South Korea Bans Travel to Israel-Lebanon Border Amid Rising Tensions

South Korea will ban its citizens from traveling to the border areas of Israel and Lebanon due to escalating Middle East tensions. The ban starts Wednesday, focusing on regions near the Blue Line. The government also advised citizens to leave Lebanon and Israel, and issued a temporary advisory against travel to Iran.

South Korea said on Tuesday it will issue a ban on its citizens traveling to the border areas of Israel and Lebanon after advising them to leave the countries amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The foreign ministry said the ban will start from Wednesday in areas near the Blue Line, referring to a demarcation line between Lebanon and Israel where parts of the international border are disputed. The ministry also "strongly advised" its nationals in Lebanon and Israel to leave the countries as soon as possible.

A temporary advisory urging against travel to Iran was also set to be issued, the ministry said in a statement. The travel advisory was issued after the recent assassination of key political figures, including a commander of Hezbollah and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

These incidents have heightened concerns that the conflict in Gaza may escalate into a broader Middle East war. Washington has been urging other countries to tell Iran that further escalation is not in their interest, according to a State Department spokesperson.

More than 500 South Korean nationals reside in Israel, and around 120 in Lebanon. The ministry warned that those traveling to restricted areas could face penalties under the passport law.

(With inputs from agencies.)