[INTERVIEW] Israeli ambassador hails travel revival, growing ties

Israeli Ambassador to Korea Rafael Harpaz speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at the Embassy of Israel, Wednesday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk By Kim Hyun-bin Israeli Ambassador to South Korea Rafael Harpaz welcomed the Korean government’s decision to lower its travel advisory for Israel to pre-Gaza conflict levels, highlighting the move as a positive step for strengthening bilateral relations. Korea's foreign ministry announced on Feb.

11 an easing of its travel advisory for parts of Israel, excluding the Gaza Strip. The advisory was downgraded from Level 3, which urges departure, to Level 2, which advises against travel. This adjustment follows a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.



However, a Level 4 travel ban remains in place for the Gaza Strip and areas near the Lebanon border, while a Level 3 advisory is still in effect for the West Bank and parts of northern Israel. Harpaz noted that as stability returns to Israel with a ceasefire in place, many countries have revised their travel advisories accordingly. "Now Korea has lowered its travel advisory to nearly the same level as before the war.

To give you some perspective, life in Israel is very normal now. Most foreign airlines have resumed operations, including American Airlines, Lufthansa and British Airways," he said during an interview with The Korea Times at the Israeli Embassy in Seoul on Wednesday. He emphasized the importance of this decision for both tourism and business travel, which are already beginning to show signs of recovery.

"This will enable the thousands of Koreans who were asking when they could visit Israel to finally do so. Business travel is already resuming, and tourism will follow. Even during the conflict, Israelis continued to visit Korea, and now the appeal for travel is growing for both sides.

" Before the war, at least 60,000 South Koreans visited Israel annually, and the visa-free agreement between the two nations is expected to further encourage travel. "I can say Korea does not require visas for Israel, and vice versa. Israelis love Korea, and the feeling is mutual.

I was in Korea during Chuseok and heard so much Hebrew spoken around the city. Now, Israeli travel agencies are offering cherry blossom tour packages in Korea," he said. "People-to-people exchanges are crucial, and this development will only strengthen ties.

" Regarding air travel, Harpaz addressed the suspension of Korean Air’s direct flights to Tel Aviv in October 2023 following the start of the Gaza conflict. Discussions with the airline about resuming service are ongoing, although no date has been set. "While direct flights make travel easier, there are plenty of alternatives via Dubai, Tokyo and Bangkok.

Still, we hope to see direct flights reinstated soon," he said. He also sought to reassure Koreans considering travel to Israel, stressing that their safety is a priority. "Israel treats foreign tourists the same way we treat our own citizens," he said, adding that necessary precautions are in place to ensure security.

Addressing Israel’s broader security situation, Harpaz pointed out the recent strategic developments in the region. "Iran had been building a 'ring of fire' around Israel for years, and we have successfully dismantled it. Hezbollah is weakened, and Syria’s Assad regime is no longer a threat.

Hamas remains, but it is significantly weakened. We are in a much better position than before the war." Regarding economic ties, Harpaz emphasized South Korea’s significance as Israel’s first free trade agreement (FTA) partner in Asia.

"Korea is the first Asian country Israel signed an FTA with, joining the U.S., EU and Latin America.

The FTA is vital, especially amid global economic shifts. Korean businesses are returning to Israel, and investments between our countries continue to grow. I see great potential in R&D, AI, quantum technology and defense collaboration.

" He also highlighted Seoul’s growing role in global diplomacy. "It [South Korea] holds a temporary seat on the U.N.

Security Council and is active in the International Atomic Energy Agency. We have close consultations on regional security issues, including North Korea and Iran. [South] Korea has strongly condemned Hamas’ attacks and supported Israel’s right to self-defense.

" Harpaz described South Korea and Israel as natural partners with deep historical and strategic similarities. "Both received independence in the same year, were once very poor and are now success stories. Both face strategic challenges in their regions and have a long history of cooperation in innovation, defense and other sectors.

" Reflecting on past cooperation, he recalled Israel’s support for South Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic. "Israel was the first country to provide vaccines to Korea when there was a global shortage," he said. "This is a testament to our close ties, and we hope to expand our collaboration even further.

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