Bomb Shelter 60 Times, Still 'Home': 5 Reasons Koreans in Israel and the Gulf Stay Despite the War
Even as they rush to bomb shelters dozens of times a day amid missile alerts, a significant number of the approximately 21,000 Koreans staying in 13 Middle Eastern countries are choosing to remain rather than return home. Through the testimonies of those who stay — lives rooted over 30+ years, economic dependence, family ties, and a sense that 'this place is home' — we examine the structural reasons behind their choice.
🚨 Images Unavailable: Local photos related to the Iran war cannot be attached directly due to copyright restrictions. See the reference links at the bottom of the article for on-the-ground photos.
Why this article, why now? While the Korean government has issued a travel ban (Level 4) for all of Iran, and images of 89 people escaping by bus fill the news — 21,000 other Koreans are staying put.
TL;DR
- Since the Iran War broke out (Feb. 28, 2026), only a fraction of the ~21,000 Koreans in 13 Middle Eastern countries have returned home
- Long-term residents such as Gal Young-hee (70) in Be'er Sheva, Israel, are taking shelter in bomb shelters dozens of times a day
- "Even with a war, this is home" — the choice to stay rather than return has structural roots in economics, family, and identity
- The Korean government issued a travel ban for all of Iran on March 5, 2026, yet many remain in Israel, the UAE, Qatar, and elsewhere
- This situation reveals structural limitations in Korea's overseas nationals protection policy, beyond mere individual choice
The Facts: Where Are Koreans in the War Zone Right Now?
On February 28, 2026 (local time), a war ignited by US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran entered its sixth day, spreading across the Middle East — Israel, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and beyond. On March 5, South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a Level 4 travel ban (the highest level) for all of Iran.
According to government estimates, approximately 21,000 Korean nationals — including long-term residents and short-term travelers — are staying in 13 Middle Eastern countries. This includes hundreds in Israel, roughly 2,000 in the UAE (Dubai), and around 60 in Iran (approximately 40 remaining after evacuations).
While domestic media has focused on 'escape operations,' the vast majority of those staying are adapting to a new daily reality of air raid sirens, drone strike sounds, and airspace closures.
Why This Story Is Spreading Now
The Power of Personal Testimony
The Korea Herald (March 5, 2026) published direct testimonies from Koreans living in Israel and the Gulf, which spread rapidly on social media at home and abroad. A 70-year-old Korean resident's words — "When the sirens go off, I've started counting how many seconds it takes to reach the shelter" — conveyed a visceral, sensory fear that statistics and numbers cannot.
The Shock of '21,000 Remaining'
Reported alongside news of the successful evacuation of 89 people, the figure of '21,000 remaining' underscored that those rescued represent just 0.4% of all Koreans in the region, drawing intense public attention.
Controversy Over the Government's Response
According to a Kyunghyang Shinmun interview (March 5, 2026), some residents said they "received evacuation guidance for the first time on Day 5 of the war," criticizing the government for its slow response. Kim (27), a Korean resident in Qatar, said: "Even the sound of a door closing upstairs makes me flinch like it's a bomb."
Background: 5 Reasons Residents Are Staying
1. 'Roots': A Life Built Over Decades
For long-term residents like Gal Young-hee (70) in Be'er Sheva, Israel, Israel is their entire present life. Their children, grandchildren, businesses, homes, and communities are all there. Leaving is not simply "going back to Korea" — it means abandoning 30–40 years of life.
2. Economic Dependence
For employees and business owners stationed in Gulf countries like Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, the economic impact of suspending local contracts is immediate. Visa issues, company policies, and the risk of breach of contract are the main barriers preventing voluntary evacuation.
3. The Gap Between Local Threat Assessment and Media Fear
Those actually on the ground say: "The front line is not right outside my door the way it looks in the news." In Dubai, UAE, missiles have targeted ports and industrial zones, while daily life in the city center continues in a limited capacity. A gap exists between media-driven fear and locally perceived threat levels.
4. The Practical Barriers to 'Escape'
With airspace closed and no direct flights available, overland travel means journeys of hundreds to thousands of kilometers. As seen when 89 people traveled 1,200 km in two buses, the escape itself is another risk. For the elderly and families with infants, overland travel is simply not an option.
5. National Identity and Belonging
Among long-term residents, some hold Israeli citizenship or have obtained local nationality. For these people, the demand to "flee the war and go back to Korea" already implies a fracture in identity.
Outlook: How Long Will This Situation Last?
President Trump has stated he plans to continue operations "for 4–5 weeks if necessary." As Iran settles into a 'hold out' posture, the scenario of a prolonged war is gaining traction. If the war continues for more than 4 weeks:
- Expat fatigue surges: Bomb shelter living, disruptions to food and medicine supplies intensify
- Pressure for corporate withdrawal: Korean companies stationed in the Middle East may begin staged personnel withdrawals
- Secondary wave of return demand: Those who chose to stay may rapidly seek to return if conditions worsen
- Debate on revising the Overseas Koreans Protection Act: Legislative discussion on institutional improvements is expected in the National Assembly as a result of this crisis
Checklist: Action Guidelines for Those Planning to Travel or Stay in the Middle East
Reference Links
- Koreans in Middle East recount fear, anxiety, and why they stay — Korea Herald (Mar. 5, 2026)
- 20,000 expats and tourists stranded in the Middle East plead: 'When can we escape?' — Hankyoreh (Mar. 3, 2026)
- 'Evacuation guidance only on Day 5' — Kyunghyang Shinmun (Mar. 5, 2026)
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues travel ban for all of Iran — Money Today (Mar. 5, 2026)
- S. Korea imposes travel ban on Iran — Korea Herald (Mar. 5, 2026)
Image Sources
On-the-ground photos can be found in the Korea Herald article linked above (photo of Dubai night sky provided by Kim, and Yonhap news photos from the scene).