Seoul, Jan 30 (IANS): South Korea's Foreign Ministry said that it will send three officials to its embassy in Kiev to prepare contingency plans for Korean nationals amid the escalating tension between Ukraine and Russia.

The decision came after Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong held a virtual meeting with chiefs of South Korea's diplomatic missions in Russia, Ukraine and other nations on the previous day amid tensions between Moscow and Kiev, reports Yonhap News Agency.

Seoul's Embassy in Ukraine also plans to update information on means of transportation and land routes on its website while holding meetings with Korean residents and companies.

The Ministry advised South Koreans in Ukraine to depart to safer regions in the near future, as international flights are still operating normally at seven airports in six cities.

Around 440 Koreans are staying in Ukraine, with most of them in the capital Kiev and other inland cities.

Last week, the Ministry advised Korean nationals in 15 southern, eastern and northern regions of Ukraine to swiftly leave the nation amid the increased threat of Russian military action.