Is South Korea Safe Right Now?

Hi there, Matt Wilson, co-founder and CEO of Under30Experiences, here coming at you with another travel safety briefing, this time from South Korea!

Wondering about travel safety in Seoul and the rest of South Korea? I've just returned from a bucket list trip and would be happy to share my experience! I take travel safety very seriously and always conduct a deep dive into safety before I go, and share what I learn on this blog when I get back. 

I traveled with my wife and preschooler on this trip, so personally, I really wanted to know: How safe is Korea? Additionally, as the CEO of a group travel company, I am responsible for several groups of young adult solo travelers who visit Korea each year, so safety is of utmost importance to me.

Feel free to read my in-depth articles on safety in places like Colombia, Costa Rica, Ireland, and Madrid!

If you are considering traveling to Korea, you might be concerned about the current political situation or want to know more about relations between North and South Korea. We’ll get into all that and more in this article…

In this article about travel safety in South Korea, you’ll learn…

• Is South Korea safe right now? 
• Is Seoul a safe city? 
• What scams should I be aware of? 
• What is the safest way to get around Seoul?
• What activities are safe? What advice do you have for my trip?
• Are there natural disasters in South Korea?
• Is there ever political unrest in South Korea?
• What are civil emergency drills in South Korea?
• Is the nightlife safe for travelers?
• Is carrying pepper spray or a knife legal in Korea?
• Are drones legal in South Korea?
• What are the emergency numbers in Seoul?
• What hospitals and clinics should I go to in Seoul?
• What health risks exist in Korea?
• Is the water safe to drink? 
• Should I buy travel insurance for my trip?
• Should you travel to South Korea?
• Are group trips to South Korea safe?

Is South Korea safe right now? 

South Korea is one of the safest countries in the world! Shootings, terrorism, and robberies almost never happen! I’m thrilled to report that I felt completely safe on my trip to Korea from Seoul to Jeonju to Busan. South Korea is number 43 on the Global Peace Index, but walking around feels like it should be in the top 10. Unfortunately, they have a pesky neighbor to the North, which keeps this country heavily militarized, which is, in turn, is one of the reasons why the country is so safe. South Korea is well prepared for emergencies!

South Korea invests lots of money in making its country feel like a safe place. Our tour guide in Korea told me that “shame and CCTV” are the most effective deterrents. There are cameras everywhere.

One of the things that put my mind at ease about having a safe trip was watching this YouTuber buy a purse and leave it on the metro just to see if anyone would grab it. Korea even has a Lost and Found Center!

Female solo travelers will feel reassured knowing that Koreans are generally quite respectful, and women don’t experience the cat-calling that is prevalent in many other countries. Do, however, remember that Koreans are very conservative in their dress, especially at the beach, so you’ll want to leave your bikini at home so you don’t attract unwanted attention. 

If you are wondering about the conflict between North and South Korea, it’s important to understand that these two countries have been under a truce for 70 years. While there has been plenty of posturing over the years, the relationship has actually been quite peaceful, despite the two sides never coming together under a formal peace treaty.

Be forewarned that because South Korea takes security so seriously, it is illegal to take pictures of military zones, assets, soldiers, and government buildings. On my visit to the DMZ, we had a couple of travelers who were asked to delete photos from their phones.

As a safety-oriented person, I was extremely impressed by all the emergency preparedness equipment I saw in Korea. My hotel room on the 8th floor had an emergency glass breaker hammer with a line to rappel out in an emergency. Every hotel room had a flashlight mounted on the wall, and some even had fire extinguishers. I saw AED machines everywhere, and PPE in the subway in case of a fire. Seeing this stuff around honestly made me feel safer in case anything went wrong. 

Is Seoul safe?

Yes, Seoul is a safe city! If you are wondering what neighborhoods in Seoul are safe, well, all neighborhoods are considered safe by US standards! Sure, every country has less desirable neighborhoods to live in, but as our guide said, he cycled through one of them recently and felt a heck of a lot safer than he did when he lived in Delaware!

If you stay in a neighborhood with a lot of bars, you might see more drunkenness or disorderly behavior, for example, but nothing you’d consider unsafe by US standards. The major nightlife hubs are Itaewan, Gangnam, Jamsil, Myungdong, and Hongdae, but as a Korean American friend of mine said, you aren’t going to see anything “raunchy.”  

