Thousands of Russian nationals are applying for asylum in South Korea, with some applicants stranded at airports for months.
  • South Korea experienced a five-fold surge in Russian asylum seekers in 2023.
  • The majority of Russian applicants cite conscription avoidance of the war with Ukraine.
  • Two Russians who had fled to evade the draft were stranded at Incheon International Airport for months.
  • theodewere
    14•9 months ago

    South Korea’s approval rate for refugee status remains low despite the rise in applications. Out of 5,950 cases evaluated last year, only 1.7% (101 applicants) were granted refugee status.

    this makes me wonder about those 101 cases that were approved… how many Russians do you have to piss off for the South Koreans to say “oh shit, you need protection”…