South Korea raises its travel advisory for all of Saudi Arabia to Level 3, its second-highest level, and urges South Korean nationals to leave if possible. The advisory takes effect at 10 p.m. Sunday, according to the Foreign Ministry in Seoul. Koreans already in Saudi Arabia are advised to depart unless their stay is essential, while those planning to travel are told to cancel or postpone their trips.
Outlets attribute the move to escalating security risks linked to clashes involving Saudi forces and Houthi rebels. Korea Times reports that South Korea cites threats to civilian infrastructure, including strikes affecting facilities such as airports and related casualties. Yonhap likewise says the recommendation is tied to attacks and security concerns. Korea Times adds that Foreign Minister Cho Hyun holds a meeting with representatives from 15 South Korean diplomatic missions across the Middle East to assess the fast-changing situation, including in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Iran, Israel and Lebanon.