Koreans aren’t overly friendly to strangers, or as my 10-year-old niece said after she visited, “People don’t talk to you.” So, if someone approaches you on the street, it’s best to keep walking. However, I found that traveling with my blonde-haired, blue-eyed daughter actually made older people super friendly. We went to the temple one morning, and all these Korean grandmothers wanted to take photos of my daughter and give her sweets.

Some of the most popular neighborhoods to stay in Seoul are: 

• Myeongdong for K-pop shows, shopping malls, and the night market!
• Hongdae for second-hand shopping, more K-pop, karaoke, and street performers. 
• Insadong for history and culture, and tea houses. 
• Gangnam for luxury shopping, craft beer, and nightlife.

I stayed in Gangnam for five nights and then in Myeongdong, where I ate as much Korean food as possible! I felt completely safe no matter where I went. I actually practiced being a bit careless with my belongings just for fun. I’m so used to guarding my items because I live in Puerto Rico and previously lived in Costa Rica, that leaving my phone on the table while I went to the breakfast buffet at our hotel was an exercise in getting out of my comfort zone! 

What scams should I be aware of in South Korea?

Scams are not common in South Korean cities like Seoul. The worst thing you’ll probably come across is a taxi driver trying to overcharge you. Just make sure they start the meter, and you have nothing to worry about. See my recommendations for ride-sharing apps below.

What is the safest way to get around Seoul?

I always recommend walking as much as possible. I’m one of those tourists who can easily get to 20,000 steps in a day when I’m on vacation, and since Seoul is super safe, it’s a great way to see the city.

If you decide to cover long distances, the Seoul metro system is one of the best in the world. According to Seoul’s official visitor guide, its subway is “voted as one of the best in the world for its ease of use, cleanliness, and frequency of service.” They provide clear instructions for riding and a map that you can save to your camera roll. The only thing Korea needs to improve is the process of obtaining a T Money Card. You can buy the card with a credit card at a convenience store like GS25, eMart, CU, or 7-Eleven, but to put money on it, it is cash only. In contrast, in Japan, you can ride the metro system with just a simple tap of your credit card.

Seoul also has an extensive bus system. I used the Naver app to navigate the city and took a combination of the subway and buses everywhere. It was super safe and fairly convenient. I went everywhere from Lotte World in Jamsil to the Olympic Stadium to the Starfield COEX mall to K-star Road, Sinsa, and Times Square, all using public transportation.

Does Uber work in South Korea? 

Uber works in Seoul and Busan. Keep in mind that 26 million people live and work in the greater Seoul area, so traffic can be quite congested at times.

I always try to use Uber Green if possible, and I found it to be quite affordable. I never paid over $10 for short trips around town. I always got an electric Kia or Hyundai, Korea’s two famous car companies.

Incheon Airport, however, is almost an hour from Seoul, so that ride isn’t cheap. Taking the subway is a good option for budget travelers.

What are the top ridesharing/ride-hailing apps in South Korea? 

When I’m abroad, I like to try out local apps, especially for ride-sharing, as it can be another fun local experience, and you can have access to better prices. 

Kako T is the most popular ride-hailing app in South Korea. You can pay by cash, credit card, or your T Money card. I used Kako Taxi in Jeonju, where Uber was not available. 

FAQ: Does Google Maps work in Korea?

Google Maps is not widely used in Korea. You’ll see some Google Reviews for places, but Google can’t even give you walking directions around a city like Seoul! Instead, download Naver, which is translated into English and provides extensive reviews of places, as well as walking and public transportation directions. 

What activities are safe in South Korea? What advice do you have for my trip to South Korea?

Essentially, everything in Korea is safe, so get after it! Here are some of the things I did on my trip, many of which are included on our Korea itinerary with Under30Experiences.

Seoul

Some of the top things to do in Seoul include visiting the Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, shopping in Myeongdong, exploring the Bukchon Hanok Village, wandering through the Insadong neighborhood, or visiting Lotte World Tower & Mall. We had a blast at Lotte World!

Tickets can be difficult to get to a Korean baseball game at Jamsil Stadium. When the weather is nice and there is a good team in town, you’ll need to find a Korean friend to help you buy tickets in advance with an app. Even if you aren’t into baseball, it’s an amazing cultural experience–cheerleaders lead the entire stadium in chants that everybody in the crowd participates in. I highly recommend Korean baseball!

