![Kim Young-bae: "186 Korean crew members stranded in Hormuz... Concerns over prolonged situation" [US-Iran War] - Seoul Economic Daily Politics News from South Korea](https://wimg.sedaily.com/news/cms/2026/03/05/rcv.NEWS1.NEWS1.20260305.2026-03-05T083712_1007780394_POLITICS_I_P1.jpg "186 Korean Sailors Stranded in Hormuz Strait Amid US-Iran Conflict")
Amid severe turmoil in the Middle East triggered by the US-Iran war, approximately 40 Korean vessels and 186 sailors are stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a South Korean lawmaker.
Rep. Kim Young-bae of the Democratic Party of Korea, chief secretary of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, said in a YTN radio interview on the 5th, "We understand that about 40 vessels are stranded—26 in the Strait of Hormuz and 14 near Oman. Around 186 sailors are stuck there."
"The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries is managing the situation," Kim said. "US President Donald Trump has indicated that the US military would directly escort ships if necessary, so we need to monitor the situation further."
Regarding the safety of Korean nationals in the Middle East, Kim stated that safety measures have been taken for Korean residents and some travelers in Israel, Iran, and Dubai, with some already returning home.
"We are working with local embassies to assess repatriation needs and safety requirements for approximately 4,000 travelers and 17,000 Korean residents across 13 Middle Eastern countries," he said. "Many countries have closed their airspace, but we are thoroughly checking overland evacuation routes. Some details must remain confidential, but I ask people to trust the authorities."
On concerns over oil supply disruptions due to a potential Hormuz Strait blockade, Kim noted, "Seventy percent of crude oil Korea imports from the Middle East passes through the Strait of Hormuz, along with about 20 percent of our gas. A prolonged crisis would be a significant concern."
He added, "We are making every effort to protect our energy supply sources, including our oil tankers."
Regarding the impact on semiconductor exports due to airspace closures, Kim said, "Airspace over about six Middle Eastern countries is completely closed, preventing proper export shipments. We plan to fully hear the business community's concerns and discuss countermeasures."
