South Korea Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in South Korea.
Healthcare System
South Korea has one of the world's most advanced healthcare systems with state-of-the-art medical facilities, highly trained doctors (many English-speaking), and cutting-edge technology. The National Health Insurance system covers citizens, but tourists pay out-of-pocket or through travel insurance. Medical costs are significantly lower than Western countries like the USA, though still substantial without insurance.
Hospitals
Major international hospitals in Seoul include Samsung Medical Center, Asan Medical Center, and Severance Hospital. These facilities have dedicated international patient centers with English-speaking staff. In tourist areas, look for hospitals with 'International Clinic' signs. Emergency rooms (응급실) are available 24/7 at major hospitals.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (약국, yakguk) are widely available and marked with green crosses. Pharmacists are knowledgeable but may have limited English. Many common medications require prescriptions that would be over-the-counter elsewhere. Basic pain relievers and cold medicine are readily available. Convenience stores sell limited basic medications.
Insurance
Travel insurance is not legally required but strongly recommended. Medical costs can be expensive for tourists (though still lower than US prices). Ensure your policy covers emergency medical evacuation, as this is not covered by Korean insurance. Keep all receipts and documentation for insurance claims.
Healthcare Tips
- Download the 'Emergency Ready App' for English-language emergency assistance and hospital locations
- Carry a card with your hotel address and emergency contacts in Korean
- International hospitals may require upfront payment or credit card authorization before treatment
- Prescription medications should be brought in original packaging with a doctor's letter, especially for controlled substances
- Air quality can affect those with respiratory conditions; check AQI levels and consider bringing masks during spring (yellow dust season)
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching are relatively rare compared to other major tourist destinations, but can occur in crowded areas. Phone theft and bag snatching in busy nightlife districts have been reported occasionally.
Korean drivers can be aggressive, and traffic rules may not always be followed strictly. Motorcycles and scooters often use sidewalks. Pedestrians don't always have right-of-way even at crosswalks.
South Korea has a strong drinking culture, and alcohol-related incidents (falls, altercations, drink spiking) can occur. Public intoxication is common and generally tolerated, but can lead to vulnerable situations for tourists.
Seasonal yellow dust from China and domestic air pollution can cause poor air quality, especially in spring (March-May). This can affect those with respiratory conditions, children, and elderly travelers.
South Korea has excellent hiking trails, but accidents occur due to inadequate preparation, sudden weather changes, or overestimating abilities. Trails can be steep and challenging despite appearing well-maintained.
While South Korea is technically still at war with North Korea, actual risk to tourists is minimal. Occasional missile tests or heightened rhetoric may cause concern but rarely affect daily life or tourism.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Some taxi drivers, particularly at airports or tourist areas, may take longer routes, claim the meter is broken, or refuse to use the meter. Others may claim they don't have change for large bills.
Particularly in Itaewon and Gangnam, friendly locals or attractive women invite tourists to a bar for drinks. The bill arrives with exorbitant charges (often hundreds of dollars) for drinks and 'companionship fees.' Intimidating staff may pressure payment.
People dressed as Buddhist monks approach tourists at popular sites asking for donations or selling 'blessed' items. Legitimate monks rarely solicit donations directly from tourists in this manner.
Tour guides or friendly locals take tourists to 'special' ginseng, cosmetics, or jewelry shops where prices are inflated 300-500%. High-pressure sales tactics are used, and quality may be questionable.
Though less common than in other countries, card skimming can occur at some establishments, particularly smaller bars and restaurants. Card details may be copied for fraudulent use.
Some rental shops, particularly for hanbok (traditional clothing) or bicycles near palaces, may charge excessive fees for minor damage or claim items were damaged when they weren't.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, visa, insurance) separately from originals and in cloud storage
- Register with your embassy's travel registration program (STEP for US citizens)
- Learn basic Korean phrases for emergencies: 'dowa-juseyo' (help me), 'byeongwon' (hospital)
- Download essential apps: Kakao Map (navigation), Papago (translation), Kakao T (taxis), Emergency Ready App
- Save the tourist hotline (1330) in your phone - they provide 24/7 multilingual assistance
- Carry your accommodation's business card with Korean address for taxi drivers
- Public WiFi is excellent but use a VPN for sensitive transactions
Transportation Safety
- Seoul's subway system is very safe; keep belongings secure during rush hour (7-9 AM, 6-8 PM)
- Use official taxis (black deluxe, orange international, or silver regular); avoid unlicensed vehicles
- Download Kakao T app for transparent taxi pricing and tracking
- Buses are safe but can be challenging for non-Korean speakers; use navigation apps
- If renting a car, be prepared for aggressive driving; international license required; tolls are common
- Late-night subway ends around midnight; plan return transportation or use taxis
- Designated driver services (daeri) are available if you drink - your car is driven home with you in it
Accommodation Safety
- Use reputable booking platforms; read recent reviews carefully
- Traditional hanok stays are charming but may lack modern safety features; check smoke detectors
- Love motels are safe and common budget options despite the name; they're used by all travelers
- Guesthouses and hostels are generally safe; use lockers for valuables
