S. Korean Business Wary of SARS Spread

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, April 02, 2003

S. Korean Business Wary of SARS Spread

The fast spread of a potentially fatal respiratory disease through Asia has thrown the Korean business community into turmoil, causing postponement or cancellation of business and investment plans.

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The fast spread of a potentially fatal respiratory disease through Asia has thrown the Korean business community into turmoil, causing postponement or cancellation of business and investment plans.

Major companies in Korea have suspended overseas trips to regions affected by SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome, including Hong Kong and southern China, and are arranging emergency evacuation for employees and their families in those areas.

LG Chemical Co. plans to evacuate 41 family members of its employees in Hong Kong and Guangzhou by Thursday. LG International Corp. will evacuate 8 family members of its employees this week.

Samsung Group affiliates curtailed overseas trips and have been withdrawing employees and their families.

Posco, Hyundai Motor Co., KT Corp. and Shinsegae Co.'s E-Mart took similar steps. GM Daewoo Auto & Technology Co. requires approval of its CEO for overseas trips to the affected regions.

Since March 24, when the respiratory disease started rapidly spreading, the number of international travelers using the Incheon International Airport has fallen to 42,000 a day on average, from 52,000 in early March. Duty-free shops and restaurants saw their sales drop by 10 to 20 percent.

Source: Agencies

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