: 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.
: Out of the initial arrivals, only two people were granted entry, reportedly because they had previously visited the country and had clear immigration records. Ongoing Tensions and Humanitarian Concerns : While Russians can typically enter South Korea
: 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 Expand map Arrival Locations Contextual Locations : Most
: Most of the arrivals were men in their 20s and 30s . Entry Denials and Legal Challenges : At least 23 Russians aboard five yachts
: Authorities cited "unclear" travel purposes and a lack of sufficient documentation for their visits.
Despite arriving at South Korean ports, nearly all of the men were refused permission to disembark.
: At least 23 Russians aboard five yachts reached South Korean waters in late 2022.