“I experienced a missile attack four years ago, but this is the first time I have encountered a situation as threatening as this.”
Lee Jun-il (23), an international student living near Tel Aviv in western Israel, described the current situation in a phone call with the Dong-A Ilbo on the 10th (local time). Mr. Lee said, “I had to go to the evacuation center twice in 30 minutes just today because the rocket warning sound and the sound of intercepting missiles kept ringing at intervals of about 10 minutes.” He added, “Most Korean residents stay at home to ensure the safety of their family and friends.” “We are checking with each other,” he said.
As the armed conflict between Israel and Palestine continues after the surprise attack by the armed group Hamas, Korean residents and Korean tourists staying in Israel are spending each day in anxiety and tension. Korean residents are beginning to prepare for a prolonged war, and tourists are leaving Israel one after another.
Mr. A (32), who has been pursuing a doctoral degree in Jerusalem since last year, said, “I waited for the supermarket to open and bought plenty of food and daily necessities.” Pastor Hwang Seong-hoon (43), who works at a Korean church in Jerusalem, said, “Since the school closure order was issued, the children are in contact with their homeroom teacher online once a day to check on their well-being.” “Koreans have fled to Jerusalem,” he said.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there are about 570 long-term Koreans residing in Israel and 480 short-term residents. Of these, 218 were on their way home. It is reported that 191 people, including local residents and expatriates, were on board the Korean Air return flight arriving at Incheon International Airport around 6 a.m. on the 11th. 27 people will move by land to Jordan, a neighboring country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that 30 people were scheduled to depart the country via Turkish Airlines on the 12th.
At travel agencies, people who had made reservations for pilgrimages to sacred sites are lined up to cancel. However, some domestic travel agencies are raising complaints by announcing a no-refund policy. Although the government has issued a special travel advisory for Israel, refunds are only determined according to each company’s terms and conditions or consumer protection regulations and are not a legal obligation. Mr. Lee (30), whose parents were scheduled to go on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem at the end of this month, said, “I was told by the travel agency that if I canceled, I would have to pay at least 300,000 won as a penalty,” adding, “It is common sense to cancel immediately after a war, but ‘If you want to cancel, you have to pay. “I don’t understand because it’s like, ‘Do it.’”
Meanwhile, Korea’s Islamic community announced an emergency rally near Gwanghwamun in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 11th, saying through social networking services (SNS) that ‘Palestine’s resistance is justified.’
Yunjin Kim, intern reporter, 4th year, Department of Political Science and Diplomacy, Korea University
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.