192 Koreans return from Israel after Hamas attack

A total of 192 Korean nationals returned home from Israel on Wednesday after the Israel-Hamas conflict flared up on Saturday. Korean Air flight KE958, which departed from Tel Aviv, arrived at Incheon International Airport at 6:06 a.m.

Korean nationals who visited Israel for short-term stays arrive at Incheon International Airport on Wednesday. [NEWS1]

A total of 192 Korean nationals returned home from Israel on Wednesday after the Israel-Hamas conflict flared up on Saturday.

Korean Air flight KE958, which departed from Tel Aviv, arrived at Incheon International Airport at 6:06 a.m.

There was no serious peril to the returnees' safety during their stay in Israel, they said.

A 33-year-old surnamed Cho, who went on a pilgrimage to Israel with 40 members of a church in Siheung, Gyeonggi, said, "Some stores were closed, and lots of tanks and armored vehicles were on the streets."

Cho added, "People seemed to be having an ordinary life," as Cho was away from areas under alert.

Korean nationals who visited Israel for short-term stays arrive at Incheon International Airport on Wednesday. [YONHAP]

Another evacuee aged 70, surnamed Song, said, "I only thought of when we could fly back home."

Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport was packed with people trying to leave Israel, they said.

"There were a large number of foreigners waiting for departing flights," another evacuee, surnamed Lee, said, adding that the airport was in chaos.

"I wish the government could put an effort to bring back our fellow 13 pilgrims still in Israel," Lee said.

Families and friends waiting at the arrival gates at Incheon International Airport greeted the returnees with hugs and relief.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the returnees are among the 570 short-term Korean visitors in Israel. The ministry is currently informing remaining Koreans of land routes and flight information for safe evacuation.

BY HA SU-YOUNG [lee.soojung1@joongang.co.kr]