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Seoul urges Korean nationals to leave Lebanon amid ongoing strikes

Published: 09 Apr. 2026, 21:38

Smoke rises from Khiyam, a Lebanese village near the border with Israel, amid escalation between Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel, and amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, as seen from northern Israel, March 18. [REUTERS/YONHAP]

The Foreign Ministry on Thursday urged Korean nationals in Lebanon to leave the country promptly, as airstrikes have continued in the Middle East despite a ceasefire between the United States and Iran.

Seoul's ambassador to Lebanon, Jeon Gyu-seok, said on the embassy's website that Koreans in the Middle Eastern country should "seriously consider departing and moving to a safe location as soon as possible," warning that a "wait-and-see" approach is "becoming increasingly dangerous."

Currently, about 90 Korean nationals, around 10 embassy staff and some 180 members of Korea's peacekeeping contingent Dongmyeong Unit are in Lebanon.

While the United States and Iran agreed Wednesday to a ceasefire following their monthlong conflict, Israel carried out extensive airstrikes across Lebanon, arguing that the country was not part of the agreement. More than 1,000 casualties have been reported following the strikes.

"The embassy will provide all possible support, but if the situation worsens, our ability to assist may become limited," the message said.

Though the Dongmyeong Unit's base is located outside areas affected by the recent airstrikes, all off-base activities have been suspended, according to the ministry.

The ministry also held a joint meeting with overseas missions later in the day to discuss measures to ensure the safety of nationals in the Middle East.

"Large-scale airstrikes and casualties occurred across Lebanon yesterday, and the situation remains unstable in some countries, such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait," Yoon Ju-seok, director general for consular affairs and safety, said, urging overseas missions to check on the safety of nationals and recommend prompt evacuation.

Yonhap