: 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.
: Legal experts noted that avoiding military service does not automatically qualify an individual for refugee status in South Korea unless they can prove political persecution. : While Russians can typically enter South Korea
: Vessels were spotted or docked at ports including Pohang , Sokcho , and the island of Ulleungdo . : While Russians can typically enter South Korea
While hundreds of thousands fled Russia via land and air to countries like Kazakhstan and Georgia, a small number chose the North Pacific route. : While Russians can typically enter South Korea