To see the most glamorous part of Seoul, I recommend going to Gangnam to K-star Road, which, to be honest, is only cool for about twenty minutes, unless you are really into luxury shopping or are out looking for K-pop stars. The real gems are located off K-star Road, in the more off-the-beaten-path areas, such as Sinsa and Garosu-gil Street. We had two nice meals in Gangnam, one at Han-oi and the other at this fish restaurant, which doesn’t seem to have an English listing, but I think it was one of our best meals! We also went to the COEX Starfield Mall, where they had a high-end food court, attached to the City Airport Tower. 

One of the highlights of our trip was Insadong! I had delicious Korean barbecue owned by a guy named Simon, who works at Samsung and waits tables on the weekend to put his daughter through college in the United States. Don’t miss “Chimaek” Korean Fried Chicken and Beer at Brew 3.14! We strolled through the Ikseon-dong Hanok Village in search of the TikTok-famous Salt Bread.

Another highlight of Seoul was sampling the diverse food offerings at Gwangjang Market, followed by a stroll along the Cheonggyecheon Stream for a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Korean DMZ

I had a really great experience at the border of North and South Korea, visiting the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) as part of my trip to Korea with U30X. We had to arrive early in the morning to get tickets to visit The Third Tunnel, Dora Observatory, the Bridge of Freedom, and snap a photo in front of the Peace Bell. It was nice to see that the entire area was dedicated to peace in the hope that one day Korea would be unified.

It was pretty surreal sitting in the New Dora Observatory in stadium-style seating, looking out at North Korea, where some of the buildings on their side were actually part of a "propaganda village” designed to make it look like people live a normal life, when in actuality, they don’t. The only thing I was disappointed about was that the Joint Security Area was closed after a US Army officer ran across the border, but it is reported that tours of the JSA will restart soon.

Outdoor activities in Korea

If you're after adventure activities, you'll want to take necessary precautions when enjoying the great outdoors. Bukhansan National Park has well-marked paths, guardrails, and usually has plenty of people on the trails. A couple of hours outside of Seoul you can check out Seoraksan National Park, Garden of Morning Calm, or Nami Island, just a couple hours outside of Seoul. On Jeju Island, you can explore the UNESCO heritage sites of Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes.

After spending a week in Seoul, I joined a group with Under30Experiences and went to Jeonju and Busan. 

Jeonju

Jeonju is a charming little city and super safe. Here, I’d recommend spending at least one night in a traditional guesthouse within the walls of Jeonju Hanok Village. You’ll sleep on a mat on a heated floor called an “ondol”–it’s a real cultural experience.

We really enjoyed wandering around the village–and yes, we had to dress up in a traditional Korean Hanbok. My wife went to a K-pop class, and I went to a Taekwondo class. We highly recommend both activities! We also participated in traditional Korean papermaking. 

I always try to take a jiu-jitsu class when I’m traveling, and I learned a lot from a very well-known black belt whom I contacted via Instagram.

Busan

Busan is Korea’s second-largest city, and to me, it gave off Miami vibes, as it comprises several islands and is a major port city. On the way into Busan, we stopped at the Gamecheon Cultural Village, where I enjoyed learning about the progress made by this neighborhood, built by Korean War refugees, in South Korea’s transition from a developing country to a developed one.  

Although it was crowded, Haedong Dragon Temple by the Sea was still one of my highlights of the trip. Be sure to take a moment for yourself to be mindful here as you feel the sea breeze blowing off the East Sea. 

In Busan, we stayed in the Seomyeon neighborhood, and I really enjoyed it. There were numerous places to eat within walking distance, and our group went out for karaoke. 

We also took the metro to Haeundae, another major tourist hub. Besides Gwangali or Haeundae Beach, you can ride the Beach Train, explore the Haeundae Traditional Market, Sealife Aquarium, Bay 101, Hyundai Motorstudio, and art museums to check out.

Are there natural disasters in South Korea?

The rainy season in South Korea is from late June to late August. Typhoons can happen in August and September. Heavy rainfall during summer can cause flooding, landslides, and damage to housing and infrastructure. Identify your local shelter with the Korean word 대피소. Be sure to follow the advice of local officials.

Tsunamis caused by earthquakes in the surrounding region are a risk. Know the tsunami warning signs and move to high ground immediately. Don't wait for official alerts, warnings, or sirens, just go!

There can be higher levels of pollution, particularly between March and May. During this time, strong winds from Mongolia and China also carry yellow dust to the Korean Peninsula. This can cause irritation in the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat. It’s a good idea to check the Air Quality online and bring an N95 mask if you are sensitive to pollutants. 

