register with the Embassy. Registration allows Embassy staff to contact you if an emergency or crisis situation arises, or if your family or friends urgently need to get in touch with you. Registration is voluntary, and the information you provide is protected and used in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act. Canadians can also register on-line at: www.voyage.gc.ca/main/sos/rocapage-en.asp.
BE AWARE THAT THE LINK ABOVE IS NOT WORKING--Anybody know a working link for online registration with the Canadian embassy in Korea?
If you have any further questions about teaching English in Korea, please contact the Consular Affairs Bureau at 1-800-267-6788 (in Canada) or (613) 944-6788.
Korea, South - SEOULEmbassy of Canada
Address: 16-1 Jeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul (100-120), Republic of Korea
Postal Address: P.O. Box 6299, Seoul, Republic of Korea, 100-662Korea, South
Tel.: 82-2-3783-6000
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 001-800-2326-6831; 008-800-2326-6831; 002-800-2326-6831
Fax: 82-2-3783-6112
E-Mail: seoul@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.korea.gc.ca
The following info is from an email I got from my "warden"--gee, I never knew that that kind of thing even exists. Wow, the things you learn living and working in Korea.
Dear Fellow Canadian,
Thank you for your registration with the Canadian Embassy, Seoul. We are writing to confirm that as of October 10, 2006 your registration with the embassy has been activated.
The Embassy has a warden network throughout the country in order to facilitate communications between the Embassy and resident Canadians, in the event of a local crisis such as a natural disaster. Wardens allow the Embassy to convey information and advice to Canadians easily and quickly through known channels, particularly in the early stages of a developing crisis situation.
Members of the Canadian community known to the Embassy have been invited to assume the role of warden on a strictly voluntary basis. Wardens have no official status, nor do they receive any remuneration or reimbursement for expenses. Their role is principally to relay information and advice from the Embassy to you, should an emergency situation develop. They also act as a known point of contact between you and the Embassy in the event that you are unable to contact the Embassy directly in an emergency. You and your dependents who are registered with us are enumerated within a particular warden's district. The address and telephone of the warden (and if available deputy warden) of that district are as follows . . . .
. . . .
Please keep this information handy in a safe place close to your telephone for easy reference and attached is a copy of Emergency Evacuation Plan for your information.
In order to make our warden network effective, it is important that our registration records be up-to-date. If you change your address, telephone or employer or leave the country, please inform the Consular Section of the Embassy at 02-3455-6000 ext. 3263, or via e-mail at seoul-cs@international.gc.ca, or via the Embassy’s website at www.korea.gc.ca
IMPORTANT NAMES
1. My Warden is ____________________ , Telephone No. ____________________ .
2. My Deputy-Warden is ____________________ , Telephone No. ______________.
3. The Canadian Embassy is at (02)3455-6000; Consular Section at 3455-6121.
4. The Emergency Operations Centre, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade,
Introduction
** This booklet is meant to acquaint Canadian Citizens in the
** This plan has a single objective: to help you depart from an area of possible danger, i.e. from within the Korean peninsula to points outside, or from a specific area within Korea to another point within Korea. While Canadians should assume responsibility for their own evacuation in the first instance, should that prove difficult, this plan calls for evacuation resources to be arranged by the Canadian Embassy. The plan places responsibility on Canadian citizens to take an active role in preparing for their evacuation.
** The chance that an evacuation might be necessary is rather remote. Still, as elsewhere in today’s world, you should be ever alert to changing circumstances. Should you at any time feel uncomfortable or insecure as the result of a personal assessment of the worsening level of conditions, any decision to depart will be your personal responsibility.
** You are encouraged to observe current events by monitoring media news reports and analysis. The Canadian Embassy conducts ongoing assessments of all matters of concern taking place on the
** If circumstances should change too rapidly for you to be able to leave on your own using commercial transport, this publication will help you to prepare and effect your evacuation to an area of safe haven.
Who is Eligible for Evacuation Assistance?
A person is eligible for Canadian Embassy evacuation
assistance if he or she meets one of the following conditions:
1. The Person holds Canadian citizenship
** Bring your Canadian passport, Canadian birth certificate or Canadian citizenship certificate or card.
Note: Documentation such as a provincial driver’s license, a health card, a Social Insurance Card, or other types of identification issued by various Canadian federal, provincial, or municipal authorities, is not evidence or proof of Canadian citizenship.
2. The Person is the non-Canadian spouse or child of a Canadian citizen
** If you are not in company with your Canadian spouse, or the parent who holds Canadian citizenship, bring your original marriage or full birth certificate, as applicable, and make sure that the document clearly indicates your spouse’s, parent’s or child’s Canadian citizenship.
3. The Person is a Returning resident (i.e. foreign national granted permanent residence in
** You must present documentary evidence, such as a Canadian Immigration visa
(i.e. form-IMM 1000 : "landed immigrants") that confirms that Canadian permanent resident status has been granted.
Your Role in an Evacuation
** You have definite responsibilities in a Canadian Embassy assisted evacuation. While the prospect of an evacuation from
** You will be advised where the nearest assembly points are located, and how to get to them through instructions broadcast on local media channels. The Canadian Embassy cannot provide you with initial transport to your designated assembly point. You must proceed to such points, on your own, by whatever means are available at the time.
