據韓國媒體報導，韓國駐老撾大使館近日對前往或居住在老撾(寮國)的韓國公民發出嚴正提醒，呼籲避免參與任何形式的性交易。大使館於本月18日以《老撾境內禁止性交易》為題發布公告，指出隨著韓國公民海外旅行人數增加，一些遊客曾捲入性交易事件並被媒體曝光，而這類行為不僅損害國家形象，也破壞老撾當地韓人社群多年建立的信任。公告特別強調，性交易犯罪在老撾屬於刑事犯罪，違法者將依照當地法律受到懲處，務必避免捲入此類行為。

根據老撾刑法，性交易從業者以及協助、怂恿他人進行性交易的人，可能面臨三個月至一年的監禁，而購買性服務者也將受到同等處罰。即便是與人口販運受害者協商後進行性交易，也會被視為人口販運罪，最高可判處五至十年監禁，並處以罰款及沒收財產。公告中特別提醒，向18歲以下未成年人提供金錢或其他利益以發生性關係的行為將面臨加重處罰：針對15至17歲 未成年人處1至3年監禁；12至14歲 處 3至5年監禁；11歲以下兒童處 10至15年監禁，並附罰款。任何強迫他人從事性交易或介紹性交易的行為，同樣會受到刑事懲罰。

此外，韓國媒體指出，根據韓國女性家庭部《2022年性交易現狀及應對方案研究報告》，在曾有性交易經歷的韓國公民中，約25.8%的人曾在海外進行過性交易。近期更有報導曝光，部分韓國男性在老撾組建類似「N號房」的秘密社群，以從事非法性交易活動，引發社會高度關注與警示。

這一公告反映出韓國官方對國民海外行為的高度重視，尤其針對涉及性交易與人口販運的違法行為，官方呼籲公民遵守當地法律規範，避免任何可能損害自身與國家形象的行為。老撾法律對性交易的嚴厲處罰，也提醒韓國公民海外行為需謹慎，以免觸法並承擔嚴重法律後果。

According to South Korean media reports, the South Korean Embassy in Laos has recently issued a stern warning to its citizens traveling to or residing in Laos, urging them to avoid any form of sexual transactions. On November 18, the embassy published a notice titled “Sexual Transactions Prohibited in Laos”, emphasizing that with the increasing number of South Korean travelers abroad, some tourists have been involved in sex-related incidents that drew media attention. The embassy stressed that such behavior not only damages South Korea’s national image but also undermines the trust that the local Korean community in Laos has built over the years. The notice reminded citizens that sexual transaction crimes are punishable under Laotian law and advised them to avoid engaging in such acts.

Under Laos’ criminal code, sex workers and those who assist or incite sexual transactions may face three months to one year of imprisonment, and clients purchasing sexual services are subject to the same penalties. Even in cases where sexual transactions occur with victims of human trafficking after negotiation, the act is classified as human trafficking, carrying a maximum penalty of five to ten years in prison, along with fines and confiscation of property. The notice also highlighted stricter penalties for sexual acts involving minors: those involving 15–17-year-olds may face 1–3 years imprisonment; 12–14-year-olds 3–5 years; and children 11 or younger may face 10–15 years imprisonment, in addition to fines. Any acts of coercion to engage in sexual transactions or arranging sexual transactions are likewise subject to criminal prosecution.

South Korean media further reported that, according to the 2022 Study on the Status and Countermeasures of Sexual Transactions published by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, among South Koreans with prior experience in sexual transactions, approximately 25.8% have engaged in sexual transactions overseas. Recent reports have revealed that some South Korean men in Laos have even created secret networks resembling the notorious “Nth Room” cases, engaging in illegal sexual activities, raising alarm both domestically and abroad.

This embassy notice reflects the South Korean government’s heightened concern over citizens’ behavior abroad, particularly in cases involving sexual transactions and human trafficking. It serves as a warning that Laotian law imposes strict penalties for sexual offenses, and that South Korean citizens must exercise caution to avoid criminal liability and serious damage to both personal and national reputation.