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A building suspected to be part of a criminal compound in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, is seen with its glass doors barricaded by metal bars on October 14. / Source: Yonhap News

South Korea’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday raised its travel advisory for parts of Cambodia to the highest level — a “do not travel” warning — effective from midnight on October 16, amid a surge in reports of job fraud and confinement cases involving Korean nationals.

According to the ministry, three areas — Bokor Mountain in Kampot Province, Bavet City, and Poipet City — have been newly designated as Level 4 “travel ban” zones, while Sihanoukville Province has been raised to Level 3 “recommendation to leave.”

Other areas already under a Level 2.5 “special travel warning” will remain at that status. These include Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Pailin, Pursat, Koh Kong, and Phnom Penh.

Regions previously under Level 1 “exercise normal caution” have been upgraded to Level 2 “refrain from travel,” excluding those covered by Level 2.5, 3, or 4 advisories.

“The Level 4 travel ban means that anyone who visits or stays in these areas may be subject to penalties under the Passport Act and related laws,” the Foreign Ministry said. “We urge all citizens with plans to travel to the affected regions to cancel their trips.”

Officials said the ministry will continue to closely monitor the situation in Cambodia and review the need for further adjustments to travel advisories.