Russian Yacht Runners: A Tale of U‑Turns and Unclear Entry
The news broke that over 20 Russians took to the high seas, hoping to escape the looming pull of the Russian military, but all but two fell short of touchdown in South Korea.
Why the Fleet Rides To Korea
- Mobilation Alert: Starting Sept 21, President Putin announced a partial mobilisation, sparking a flurry of flight.
- Most escapees headed on land or air to Europe and former Soviet neighbours – Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan – but a few went offshore.
- Now they’re plugging their yachts into South Korean ports, hoping the coast guard will play “yes” instead of “no”.
Yacht Traffic in the South
On the recent Tuesday, KBS reported that at least 21 Russians arrived aboard yachts in South Korea’s southern waters. The immigration officials, however, deemed the purpose of the visit “ambiguous” and offered a single ribbon of hope: only two were admitted.
A vessel set sail from Ulleung, arriving on Sept 30 after a (nequite) trek from Vladivostok, carrying five men. A coast guard official mentioned bad weather and food aid, but the mystery of the visa loophole lingered.
Port Pohang has Seen Some Action
- Three yachts anchored in Pohang over the past days.
- Capacity varied: from a 9‑person crew (including a woman) to a 4‑person crew.
- The local coast guard stayed tight‑lipped on the reasons behind the denials.
Visa and Permissions
The justice ministry says Russians usually can enter South Korea visa‑free, provided they get the green light via the electronic travel authorisation system. So why the refusal? That remains a question only the Korean guardians can answer.
Wrap‑Up
So while some brave gunslinger yachts claim to “take cover from bad weather,” the story ends in a suspense‑filled “no” for most. Ironically, the only ones granted a safe berth might be the ones who were already trying too hard to stay off the battlefield.