** If you decide to join a Canadian Embassy assisted evacuation, you must understand clearly, and follow precisely, the instructions included in this publication. You must agree to comply with those conditions that the Canadian diplomatic or military authorities might need to impose.
** The Canadian Embassy will do its utmost to establish and maintain contact with you by means of its Warden Communications Network. You must monitor closely, the evacuation information and instructions that will also be communicated to you through the local media, in particular AFKN (American Forces Korea Network) radio and television, as well as by means of the international broadcasts of Radio Canada International, the
* Canadian authorities will work to move you away from danger once you report to your designated assembly point (as described above). However, they will only be able to address your most basic needs for shelter, transportation and security. Your assisted evacuation may be carried out by Canadian military transport aircraft or by chartered commercial aircraft, or by ship, to a nearby country of safe haven. Travel and shelter conditions may be severely limited, as will luggage capacity.
The Four Steps of an Evacuation
1. Stand Fast
** In an emergency, when the situation could be dangerous or out of control, the best strategy is often to stand fast in the relative safety of home until conditions are more conducive to safe or protected travel. Under no circumstances should Canadian citizens attempt to reach an assembly or evacuation area until they have heard through official channels (either through the Embassy directly, or through the warden network) that they should do so.
2. Your Assembly
** If and when the Canadian government, in consultation with the Canadian Embassy and its possible evacuation partners (the governments of the United States, Britain and Australia), feels that an evacuation from Korea is warranted, necessary information, direction and instructions will be conveyed to you by various means of communication. First, establish and maintain close contact with your consular warden and / or deputy-warden. At the same time, monitor closely and listen for Embassy instruction messages broadcast by AFKN (American Forces Korea Network) radio and television (Appendix C). Also, if you have a short wave radio receiver, tune in, and listen for information and direction, broadcast over the international broadcast facilities of Radio-Canada International, the Voice of America, the
** When you receive an evacuation call from your warden, deputy-warden or by means of a message broadcast over radio or television, you should :
Collect your family members, along with your emergency kit of food and water rations, supplies and all indispensable documents (refer to appendices A and B) and proceed immediately to the nearest designated assembly point.
** Note that should circumstances permit USFK (United States Forces Korea) assistance to Canadian nationals, at and prior to entry to any American assembly point (i.e. a military facility), you will be asked to establish your eligibility for evacuation by producing identification (refer to page 2, item i, ii and iii) that clearly confirms (1), your Canadian citizenship, (2) your family relationship to a Canadian citizen (i.e. spouse or child), or (3) bona fides as a "Returning Resident."
** Upon admittance to an American assembly point you will be required to complete a registration form providing essential particulars about you and your family for entry into the evacuation movement data processing system. The form may be one provided by the American military, or one supplied by a Canadian Embassy consular official, possibly depending on the location of the validation of your evacuation. Upon completion and acceptance of the form, you will be moved to a staging area for assignment of transportation.
** The Embassy must stress that although a “global agreement” does exist between the Canadian and
3. Your Relocation
** Upon arrival at assembly points, most evacuees can expect to be relocated to evacuation points further south in
** You may well have to rely on the provisions and supplies you have carried in your Emergency Kit (refer to appendix A) and accept any inconvenience and discomfort in return for your safe relocation and evacuation from the peninsula. Movement control personnel at the assembly and evacuation points will attempt to provide you with food rations, a place to rest and medical services, but conditions may be harsh and services extremely limited.
4. Your Evacuation
** Following your arrival at an evacuation assembly point and completion of necessary documentation carried out by a Canadian (or American in the above circumstances) consular officer you will be positioned by movement control personnel for assignment to an evacuation vehicle (i.e. this could be pooled Canadian, American or British military transport aircraft or ship, or chartered commercial craft) for departure to a nearby country of safe haven, where you will be met by Canadian consular officers, possibly assisted by Canadian military movement specialists. They will assist you to arrange your onward transportation back to
** In accordance with accepted international practice and Canadian government policy, all financial assistance rendered to evacuees by the Canadian government is cost recoverable. Consequently, all costs associated with your evacuation / repatriation from the
** At some point during the evacuation operation, when and where circumstances permit, you will be required to complete and sign an Application for Financial Assistance and a Promise to Repay, manifesting your indebtedness to the Government of Canada for expenses incurred by it in effecting your evacuation.
Registration and the Warden Network
** An up-to-date computerized register of Canadians resident in the
** The primary purpose of your registration is to enable the Embassy to communicate with you and all other registered Canadians in a local emergency, in order to ascertain your well being, and to provide you with consular assistance, as required.
** Your registration is not mandatory and constitutes a voluntary act on your part. All resident Canadians, including those in possession of dual citizenship are invited to register with the Embassy. All information that you provide is subject to provisions of the Privacy Act and may be divulged to third parties only under the conditions stated either on the back of the card, or on the Embassy’s website.
