Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "Contingency Plans in Place for Scenarios Where Embassy Safety Cannot Be Ensured"

“Korean Nationals in Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon Urged to Leave Immediately”

As the situation in Iran continues to deteriorate, it appears that the government is also considering contingency plans such as evacuating the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Iran or relocating it to a neighboring country in case of an emergency. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains its longstanding position that evacuation is not possible as long as even a single Korean national remains in the country.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs building. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

On March 19, an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated at the Seoul Government Complex, "We have contingency plans in place, as the situation is continuously worsening and there may come a time when we cannot guarantee the safety of the embassy." The official added, "There are criteria and manuals in place for situations where the safety of the embassy cannot be ensured."

There have been several precedents for the evacuation of diplomatic missions in the past. In August 2021, following the withdrawal of U.S. forces and the takeover of the government by the armed group Taliban in Afghanistan, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Afghanistan was evacuated and relocated to a third country. In 2015, after the collapse of the Libyan dictatorship and the ensuing instability, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Libya evacuated to neighboring Tunisia. Similarly, as the situation in Yemen worsened due to the civil war and Saudi Arabian airstrikes, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Yemen sought refuge aboard the ROKS Wang Geon, part of the Cheonghae Unit operating in the Gulf of Aden. Subsequently, a temporary embassy was established in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there are currently about 40 Korean nationals remaining in Iran. In addition, there are several dozen multicultural families with local spouses. However, since their livelihoods are based in Iran, it is reported that they are struggling with the decision of whether to evacuate to a neighboring country or return to Korea.

In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been continuously advising Korean nationals remaining in high-risk countries such as Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon to leave. According to the Ministry, there are approximately 240 Korean nationals residing in Iraq, most of whom are employees of construction companies and other businesses.

Regarding the situation in Iraq, a Ministry official explained, "Drone attacks against the U.S. Embassy in Iraq occur frequently," adding, "Our embassy is located about 500 meters from the U.S. Embassy, so there have been instances where drone attacks have also targeted our embassy."

As for Lebanon, the official stated, "A ground offensive by Israel has begun in the southern region, and the scope of airstrikes on Beirut is also expanding." The official reiterated that Korean nationals staying in Lebanon are being continuously advised to leave the country.

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