In Korea, they take the quality of their air seriously. You’ll notice HEPA filters everywhere, and in a local park, I even saw a digital air quality monitor that advises park-goers on whether or not it was advisable to wear a mask.

Is there ever political unrest in South Korea?

In early 2025, South Korea made international headlines when President Yoon Suk Yeol was officially removed from office after a dramatic few months that would be fit for a Korean drama, I’m sure. He declared martial law in the country, which lasted for just six hours overnight before it was overturned, while most people in Korea were still sleeping.

While the news may sound intense, South Koreans are no strangers to political shake-ups. In fact, Yoon is the third president to face impeachment since the country became a democracy. For travelers heading to Seoul, the atmosphere is calm, but it's always a good idea to stay informed and avoid large political gatherings just in case. I have a strict rule to stay away from protests, no matter how peaceful they seem. 

Honestly, I knew about the situation, but was blissfully unaware the President had been impeached on the Friday I arrived. Life went on as usual, and to a tourist, it was just another day in this beautiful country.

What are civil emergency drills in South Korea?

South Koreans have been living with their belligerent neighbor to the North for seventy years after the Korean War, and they take their national security very seriously.

Nationwide civil emergency drills are conducted regularly throughout the year, with additional regional or local drills also taking place. Depending on the nature of the drill, sirens may be activated, transportation may be halted, and authorities might instruct people to seek shelter in subway stations or basements.

Is the nightlife safe for travelers in Seoul?

Yes! Nightlife is safe for tourists in Seoul! Use the same precautions you would when visiting your favorite bar or nightclub at home. 

From the Australian Government: Sexual assault and harassment, drink spiking, and other violent crimes occur, particularly around bars and nightlife areas, such as Itaewon and Hongdae. Don't accept food, drink, gum, or cigarettes from strangers. Remain vigilant, take care when walking at night, and travel in groups if possible.

There was a high profile date rape case involving a K-pop band that brought awareness to this type of crime throughout the country.

Drug offenses in Korea are severe. Do not buy or use drugs.

Is it safe to walk in South Korea at night?

Yes! Walking through Seoul at night is safe, but I still don’t recommend anyone, especially female solo travelers, wander down dark alleys by themselves. Always use the buddy system, stick to well-lit areas, don’t drink too much, and use common sense!

Is carrying pepper spray or a knife legal in South Korea?

Don’t bring a knife or pepper spray to South Korea. You might actually need a permit to carry pepper spray in Korea, so leave it at home, because honestly, you aren’t going to need it. Carrying a knife is also illegal, and there can be serious repercussions for trying to bring one into the country.

Self-defense in South Korea is also a sticky situation. From what I’ve heard, you can only defend yourself with the same amount of force that is being applied to you, and cannot counterattack. So, if you practice the “gentle art” of jiu-jitsu like me, remember the “gentle” part, in case you need to use it, God forbid.

Are drones legal in South Korea?

It is illegal to fly drones in many public areas in South Korea, especially in sensitive zones like the DMZ. If you are traveling to South Korea, it’s best to leave them at home. 

What are the important emergency numbers in Seoul?

Here are the main emergency services numbers in South Korea:

• Fire and rescue services: 119
• Medical emergencies & ambulance: 119 or go to the hospital.
• Police: call 112. This is a 24/7 service with English interpreters available. 
  Download the South Korean Government's 'Emergency Ready' app link for “Android” or “iOS”.
  

For emergency shelter locations, you can download the “Kakao Maps” app and search “civil defense shelter.” Please note that Google Maps is not widely used in South Korea.

If you are a US citizen, always enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before leaving the United States. This way, the US government can send you important notifications and contact your family in case of an emergency.

The US Embassy can be contacted at:

Address: 188 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03141, South Korea 
Website: https://kr.usembassy.gov
Phone Number: +82-2-397-4114

What hospitals and clinics should travelers go to in Seoul?

In an emergency, dial 199 in South Korea.

Yonsei Severance Hospital International Clinic is your best place to go. 

Seoul’s hospitals are very good, and many of them have International Health Centers that cater to foreigners and have interpreters available. 

Our team in Korea informed me that Yonsei Hospital is the best in the country, but if you prefer not to risk waiting in line, you can visit a local medical clinic for all your health concerns. Many clinics have English-speaking doctors on-site.

My daughter came down with a pretty bad cough, so we had her get checked out and cleared to make the long flight back home right in the Incheon Airport in Terminal 2. We walked in, were seen in ten minutes, paid $20, and got her prescription right next door. The doctor spoke a little English, but we used translation apps to fill in the gaps. Overall, I was fairly satisfied with the experience. 

