Touring South Korea is all fun, from the vibrant urban centers to the region’s various hiking-friendly mountains, Buddhist temples, and delectable cuisines.
However, many individuals continue to wonder how secure this nation is.
South Korea is a safe nation. Particularly for tourists, violent crime and petty theft are almost nonexistent.
Despite having a population of 51.31 million, South Korea has a crime rate of approximately 3,311 per 100,000 people.
The Tourist Police is a special force designed to protect tourists.
This group is responsible for accepting complaints from tourists, providing them with basic information, and preventing crimes against travelers.
This unit has around 20 offices across the country, all located in well-known tourist destinations.
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10 Safest Cities In South Korea
1. Seoul
The urban areas of Seoul city are filled with fascinating places filled with surprises.
The city accommodates both ancient and modern lifestyles.
There are peaceful Buddhist temples in neighborhoods with a vibrant nightlife.
The city has a population of approximately 12 million, and the metropolitan area has a staggering 25 million residents.
That places the majority of the country’s population in a single city.
The ninth safest city in the world, according to The Economist’s 2019 Safe Cities Index, is Seoul.
Police officers are usually present, and the crime rate is relatively low.
2. Daejeon
Daejeon, with a population of 1.5 million, is the fifth-largest city in South Korea and is located in the nation’s center.
The city’s strategic central location and position as the southern county’s entryway have made it a major traffic hub.
The research and technology industries are booming in the forward-thinking metropolis.
The city, frequently called “Asia’s Silicon Valley,” hosts 18 colleges.
Daejeon has a substantial ex-pat population and entertainment and shopping venues.
It is a great and secure place to live if you want to live in a large city without the loudness and commotion of other cities.
3. Jeju Island
Also known as “the Hawaii of Korea,” Jeju Island is famed for its breathtaking scenery, delectable seafood specialties, and unique culture.
The residents of this city are also exceptionally kind and caring to tourists.
Jeju Islanders speak an incomprehensible dialect to mainland Koreans despite being a part of Korea.
While most competent speakers are now old, the government is trying to revive the language to be passed on to youngsters.
Jeju, like much of South Korea, is a safe travel destination.
Theft, burglary, and violence are virtually nonexistent, and the residents are friendly and accommodating.
4. Gwangju
The province of Jeolla, which contains the city of Gwangju, is renowned for its unique character, mirrored in its rich history, vibrant cuisine, and deep personal culture.
It is thought that Gwangju was the cradle of Korean democracy.
Its citizens revolted against the government in 1980, taking part in what became known as the Gwangju Uprising.
The uprising sadly degenerated into bloodshed, and the 18th of May was significant for Gwangju’s citizens.
Numerous city landmarks commemorate a significant event in the history of Gwangju and all of Korea.
Gwangju is a generally secure city populated by friendly and helpful residents.
5. Daegu
The third-largest city in Korea, renowned for its lively nightlife, has many Western and Korean-style clubs where residents can relax after a long week.
If you are more of an introvert, there are many locations to explore alone, such as public markets and pleasant cafes.
Daegu is as secure as the rest of Korea at all times.
It is less frequent for anyone to experience any form of hostility or theft.
In Daegu, you will enjoy one night of your life and go home or to your hotel with all your personal belongings.
6. Suwon
In 1967, the province government relocated from Seoul to Suwon.
Once a market for regional agricultural products, Suwon is now a center for technological research and development, as well as the manufacturing of electronics.
The majority of the historical artifacts in Suwon date from the 18th century.
The most famous is Hwaseong, a stronghold built in 1796 by King Jeongjo that once surrounded Suwon before the city expanded.
The “Digital Valley” of Samsung, located in Suwon, is a large Seoul suburb with a low crime rate.
The area is safe to visit as well as raise a family.
7. Sinchon
Sinchon, noted for its vibrant nightlife as well as being home to several universities, is among the most popular cities in South Korea.
Many people, restaurants, bars, pubs, and four universities make the vicinity always populated with a youthful, energetic crowd.
Due to its location, Sinchon is a beautiful place to meet up with friends, dance, dine out, or relax.
The environment is excellent, secure, affordably priced, and simply remarkable.
