Evacuation – South Koreans Relocated Across Middle East Amid Rising Regional Tensions
Evacuation – South Korean citizens stranded across several Middle Eastern countries following a sudden regional security crisis are gradually moving to safer locations with assistance from diplomatic missions, the country’s foreign ministry confirmed on Saturday.
Officials said coordinated evacuation efforts are underway across multiple countries as authorities work to ensure the safety of citizens affected by flight cancellations and escalating tensions in the region. Embassy teams and government officials have been actively assisting travelers and residents seeking safe passage out of affected areas.
South Koreans Move From Qatar to Saudi Arabia
According to the foreign ministry, 65 South Korean nationals who had been staying in Qatar were successfully relocated to neighboring Saudi Arabia earlier this week. The movement took place between Tuesday and Friday, with diplomatic staff coordinating travel arrangements and ensuring the group reached their destination safely.
Officials described the relocation as part of a broader effort to move citizens away from areas that could potentially face disruptions due to ongoing tensions.
Embassy Support Helps Travelers Leave Jordan
In Jordan, where commercial flights continue to operate, several short-term visitors were able to depart without major complications. A total of 41 South Korean travelers left the country between Thursday and Friday.
To facilitate their departure, the South Korean Embassy in Jordan deployed a support team to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman. The team assisted passengers with documentation, travel coordination, and airport procedures to ensure a smooth exit from the country.
Diplomatic officials noted that such on-ground support has played an important role in helping citizens navigate travel disruptions caused by the crisis.
Relocation Efforts Extend to Kuwait and Other Countries
In Kuwait, 14 South Korean citizens along with a foreign spouse were also relocated to Saudi Arabia with assistance from embassy officials. Authorities said the transfer was carried out safely as part of a wider evacuation strategy across the region.
The foreign ministry added that similar assistance has been provided in several other countries. According to government figures, 25 South Koreans in Iran, 113 in Israel, 14 in Bahrain, and five in Iraq have been helped to cross into neighboring countries where they can arrange flights back home.
Officials stressed that diplomatic missions across the Middle East remain on alert and are continuing to monitor the situation while providing support to citizens.
First Direct Flight From Dubai Brings Hundreds Home
Earlier in the week, a large group of South Korean nationals returned home on the first direct commercial flight from Dubai following recent US-Israeli air strikes on Iran.
The Emirates flight landed at Incheon International Airport, located west of Seoul, at approximately 8:25 p.m. on March 6. The aircraft carried 422 passengers, including 372 South Korean citizens.
Government officials said the flight marked the first direct route to Incheon from Dubai since hostilities began in the region the previous weekend. The arrangement was made after consultations between the South Korean government and authorities in the United Arab Emirates to ensure the safe return of stranded citizens.
Thousands Still in the Region
Authorities estimate that around 18,000 South Koreans are currently located across 14 countries in the Middle East. Of these, roughly 4,900 are believed to be short-term travelers.
Officials say approximately 3,500 travelers remain stranded due to widespread flight cancellations triggered by the regional crisis. Diplomatic missions continue to work with local authorities and airlines to arrange safe departures wherever possible.
Emotional Reunions at Incheon Airport
Scenes at Incheon International Airport reflected the emotional toll the situation has taken on returning travelers and their families. Many passengers were greeted by relatives waiting anxiously for their arrival.
Some travelers embraced loved ones after days of uncertainty, while others were seen wiping away tears of relief upon reaching home.
Several returnees described hearing loud explosions and air defense activity during their stay in the region, including the sound of drones being intercepted and distant bombing. Despite the frightening experience, many said they were grateful for the assistance provided by embassy officials and government authorities.
South Korea’s foreign ministry said it will continue monitoring developments in the Middle East and maintain evacuation support for citizens until travel conditions stabilize.