** By virtue of being registered, you and your family are included in the Embassy’s Warden Network, operational throughout
Your Special Concerns
Children in School
** Most schools attended by foreign students will suspend classes in times of growing crisis, however, there is a slight possibility that evacuation might be ordered while children are in school. Each school has its own procedures, and parents should be aware of what arrangements have been made for emergencies.
Personal Vehicles
** Your personal motor vehicle may be needed during an evacuation. You may be permitted to drive it from an assembly point to an evacuation point as part of a military escorted convoy. However, you may also be required to abandon your car, or it may be requisitioned by military or civilian authorities under emergency regulations for official use. Do not, under any circumstances, expect to be able to drive your family in your vehicle, alone and unescorted, on the highways during times of crisis. Highway access and use will be strictly controlled by Korean government and military authorities. Convoy travel will be the order of the day. It is a good safety practise, at all times, to never let your car’s gas tank get less than half full, if possible.
Locating Evacuees
** The Canadian Embassy, other Canadian missions and the Task Force at the Operations Centre, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, in
If You Are Evacuated
** One of the most important things you can do, if you are evacuated, is call home as soon as possible to let your friends and family know you are safe.
Appendix A
Your Emergency Kit - A Checklist
** The Embassy recommends that you possess and hold the following items within easy reach, for inclusion in a portable Emergency Kit, in the event that a rapid departure from
Your Essential Food Supplies and Equipment
1. Carry your food, clothing, supplies and equipment in back packs.
1. Pack a minimum 3-day supply of non-perishable, lightweight, high energy, packaged and ready-to-eat food, per person.
2. Bring water canteens (1 litre size), and purification tablets for making water drinkable. Local river water can be made useable by treating it with Clorox bleach, at the rate of one teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water. Treated water should be shaken and then let stand 20 to 30 minutes before using it.
3. Toiletries : including toilet paper, soap, tissues.
4. Pack a 30-day supply of prescribed medicines.
5. If you have an infant or young child, bring a 3-day supply of essentials including baby -food, formula, diapers.
6. Bring sleeping bags or a supply of blankets.
7. Bring appropriate rugged clothing and shoes including rain wear, a protective hat and a warm coat, whatever the weather or season.
8. Bring insect repellent and sun protection lotion (15 UPF min.).
9. Bring a spare pair of eye wear, if necessary.
10. Carry a comprehensive first aid kit and pain relievers.
11. Possess a flashlight and include spare batteries.
12. Carry a portable, multi-band radio and extra batteries.
13. Maintain a 30 day supply of non-perishable food and drinking water in your house should you have to stay put, while awaiting an opportunity to evacuate safely.
Appendix B
Bring Your Money and Important Documents
1. For your emergency use, bring a modest supply of
2. Evacuees should carry their Canadian passports, birth and citizenship certificates or cards, and marriage certificates if applicable. Remember that, in the determination of eligibility for assisted evacuation, it is your responsibility to provide documentary evidence to prove your claim to Canadian citizenship, as well as that of each member of your family accompanying you.
3. Korean residency documents
4. Adoption certificates
5. Wills and powers of attorney
6. Insurance policies and mortgage records
7. Chequebooks
8. Bankbooks and safe deposit box keys
9. Credit cards
10. Traveller’s cheques
11. Family and pet health and immunization records
12. Prescription
13. Social Insurance Card
14. School records
15. Personal address books
16. A list of all assets, debts and contents of safe deposit box
17. A complete household inventory for personal insurance purposes.
18. The address, home and work telephone number of your warden
19. Photocopies of the identification pages of the passports of each family member
20. This Consular Emergency Evacuation Plan booklet.
NOTE: WHETHER OR NOT YOU EVER HAVE TO CONSIDER THE PROSPECT OF ASSISTED EVACUATION BECAUSE OF A MILITARY EMERGENCY OR A NATURAL DISASTER, IT IS A SOUND IDEA TO KEEP
Appendix C
RADIO
RADIO
VOICE OF
RADIO FRANCE INTERNATIONAL http://www.rfi.fr/
Only VOA can be counted upon to broadcast clearly all times. Other International services are often inaudible. In case of emergency, Canadians have to carefully listen to the public broadcasting such as TV and radio, but AFKN should be their first source.
AFKN(American Forces
FM: 102.7 MHz AM: 15.30KHz
AFKN Frequencies in
| Location | Radio | Television
| |
| | FM | AM | |
| Chinhae | 88.5 | 1512 | 2 |
| Chunchon | 88.5 | 1440 | 46 |
| Cheju-Do | | 1512 | |
| Kunsan | 88.5 | 1440 | 49 |
| | 88.5 | | |
| Munsan | 88.5 | 1440 | 19 |
| Osan | 88.5 | 1359 | 49 |
| Pajuri | 88.5 | 1440 | |
| | | 1512 | |
| | 88.1 | 1260 | 2 |
| Pyongtaek | 88.3 | 1440 | 58 |
| | 102.7 | 1530 | 34 |
| | 88.5 | | 12 |
| Tongduchon | 88.3 | 1197 | 49 |
| Uijongbu | 88.5 | 1161 | 58 |
| Wonju | 88.3 | 1440 | 58 |
| Waegwan | 88.3 | 1080 | 49 |
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