South Korea renewed the country's special advisory against overseas travel for another month amid the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the Foreign Ministry on Thursday, the renewed advisory for South Koreans will be in effect until January 16.

The ministry first issued the advisory on March 23, which has been extended on a monthly basis.

The advisory calls for South Koreans not to go abroad unless the trip is essential and for those staying outside of the country to take extra precaution.

The ministry decided on an extension considering the World Health Organization’s pandemic declaration, its continued global expansion and existing entry restrictions imposed by other countries.