{"id":2202446,"date":"2023-10-09T08:00:22","date_gmt":"2023-10-08T23:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2202446"},"modified":"2023-10-08T23:11:27","modified_gmt":"2023-10-08T14:11:27","slug":"south-korea-issues-travel-advisory-amid-attack-on-israel-economic-impact-looms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2023\/10\/south-korea-issues-travel-advisory-amid-attack-on-israel-economic-impact-looms\/","title":{"rendered":"South Korea issues travel advisory amid attack on Israel: Economic impact looms"},"content":{"rendered":"
A spokesperson for South Korea\u2019s Ministry of Foreign Affairs <\/span>stated<\/span><\/a> that Seoul strongly condemns the \u201cindiscriminate attacks on Israel\u201d from Gaza and called for an immediate halt of these attacks. The spokesperson also expressed the South Korean government\u2019s \u201cdeep concern\u201d over the large number of civilian casualties caused by these attacks and conveyed condolences to the victims and their families. These remarks come after Hamas launched a surprise land, sea and air <\/span>attack from Gaza<\/span><\/a> during the weekend, killing hundreds and infiltrating Israeli territory. Israel responded with <\/span>air strikes<\/span><\/a>, which Palestinian health authorities say led to <\/span>hundreds more casualties<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n The ministry also issued a <\/span>travel advisory<\/span><\/a> on Sunday regarding Israel following rocket attacks by Hamas. The South Korean government advised its nationals in Israel to depart through a third country and urged those considering travel to Israel to cancel or delay their plans. South Korea\u2019s advisory can be active for up to 90 days.<\/span><\/p>\n Why It Matters<\/b><\/p>\n Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu <\/span>described<\/span><\/a> the situation as the beginning of a \u201clong and difficult war.\u201d A significant escalation in Middle Eastern tensions can have immediate and substantial effects on global energy prices, directly influencing South Korea\u2019s industrial costs and balance of payments. South Korea relies on the Middle East for nearly <\/span>60% of its oil imports<\/span><\/a>, making it vulnerable to regional disruption.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Rising energy prices will also likely impact South Korean conglomerates undertaking large-scale regional <\/span>infrastructure projects<\/span><\/a>, including <\/span>Saudi Arabia\u2019s NEOM project<\/span><\/a>. Rising energy prices can increase the operational costs of these projects, requiring businesses to reevaluate certain projects that were economically viable under previous energy cost estimates. On the other hand, heightened regional tensions could increase Middle Eastern countries\u2019 <\/span>demand for arms<\/span><\/a>, likely benefiting South Korean arms manufacturers.<\/span><\/p>\n