Two more South Korean vessels have successfully navigated through the Strait of Hormuz after being stranded there for months amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, South Korea's oceans ministry confirmed on Saturday, 27 June. The passage reduces the number of South Korea-related ships still stuck in the waterway to three.

Key Developments

'Two vessels operated by South Korean shipping companies, which had been waiting inside the Strait of Hormuz, are sailing normally after passing through the strait,' a ministry official said. Four South Korean crew members were aboard the two vessels that recently cleared the strait, though neither ship is bound for South Korea.

The latest departures are part of a gradual unblocking of the waterway following a US-Iran ceasefire deal signed earlier this month. Of the original 26 South Korea-related vessels stranded after Iran blocked shipping routes in late February, most have now passed through — the first two with Iranian assistance during the conflict, and the remainder leaving one by one since the ceasefire.

Vessels and Crew Still Stranded

Three South Korea-related vessels remain in the strait, including the HMM Namu, which sustained damage in Iranian-linked missile attacks and is currently undergoing repairs at a port in Dubai. A total of 43 South Korean crew members remain stranded in the strait, including those aboard both South Korean vessels and foreign-flagged ships, according to the ministry.

The oceans ministry said it has been conducting real-time monitoring and providing diplomatic and navigational assistance — in coordination with the foreign ministry — to facilitate safe passage for the affected ships.

South Korea's Broader Economic Response

Separately, South Korea on Friday lowered price ceilings on fuel products to reflect the recent decline in global crude oil prices. Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol announced during a meeting with economy-related ministers that electricity and gas rates would be frozen in the second half of the year to further contain inflation.

'The government will adjust the emergency measures currently in place in phases by closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and the South Korean economy,' Koo said. He noted the price cap system would remain in place until consumer prices are fully stabilised.

What Happens Next

With three vessels — including the damaged HMM Namu — still unable to leave and 43 crew members yet to return, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains unresolved for South Korea. The pace of the remaining departures will depend on the durability of the US-Iran ceasefire and the progress of repair work on the stricken ship. Seoul's dual-track approach — maritime diplomacy alongside domestic economic cushioning — signals that authorities are preparing for a prolonged stabilisation period.