Seoul: The South Korean foreign ministry announced on Wednesday that it will implement a travel ban on specific regions in Cambodia due to escalating concerns over a job scam crisis that has led to the trafficking and torture of South Korean nationals.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Level 4 travel ban, which is the highest alert in the country's travel warning system, will be enforced in the Bokor Mountain region of Kampot Province, as well as in the cities of Bavet and Poipet, starting Thursday. Additionally, the ministry intends to elevate the travel warning for South Koreans in Cambodia's Sihanoukville Province, urging them to leave the area known for its concentration of criminal activities.

The ministry has cautioned that individuals who choose to travel to or remain in the banned areas could face penalties under the Passport Act and other pertinent regulations. While other regions will continue under a special advisory set at Level 2.5, the alert for the rest of Cambodia will be increased from Level 1 to Level 2.

The decision follows reports indicating a rising number of South Koreans being kidnapped and held in Cambodia after being deceived by fraudulent job offers. The situation gained significant attention after a university student was discovered dead near Bokor Mountain in Kampot Province in August, having been tortured and detained, which led to public outrage.