The city is extremely safe for individuals who enjoy life, and going home after a night out with friends is doable without incident.
8. Myeongdong
Go to Myeongdong if you want to shop till you drop.
This famous region has food trucks, huge malls, and entertainment venues.
People visit this busy neighborhood to enjoy some of the best street food, shopping, and nightlife in Korea.
Myeong-dong is one of the world’s priciest retail districts, but plenty of options are worth it.
Myeongdong is where you will find the best foreign and Korean brands and shops.
This area is generally safe for you to go in and spend your money.
9. Gangnam
Gangnam is host to a number of the major entertainment companies in Korea.
Members of the general public frequently visit the company’s headquarters and studios in hopes of witnessing a famous Korean idol entering or exiting the acting company.
The entrances are commonly surrounded by large crowds of spectators and television crews, which is a sight in and of itself.
Gangnam is a popular and safe district for foreigners to reside in, as it gives convenient access to public transit, some of the best schools in Seoul, and a low crime rate.
10. Hongdae
Hongdae may be one of the top renowned neighborhoods in Seoul, particularly among young people, and a visit to the South Korean capital would not be complete without a trip through this region.
Hongdae is the perfect setting for a student or young ex-pat to explore Korean nightlife and make new acquaintances.
Despite the holiday spirit, numerous quiet streets and low-rise structures make this a great place to live.
Hongdae is a crime-free zone.
There is no danger for children or tourists.
5 Safety Tips For Travelling to South Korea
Before you start packing your bags ahead of your trip to South Korea, here are a few things to have in mind:
1. Do not take part in demonstrations
Foreigners are prohibited from participating in demonstrations.
If you observe a large group of people protesting something you feel strongly about, walk away to avoid problems with the government.
2. Stay up with the news
Even though the country is generally secure, it is essential to be aware of any unrest before making travel arrangements.
Ensure you keep up with the news to be alerted if anything comes up before you leave your home.
3. Don’t mention the war
The topic of the Gwangju war remains a touchy matter for elderly South Koreans who lost loved ones and were traumatized during the war.
Due to this, avoid mentioning it throughout your visit, even with your buddies.
You can google details at home to learn about the war.
4. Stay away from the DMZ
While it is possible to visit the DMZ, you are better off avoiding that area at all costs.
Avoid the slightest problems, such as crossing a lie if you must go.
The smallest incident, regardless of how minor you perceive it to be, can slow down travel and cause significant problems with the government.
To be on the safe side, avoid the DMZ entirely.
After all, nothing is fascinating in the area.
5. Use caution while hiking
Ensure you explore the hiking routes beforehand.
The mountains may look pretty straightforward to climb, but you may find challenges mid-way.
South Korea Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: South Korea Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Which region of South Korea is the most dangerous?
It should not come as a surprise that the most dangerous site in the country is the DMZ, the border region between South and North Korea.
When is the best time to take a vacation in South Korea?
Spring and autumn are the ideal periods to visit South Korea.
During the spring, you will enjoy abundant sunshine.
The majority of significant events occur in autumn when the landscape is most vibrant.
Is South Korea able to utilize Google Maps?
While Google Maps is not entirely broken, it is not updated frequently, and the maps do not load completely.
Directions for public transportation are accurate, but not those for driving or walking.
South Korea is a safe nation with low crime rates, making it an ideal destination for tourists and locals alike.
South Korea’s cities are generally very safe, thanks to effective law enforcement, community involvement, and modern safety measures. I have been here twice and I always enjoy my stay.
My favorite city is Gyeongju! It is rich in history and cultural heritage. It is one of the safest cities in South Korea, with very low crime rates and a strong emphasis on preserving both safety and cultural integrity.
Ulsan has a low crime rate and a high standard of living. The city invests heavily in public safety and infrastructure, contributing to its reputation as a secure place to live. I actually wanna move here but I am still thinking about it.
Incheon is a major transportation hub. It has a reputation for safety, particularly in areas like Songdo International Business District, which is designed with modern security features and surveillance systems. It is so easy to travel and explore here in Korea knowing how safe it is even for foreign travellers like me.