This tourism organization provides a list of hospitals you can visit, so depending on the urgency of the situation, you may just want to pick the closest one.

FAQ: Where can I get skin treatments in Seoul? 

My wife and I went to a medical skincare clinic in Seoul to get the full experience. We went to VelyB in Gangnam, but they have a few branches. This place does serious business and attracts people from all over the world. English was very minimal, and we used ChatGPT to translate. I’d describe this place as a fancy Botox factory that offers all sorts of treatments at a fraction of the price in the United States. Visit at your own risk!

FAQ: Where is the best place to buy skincare products? 

The most notable place to purchase Korean skincare products is Olive Young. There are many throughout the city, and my wife stocked up big time here! Don’t ask me what she bought… I don’t want to know! 

FAQ: What head spas are good in Seoul? 

My wife had to try out the famous 15-step scalp treatment. She went to Park Jun Beauty Lab Headspa, and it’s the one we recommend to our travelers. Be sure to agree on the price upfront and watch out for the upsells. These have gained a lot of notoriety on TikTok–just be prepared to pay a pretty penny!

FAQ: Where do people go for plastic surgery in South Korea?

Korean culture places a huge emphasis on beauty, and it’s very common for people to travel to South Korea for medical tourism. A local contact of mine mentioned that many travelers visit Dr. Hyejin Cho at Tumiseong Plastic Surgery. In full disclosure, my wife and I have never been, and this is not medical advice. I think you’re beautiful just the way you are.

What health risks exist for travelers to South Korea?

While South Korea is considered a very safe destination with excellent healthcare, travelers should still take standard health precautions. The CDC recommends routine vaccinations as well as travel-specific ones such as hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and Japanese encephalitis—particularly if you plan to visit rural areas or stay for an extended period. 

There is a very low risk of malaria in certain northern provinces near the DMZ from March to December, so preventive steps like mosquito repellent are advised. As always, travelers should pack any necessary medications, drink bottled or filtered water, and ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance.

Honestly, I didn’t know about any of that stuff until I returned from my trip…

Is the tap water safe to drink in South Korea?

Tap water is safe to drink in South Korea unless otherwise posted. The Environmental Performance Index rated South Korea’s water among the top 25 cleanest countries in the world, just ahead of the United States. 

Korean culture has a high emphasis on cleanliness, so most locals boil or filter the water first, but this is not necessary. Most hotels have a water purification jug for guests to refill their sustainable water bottles. There is no reason to buy bottled water in South Korea.

Should I buy travel insurance for my trip to South Korea?

Travel insurance is a wise choice for any trip! Unexpected situations can arise anywhere, so I always recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover potential issues such as trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and medical emergencies.

Our lawyers insist that I inform you, “This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance,” and disclose that I receive compensation if you purchase the travel insurance. I direct travelers to the companies I’ve been working with for years, Wanderwell, SafetyWing, and World Nomads.

Should you travel to South Korea?

I had an absolute blast on my trip to Korea. I’ve always wanted to see the DMZ and go to a Korean baseball game, so checking those two things off my bucket list was pretty awesome. Our team based in Seoul took really good care of us, and we enjoyed amazing food throughout the country. I also really appreciated that there were so few Western tourists there, especially in comparison to Japan, where we went the following week. I love feeling off-the-beaten-path!

My wife loved the trip even more than I did. She can’t wait to go back. She’s talking about starting to run trips there for people who want to shop and have beauty treatments done. Many of the women on my trip with U30X went all out on skin care treatments, facials, and hair treatments, among other things. 

In short, I encourage everyone to visit Korea, especially before more Westerners discover how great this country is! I also found it to be much more affordable than Japan and way less crowded.

Are group trips to South Korea safe?

So glad you asked! If traveling to the other side of the planet alone sounds daunting, I’d suggest joining a group trip. Even though South Korea is super safe, having a guide who speaks the local language, knows the best spots, and can ease the culture shock can take the stress out of travel. I found the level of English in Korea to be quite low. 

Plus, one of the great things about group trips is you can come as a solo traveler, but leave with friends from your group! In group travel, you’ll always have a buddy to go do things with, and you won’t feel so lonely in a culture so foreign to you. I invite you to check out our trips to Korea with Under30Experiences! We also run small trips for people in their 30s and 40s.