South Korea Seeks Gulf Help to Keep Energy Flowing Safely

South Korean Finance Minister Koo Yun‑cheol met with diplomats from the Gulf Cooperation Council to ask for steady supplies of oil, LNG, naphtha and other vital resources. He also requested that the Gulf states work to protect Korean ships and crews near the Strait of Hormuz, a route that has become risky after Iran’s recent actions. The Gulf envoys said South Korea is a “top priority” and promised close coordination with Seoul to keep the flow of energy stable.South Korea, like many Asian countries, depends heavily on imports that travel through the Strait of Hormuz. That waterway used to carry about 20 % of world oil, but the conflict that began on February 28 has disrupted traffic and pushed prices higher. The six GCC members—Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain—were asked to support these efforts. The meeting highlights how global tensions can threaten energy security and maritime safety, and shows South Korea’s proactive steps to secure its needs amid uncertainty.