South Korea is urgently seeking alternative oil supply routes, turning to Kazakhstan as disruptions in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz raise concerns over energy security.

Seoul is dispatching Chief of Staff to the President of South Korea Kang Hoon-sik - on a regional tour that includes Kazakhstan, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

The move comes amid fears that shipping instability could trigger supply shortages at home.

The urgency is clear: around 61% of South Korea’s crude oil imports and 54% of its naphtha shipments pass through the Strait of Hormuz - one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints.

Kazakhstan is now emerging as a key diversification partner, offering Seoul an alternative to routes vulnerable to geopolitical risks. At the same time, South Korean authorities are working with international partners to ensure safe maritime transit for their vessels.

Seoul has already taken precautionary steps. Oil shipments under a deal with the United Arab Emirates have begun arriving, totaling 24 million barrels. In total, South Korea has secured 110 million barrels from 17 countries for April and May.

Earlier, Iran signaled it would allow vessels carrying humanitarian goods and essential supplies to pass through the Strait of Hormuz toward its ports and the Gulf of Oman - a move that could slightly ease pressure on global energy supply routes.