Ministry says don’t go to Bali now

Check-in counters for Garuda Indonesia Airline at Incheon International Airport are empty on Monday after the Mount Agung volcano started spewing plumes of smoke and ash last week. [YONHAP]

South Korea’s foreign ministry advised its nationals Monday to refrain from visiting Indonesia’s resort island of Bali, as the Southeast Asian nation has raised the volcano alert on the island to the highest level.

The volcano at Mount Agung has been spewing plumes of smoke and ash since last week, raising fears that an eruption is imminent, according to foreign media reports.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that flights linking Bali and Incheon are currently running normally.

“There have been no reported problems for South Koreans. But the government advises locals to refrain from visiting Bali for the time being and to reschedule their trips to after any risk of an eruption,” a ministry official said.

Currently, about 20 South Korean tourists are staying on the island of Lombok, east of Bali, according to the ministry. As ash clouds have caused the airport in Lombok to suspend flights, the Seoul government said it plans to provide them with support including alternative transportation if necessary.

Yonhap