Russian Men On Yacht — Docked In South Korea In Wake Of Putinвђ™s Draft Orders

: While Russians can typically enter South Korea visa-free with prior approval via the K-ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), most requests from these yacht passengers were rejected.

: As of April 2026, the South Korean Coast Guard continues to monitor the East Sea, occasionally ordering Russian vessels to port during bad weather. Expand map Arrival Locations Contextual Locations

: Lawmakers like Rep. Ahn Ho-young have urged the government to establish "dedicated procedures" to handle potential future influxes from Russia, citing both diplomatic and human rights concerns. : While Russians can typically enter South Korea

: Vessels were spotted or docked at ports including Pohang , Sokcho , and the island of Ulleungdo .

: Authorities cited "unclear" travel purposes and a lack of sufficient documentation for their visits. Ahn Ho-young have urged the government to establish

In the wake of President Vladimir Putin's mobilization orders, dozens of Russian men attempted to flee the draft by sailing yachts to South Korea , only to be largely denied entry by local authorities.

While hundreds of thousands fled Russia via land and air to countries like Kazakhstan and Georgia, a small number chose the North Pacific route. In the wake of President Vladimir Putin's mobilization

: Most of the arrivals were men in their 20s and 30s . Entry Denials and Legal Challenges