Copyright guampdn
During a recent visit to Korea, I had the opportunity to observe, again, the country’s longstanding cultural traditions and significant historical heritage. Although Korea is often called the “Land of the Morning Calm,” it has become clear that certain concerns exist among its people. When I mentioned I’m from Guam, they asked about the current safety conditions on the island. Understanding the reasoning behind these inquiries, I, with support from my interpreter (my wife), conveyed that Guam offers a higher level of safety and security for visitors than many other vacation destinations. A recent coverage by their local television and radio stations has detailed a range of incidents involving Korean tourists on Guam, varying in severity. Consequently, families who had previously planned trips to the island are reassessing their travel decisions. Parents are carefully evaluating vacation destinations, prompting them to consider whether Guam remains a secure option and rightfully so. It is also noteworthy that not all aspects of the most recent incident regarding the voyeurism of a young child were covered by our local media. Our local media did not fully report the incident, whereas their local press in their region provided comprehensive coverage. As one who loves our island deeply, this hurts me. Guam is my home, our home. It’s a place of the most beautiful sunsets, laughter, hospitality, and healing. But I also understand that perception matters—and right now, some Korean families don’t feel safe. That’s not their fault; it’s on us. We must respond—not with defensiveness, but with empathy, not with silence, but with clarity. We need to acknowledge what happened. We must ensure every visitor feels seen, heard and protected. Guam represents more than a travel destination; it is a commitment. To encourage Korean families to return, it is essential to fulfil this commitment through tangible actions and clear communication. We must remain attentive and proactive. Our commitment should ensure that when inquiries are made about Guam’s safety, we can confidently respond not only affirmatively but also assure that comprehensive measures are being taken to maintain its security. The Guam Visitors Bureau highlights reporting metrics as a standardized, politically neutral way to communicate performance; however, this method can sometimes miss more complex issues, such as regional competition, ineffective marketing strategies, or the perception that Guam might not be a safe destination. Guam must reassure Korean visitors and all visitors for that matter that Guam is safe.
