As military tensions between the United States and Iran have intensified, global attention has once again turned to the Strait of Hormuz. Conflict in the Middle East is nothing new. However, this latest confrontation carries particular significance for Korea because its survival is directly linked to this narrow maritime passage. The Strait of Hormuz, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, stretches approximately 160 kilometers in length and narrows to only about 50 kilometers at its tightest point. However, nearly 20 percent of the world's seaborne crude oil passes through this strategic chokepoint. A substantial portion of Korea's imported crude oil also transits the strait. Any blockade or significant disruption to maritime traffic would immediately send shockwaves through the Korean economy. Korea ranks among the world's top economies, yet it remains a classic maritime trading nation that depends heavily on overseas sources of energy and raw materials. More than 99 percent of the country's trade volume moves by sea. Oil, liquefied natural gas, iron ore, coal, grain and cou