- Know emergency exits in your accommodation; fire safety standards are high but verify
- Ondol (floor heating) can be extremely hot; adjust carefully to avoid burns
- Most accommodations require leaving your key at the desk when going out - this is normal
Food and Water Safety
- Tap water is safe to drink in cities, though many Koreans prefer filtered or bottled water
- Food hygiene standards are generally high; street food is usually safe
- Be cautious with raw seafood if you have a sensitive stomach
- Spicy food is common; start mild if you're not accustomed to heat
- Food allergies: carry a card in Korean listing your allergies; cross-contamination awareness is growing but not universal
- Banchan (side dishes) are refillable and safe to eat
- Ice in drinks is safe; made from filtered or purified water
Money and Valuables
- South Korea is largely cashless; credit cards and mobile payments widely accepted
- ATMs are abundant; use those in convenience stores (7-Eleven, GS25) or banks
- Some ATMs don't accept foreign cards; look for 'Global ATM' signs
- Notify your bank before traveling to avoid card blocks
- Tipping is not expected and can be considered rude in some situations
- Keep emergency cash in USD or your home currency as backup
- Pickpocketing is rare, but don't leave phones or bags unattended in cafes
Cultural Safety
- Remove shoes when entering homes, some restaurants, and temple buildings
- Avoid public displays of affection beyond hand-holding
- Don't write names in red ink - it symbolizes death
- Respect hierarchical culture; bow slightly when greeting elders
- Photography restrictions exist at military sites, some museums, and the DMZ
- Avoid discussing politics, especially North Korea, with locals unless they initiate
- Tattoos may need to be covered in some public baths (jjimjilbang) and pools
Nightlife Safety
- Stick to well-known areas like Hongdae, Gangnam, and Itaewon
- Never leave drinks unattended; watch your drink being prepared
- Use buddy system; don't let friends wander off alone when intoxicated
- Be cautious of overly friendly strangers inviting you to other venues
- Know your alcohol limits; soju is stronger than it tastes
- Use official taxis or public transport; avoid unlicensed drivers offering rides
- Women should be particularly cautious in crowded clubs; unwanted touching can occur
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
South Korea is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. Violent crime against women is rare, and the country ranks well for female safety compared to global standards. However, women should be aware of specific cultural issues including hidden cameras in bathrooms (molka), occasional groping in crowded areas, and sexist attitudes in some situations. The #MeToo movement has raised awareness, but gender inequality persists in some aspects of society.
- Avoid excessive drinking in unfamiliar company; drink spiking, while rare, has been reported
- Check for hidden cameras in bathrooms, changing rooms, and accommodations using camera detector apps or visual inspection
- In crowded subways, consider using women-only cars during rush hour (available on some lines)
- Dress modestly in conservative areas and religious sites; revealing clothing may attract unwanted attention
- Be firm but polite when declining unwanted attention; walking away is often the best response
- Use official taxis late at night; sit in the back seat and share your location with friends
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Solo dining is common and safe; don't hesitate to eat alone at restaurants
- Jjimjilbang (bathhouses) are gender-segregated and very safe; great experience for female travelers
- Be aware that some Korean men may view foreign women as more 'approachable'; set clear boundaries
- Download the Seoul Smart Safety app which has an emergency alert function
- Avoid walking alone in isolated areas late at night, though this is generally safe in tourist areas
- Sexual harassment is underreported; if you experience serious issues, contact tourist police (1330) or your embassy
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in South Korea with no criminal penalties. However, same-sex marriage is not recognized, and there are no comprehensive anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals. Military service is mandatory for men, and homosexual acts in the military are criminalized. Transgender individuals can legally change their gender markers, but the process is difficult.
- Seoul's Itaewon neighborhood has the main LGBTQ+ scene with bars, clubs, and cafes, particularly around 'Homo Hill'
- Hongdae and Jongno also have LGBTQ+-friendly venues; research current establishments as they change frequently
- Public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention; use discretion based on your comfort level
- Many hotels and accommodations are professional and won't question same-sex couples sharing rooms
- Seoul Pride (Seoul Queer Culture Festival) occurs annually in June but faces counter-protests
- Dating apps like Grindr and Jack'd are actively used in major cities
- Be cautious about being openly LGBTQ+ in rural or conservative areas
- Don't assume English-speaking Koreans are more accepting; attitudes vary individually
- Some religious institutions and conservative groups are actively anti-LGBTQ+; avoid confrontations
- The situation is slowly improving; Seoul elected an openly LGBTQ+-supportive mayor in some districts
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations like Korea Queer Culture Festival or Solidarity for LGBT Human Rights of Korea for current information
- Your embassy may have resources for LGBTQ+ travelers if issues arise
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended for South Korea despite its excellent healthcare system. While medical care is high-quality, costs for tourists can be substantial without insurance. Medical evacuation, trip cancellation due to weather or emergencies, and coverage for adventure activities are particularly important. South Korea's proximity to North Korea and occasional geopolitical tensions make comprehensive coverage wise, though actual risk is minimal.
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