Safety tips in Korea

Korea is generally considered safe for travelers, with relatively low violent crime and busy streets well into the night. That said, risks like pickpocketing in crowds, drunken arguments and traffic accidents exist here as anywhere. With ordinary precautions, most visitors travel comfortably and without trouble.

Main streets and nightlife districts usually stay busy and feel relatively safe after dark. Still, avoid empty alleys and parks, and do not wander alone when heavily intoxicated. Check last-train times before heading out late, and take a taxi if public transport has stopped running.

Look both ways even when the pedestrian light is green. Many side streets have no separate sidewalk, so cars and scooters pass very close to pedestrians. Delivery motorbikes sometimes ride on sidewalks too, so stay alert, especially if you are walking with earphones in.

Pickpocketing is not very common, but stay careful at festivals, crowded tourist spots and packed subway cars. Wear your bag in front and avoid keeping your phone or wallet in a back pocket. You may see locals leave phones on café tables, but it is wiser to keep your own valuables with you.

The most common issue is taxis that skip the meter or take a long route. Make sure the meter is running, or use a ride-hailing app that shows the route and estimated fare. If a stranger approaches you with a survey or invites you to a religious gathering, a polite 'no thank you' is enough.

Korean phones receive emergency alert messages for earthquakes, heavy rain, heat waves and other disasters. Because many alerts arrive in Korean, consider installing the government's safety information app for foreigners, which offers alerts in other languages. In a real emergency, call 112 or 119.

During the summer rainy season and typhoons, heavy downpours can make valleys and riverside paths dangerous very quickly. Postpone hiking and stream swimming in heavy rain, and stay away from basements and riverside trails. Check the Korea Meteorological Administration's forecasts and weather warnings, watch for emergency text alerts from government agencies, and confirm whether flights or ferries are canceled.

Hiking is hugely popular in Korea, but many trails have rocky sections that are risky in slippery shoes. Allow plenty of time to descend, especially when days are short, and carry water and a charged phone. If you get lost or hurt, call 119 and read out the number on the nearest trail location marker.

Drinking culture in Korea often involves glasses being refilled constantly, so you may drink more than you planned. Turning down a refill is fine, so keep your own pace and be cautious with drinks from strangers. Getting into a scuffle while drunk can quickly become an assault case, so walk away from arguments.

Many women travel solo in Korea, and it is generally considered safe. Still, avoid deserted areas late at night and check reviews and location carefully when choosing accommodation. Hidden-camera crimes have been a recognized social issue, so report anything suspicious you notice in public restrooms or changing rooms.

Take extra care in places where people and vehicles mix, such as school zones and narrow market alleys. Cars turning right do not always stop before crosswalks, so watch for them even with a green light. Wearing something bright at night helps drivers see you.

Many beaches have lifeguards only during the official opening season. Swimming outside that season or beyond the marked area can be dangerous and may be prohibited. Stay out of the water when waves are high or after drinking, and call 119 immediately if someone gets into trouble.

Icy sidewalks are common in winter, so wear shoes with good grip. Shaded slopes and stairs are especially slippery, and hiking trails may require crampons. When a cold wave warning is issued, cut back on outdoor plans and dress in warm layers to protect against the cold.

Check your location in a map app, and if you have no data, ask staff at a convenience store or subway station. Keep your accommodation's address written in Korean so you can show it to a taxi driver or passer-by. The 1330 Korea Travel Hotline can also provide tourist information and interpretation in several languages, for example when talking to a driver.

Midsummer in Korea is hot and humid, so outdoor sightseeing in the middle of the day can be exhausting. Drink water often and take breaks in shade or air-conditioned spaces. If you feel dizzy, get a headache or feel nauseous, rest somewhere cool, and call 119 if symptoms are severe.

High fine-dust levels are most common from winter through spring, and yellow dust mostly arrives in spring. Check air quality in a weather or air-quality app, and on bad days wear a KF-rated mask or reduce time outdoors. Travelers with asthma or other respiratory conditions should be particularly careful.

Shared e-scooters legally require a driver's license, and helmets are mandatory. Riding on sidewalks or carrying a second rider is prohibited and can be fined. Whether a foreign license is accepted depends on the service, so check the app's requirements before you ride.

Call 112 for police and 119 for fire or an ambulance. The 1330 Korea Travel Hotline provides tourist information and interpretation. For accidents at sea, the coast guard number is 122, so save it too if you plan boat trips or beach time.

Make sure the place is a properly registered lodging, and read reviews about the location and entry security. When you arrive, take a moment to find the emergency exits and fire extinguisher and test the room lock. If you are arriving late, confirm the check-in process in advance.

Yes, very. Apart from narrow licensed medical exceptions, cannabis is illegal in Korea even if it is legal where you come from. Foreigners caught possessing or using drugs in Korea can face prosecution and may also be subject to deportation. Even foods or cosmetics containing cannabis-derived ingredients may cause problems at customs, so check official customs guidance before packing.