Seoul, June 13 South Korea on Friday issued special travel advisories for Israel and parts of Iran amid escalating military tension between the two Middle East adversaries.
The Foreign Ministry upgraded the existing Level 2 advisories in Israel and parts of Iran to Level 2.5 following Israel's strikes targeting Iran's nuclear programme and military sites.
The special advisory calls for South Korean citizens to cancel or postpone their trips to Israel and parts of Iran and flee to a safe country unless travel is absolutely necessary.
The Level 2.5 advisory is issued in cases of urgent security risks to travellers and can be maintained for up to 90 days.
Existing Level 3 advisories, which recommend departure, remain in effect for Israel's West Bank region and Iran's border areas with Turkey and Iraq, as well as parts of Iran's western coastal provinces.
Travel to Israel's northern border with Lebanon and the Gaza Strip remains prohibited, Yonhap news agency reported.
The Seoul government expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
"We express serious concern over the sharp rise in tensions in the Middle East following Israel's attacks on Iran and strongly condemn all actions that destabilise the region," a ministry spokesperson said in a statement. "The South Korean government urges all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint to help de-escalate the situation."
The Foreign Ministry said there has been no damage to South Korean nationals related to Israel's attack on Iran. About 100 South Koreans are currently staying in Iran.
The Philippine Embassy in Israel also advised Filipinos to stay inside their homes, to be vigilant, and to seek shelter or a safe room in case a missile alert is issued by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF).
The Embassy issued the advisory after Israel attacked Iran early Friday in air strikes that targeted the country's military installations.
"For your safety, stay alert, and keep track of urgent emergency alerts," the advisory read.
There are over 30,000 Filipinos in Israel, according to data from the Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs.
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