South Korea's Crime Rate and Safety: A Complete Guide for Travelers!
Hello, this is Editor K. Many people around the world love K-culture and want to visit South Korea, but at the same time, they often wonder, 'Is South Korea really safe?' You might be curious if it's okay to walk around late at night or if you can find your belongings if you lose them. So today, I'm going to give you a very detailed and honest look at just how safe South Korea is, along with essential safety tips for travelers!
1. Is South Korea Really Safe? (Objective Indicators)
To get straight to the point, yes, South Korea is one of the safest countries in the world.
- Low Crime Rate: South Korea has a significantly lower rate of violent crime compared to other OECD countries. In particular, since firearm possession is illegal, gun-related crime is virtually nonexistent.
- Excellent Public Security System: CCTVs are densely installed throughout cities, which has a great deterrent effect on crime and enables swift arrests when incidents do occur. Additionally, small police stations called 'Pachulso' or 'Jigudae' are present in every neighborhood, allowing for quick assistance in emergencies.
- Safe Nightlife Culture: Major cities like Seoul are famous for being cities that never sleep. Many cafes, restaurants, and convenience stores are open 24/7, and public transportation runs until late, making it relatively safe to return home late at night. It is often noted that solo female travelers, in particular, feel much safer walking at night compared to other countries.
2. Minor Crimes for Travelers to Be Aware Of and How to Prevent Them
Of course, no place on Earth is 100% safe. There are a few things travelers should be mindful of even in South Korea.
- Pickpocketing and Theft: Be careful with your belongings in crowded tourist spots (e.g., Myeongdong, Namdaemun Market) or on packed subways during rush hour. It's a good idea to wear your bag in front of you and keep valuables out of sight.
- Taxi Scams: In rare cases, some taxi drivers may try to overcharge foreign tourists, especially at airports or major tourist sites. Always insist that they turn on the meter ('Miteo-gi kyeojuseyo') and, if possible, use regular taxis or official ride-hailing apps like 'UBER' for safety.
- Touting in Nightlife Districts: In some entertainment districts like Gangnam, Itaewon, or Hongdae, you may encounter aggressive touts or establishments that scam customers with exorbitant bills. Be wary of drinks offered by strangers and make it a habit to clearly check the prices on the menu before ordering.
3. What to Do If You Lose Something: Korea's Unique Culture and Solutions
One of the biggest advantages of traveling in Korea is the high recovery rate of lost items. Even if you leave a laptop or phone unattended at a cafe for a long time, nobody will take it. If you happen to lose something, don't panic and follow the steps below.
- Retrace Your Steps: Koreans have a strong tendency not to touch other people's belongings. There is a very high probability that your item is still right where you dropped it.
- Ask at Nearby Shops or Information Desks: If someone found your item, they likely turned it in to a nearby cafe, shop, or a building's information desk. It's best to ask around first.
- Contact Public Transportation Lost & Found Centers:
- Subway: Contact the lost and found center for the specific line you used (e.g., Line 1-8, Line 9).
- Bus/Taxi: The fastest way is to check your card payment history to find the vehicle number and contact the respective company.
- Check the National Police Agency's Lost112 Portal: All lost items turned in to the police are registered on the National Police Agency's Lost112 website. Item information is uploaded with photos, so check it frequently. (Multilingual support is available).
4. Emergency Contacts
Be sure to save these numbers just in case.
- 112: Police (for reporting crimes)
- 119: Fire Department & Ambulance (for fires or medical emergencies)
- 1330: Korea Travel Helpline (provides tourist information, interpretation, and other services in multiple languages, 24/7)
Based on its high level of civic awareness and excellent security infrastructure, South Korea offers travelers a safe and pleasant environment. As long as you follow basic safety rules, you can enjoy a more comfortable and enjoyable trip than in almost any other country. We're cheering for your successful trip to Korea!
