Safety — one of the safest countries in the world
South Korea is one of the safest travel destinations in the world — the crime rate is extremely low, and violent attacks on tourists are practically unheard of. You can walk through any street in Seoul at night without fear.
Safety Tips
- Theft: Rare — Koreans leave their laptops and phones in cafés while going to the restroom. Still, keep an eye on valuables in tourist areas (Myeongdong, Itaewon).
- Taxis: Safe and regulated. Use Kakao Taxi (app) for added security and price transparency.
- Natural hazards: Typhoons (August–September), heavy monsoon rains (June–July). Earthquake risk minimal.
- North Korea: Despite political tensions, the safety situation for tourists in South Korea is never at risk. The Foreign Office classifies South Korea as a safe travel destination.
- Emergency numbers: 112 (Police) / 119 (Fire/Ambulance) / 1330 (Tourist Hotline, English, 24h)
