The UK has called for a “peaceful resolution” to the crisis in South Korea after the country’s president attempted to impose martial law on Tuesday.

Foreign Office minister Catherine West said the UK was “deeply concerned” by Yoon Suk Yeol’s decision to suspend parliament and ban political gatherings amid an ongoing struggle with the main opposition party.

Mr Yoon’s declaration of martial law was criticised by both his opponents and members of his own party, and less than three hours later the South Korean parliament voted to lift the declaration.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on a state visit to the UK
President of South Korea Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law late on Tuesday (Kin Cheung/PA)

The president said he would abide by the National Assembly’s decision and lift martial law.

Ms West said the British embassy in Seoul was monitoring the situation and remained in touch with South Korean authorities.

She added: “We call for a peaceful resolution to the situation, in accordance with the law and the constitution of the Republic of Korea.

“British nationals in South Korea should continue to monitor and follow FCDO travel advice.”

In an update to its travel advice on Tuesday, the Foreign Office warned British nationals to “follow the advice of local authorities” and “avoid political demonstrations”.

Mr Yoon’s declaration follows the South Korean president’s ongoing dispute with the opposition Democratic Party, which retained its majority in the country’s parliament at elections in April.

In a televised address, the president accused the opposition of being sympathetic to North Korea, and said martial law would help “rebuild and protect” the country from “falling into the depths of national ruin”.

He said: “I will eliminate anti-state forces as quickly as possible and normalise the country.”

National Assembly employees spray a fire extinguisher towards soldiers at the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea
National Assembly employees spray a fire extinguisher towards soldiers at the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea (Cho Da-un/Yonhap via AP)

As well as banning political gatherings, the declaration of martial law ordered an end to a long-running doctors’ strike, and said anyone violating the terms of the decree could be arrested and detained without a warrant.

But National Assembly speaker Woo Won Shik branded the declaration “invalid” following the parliamentary vote to lift martial law.

Police officers and soldiers who had been blocking access to the parliament building were seen leaving after Mr Woo called for them to withdraw.

Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung said his legislators would remain in the building until the president formally lifted the order, pledging to “protect our country’s democracy and future… with our lives”.

Mr Yoon said he would lift martial law following a cabinet meeting due to be held a few hours after the vote.