Ukraine 'Travel Ban' Enforced... 306 Koreans Staying

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The government designated the entire territory of Ukraine as a 'travel ban' area on the 13th, and it is known that about 300 Korean nationals are currently staying there as of that date.

According to an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there are 306 Korean nationals staying in Ukraine as of that day. This is a decrease of 35 people compared to 341 at the time the Ministry announced the travel ban plan on the afternoon of the 11th, Korea Standard Time.

The Ministry official stated that more than 100 additional people are expected to depart within 2 to 3 days. This figure is based on departure plans notified to Korean diplomatic missions by the nationals staying there. The government urgently issued a Level 4 travel alert (travel ban) for the entire territory of Ukraine starting from 0:00 on the 13th, Korea Standard Time.

Level 4 'travel ban' is the highest level among the travel alert system operated by the government. Unlike Levels 1 to 3, which are advisory in nature, this measure has legal enforceability. If one does not evacuate despite the travel ban being issued, they may be subject to penalties under the Passport Act and other laws.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also formed a Ukraine Response Task Force (TF) led by Second Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-moon to accelerate support measures for departure. The Ukraine Response TF held its second meeting on the same day to review measures for supporting the departure of nationals and protecting corporate activities. They also analyzed the local situation and international trends, including the phone call between the U.S. and Russian leaders on the 12th.

Meanwhile, the joint statement from the Korea-U.S.-Japan Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in Hawaii on the same day included a commitment to "closely cooperate to deter further escalation of tensions by Russia."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.