South Korea

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers 

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.  

• Dial 112 for police. 
• Dial 119 for ambulance. 
• Dial 1366 for toll-free domestic violence hotline. 
• Dial +82-2-397-4114 to contact the U.S. Embassy in Seoul. 
• Dial +82-2-3210-0404 for the South Korean Emergency Call Center for International Callers: Once you are connected to an operator, request an English speaker. You will be connected to a third party who can provide phone connections to South Korean emergency numbers. The center also runs a free online calling service on their website. 

Victims of crime 

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 112. 

Review our information for Victims of Crime.   

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:  

• Replace a stolen or lost passport. 
• Help you find medical care.   
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.  
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.  
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.   
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.  
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.  
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.  
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home. 

Crime 

For most visitors, South Korea is a very safe country. Violent crime or crimes against property are rare. You should take the same security precautions as in the United States or any big city.  

• Pay attention to your surroundings. 
• Report any concerns to local police. 

Demonstrations 

Demonstrations are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays, and during large events.  

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations.   
• Past demonstrations have turned violent. 
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. 
• Demonstrations and rallies are common in South Korea near: 
  • The U.S. Embassy 
  • Seoul City Hall 
  • Areas surrounding military installations 
• It is illegal for foreigners to participate in political activities according to South Korean immigration laws. Review Article 17 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. 
• The U.S. Embassy is not aware of any U.S. citizens that have been prosecuted for violating these laws due to participation in public protests, rallies, or demonstrations.  

North Korea (The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea or DPRK) 

An armistice agreement, monitored by UN Command, has maintained general peace on the Korean peninsula since 1953. Tensions occasionally occur because of provocative acts by North Korea, including ballistic missile and nuclear tests, and limited armed intrusions into South Korea-held territory.  

• Some provocations have escalated into geographically limited small-scale conflicts.  
• South Korea routinely conducts military training exercises and civil defense drills.  
• North Korea often issues threatening messages in connection with these exercises.  
• Learn more from the Fact Sheet on North Korea. 

Sexual assault and domestic violence 

The Embassy receives reports of sexual assault from U.S. citizens.  

• Most cases involve young women assaulted by people they met on social media or dating and messaging apps.  
• Alcohol is often involved, and South Korea’s low overall crime rate can create a false sense of security.   
• Specialized hospital units and police are available in South Korea to assist victims.  
• Services in English and responsiveness to these crimes are inconsistent.  
• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the nearest U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.  

There are victim’s assistance resources, including women’s shelters, in Seoul and other urban areas, but resources may be limited in rural areas.  

• Most shelters are government administered and require a police referral or doctor’s note to be admitted.  
• Dial 112 for emergency assistance or 1366 to reach Korea’s 24-hour domestic violence hotline.   
• From the United States, contact the South Korean emergency center by dialing +82-2-3210-0404. Once you are connected to an operator, request an English speaker. You will be connected to a third party who can provide phone connections to the South Korean police or other emergency services.  

Lost or stolen passport 

If your passport is stolen, file a report at the nearest police station. 

Counterfeit and pirated goods 

• Don't buy counterfeit or pirated goods, even if widely available.  
• It is against South Korean law to purchase these goods and against U.S. law to bring them into the United States.  

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:  

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection  
• U.S. Department of Justice   

Tourist safety 

The tourism industry has rules to keep people safe.  

• Dangerous areas, like those at risk of floods, strong currents, and unstable ground are often marked with warning signs. Be sure to pay attention to these warnings.  Follow instructions from professional staff or authorities.  
• Medical treatment for injuries is available almost everywhere in the country. 
• If you are far from a large city, it might take longer for medical help to arrive and treat serious injuries and provide life-saving assistance.  
• You are responsible for paying for all medical treatment received in South Korea. 
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.  Review our information on Travel Insurance.   

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties 

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.  

Immigration violations can lead to arrest, fines, and deportation. 

• Drug laws are very strict.  
• Sending illegal drugs to or from South Korea is a serious crime and is commonly prosecuted. 
• Commercial business disputes may lead to criminal charges for violating local laws. 
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad. 

Arrest notification 

If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.   

Passport seizures and exit bans 

If you are part of a criminal investigation or business dispute:  

• Your passport may be taken. 
• You might not be allowed to leave South Korea while the criminal investigation or dispute is pending. 

Dual nationality and mandatory military service 

Men with dual nationality, including U.S. service members, might have to serve in the South Korean military. If you have family ties to South Korea, check with the nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate, or the Korean Military Manpower Administration about your citizenship obligations before going to South Korea. 

Working in South Korea 

If you plan to work, including teaching or modeling, you need the correct work visa before arriving.  

• You can’t change your visa status while in South Korea. 
• Working without the right visa can lead to arrest, fines, and deportation. 
• If you have a work dispute without a valid permit, you have limited legal options. 

South Korea National Security Law 

Authorities may detain, arrest, or imprison you for actions seen as threatening the “security of the state.” These actions may include: 

• Participating in protests against the government of South Korea. 
• Making statements praising the North Korean political system.  
• Making statements praising North Korean officials.  

Customs regulations 

South Korean customs regulations strictly control the import and export of these items: 

• Firearms and ammunition 
• Narcotics and certain prescription drugs, including amphetamines. Do not bring them without written permission from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Please visit the U.S. embassy website for more information.  
• Poppy seeds, or food products containing poppy seeds, including popular bagel seasoning blends, are illegal in South Korea. Attempting to travel into South Korea with these products could result in criminal charges. 
• Non-prescription health supplements 
• Radio equipment 
• Gold  
• Obscene, subversive, or harmful materials as defined under South Korean law. Please consult a South Korean attorney for assistance in determining what materials might be prohibited.   

Traveling with pets 

If traveling with pets, review South Korea’s Animal and Plant Quarantine information for details.   

Faith-based travelers 

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:   

• Faith-Based Travel 
• Tips for Volunteering Abroad 
• International Religious Freedom Reports 

Gay and lesbian travelers 

There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in South Korea. 

• South Korea has conservative views toward gay and lesbian issues. 
• Same-sex marriage is illegal. 
• There are increasing numbers of gay and lesbian clubs, festivals, and organizations. 
• The South Korean National Human Rights Commission Act bans discrimination based on sexual orientation, but there are no specific punishments for discrimination.  
• South Korean citizens can legally change their sex. 
• Tips for Gay and Lesbian Travelers

Travelers with accessibility needs  

The law in South Korea requires accessibility for people with disabilities in public buildings, transportation, and communications. 

• Crosswalks usually have audio and visual signals. 
• Older buildings and streets are less accessible than modern ones. 
• Seoul’s metro and buses have priority seating for people with disabilities, and metro stations have elevators.  
• Metro platforms include information in Braille.  
• Contact bus companies and public transportation groups for specific details.  
• Foreign residents can get disability assistance from local ward offices, but services vary. For more detailed guidance or to confirm eligibility, dial the following numbers: 
  • Dial +82-2-2023-8188
  • Dial +82-2-2023-8827 
  • Dial +82-2-2023-8867
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students 

• Tips for Studying Abroad 

Women travelers   

• Tips for Women Travelers

Health

Health resources 

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) South Korea Traveler Information
• CDC Medical Tourism information  
• World Health Organization 
• Medicine and Health 
• Travel Insurance Abroad 

Emergency numbers 

• Dial 119 for emergency medical services.   

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are widely available.  

Medical payments and insurance 

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.  

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.  
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad. 
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance. 
• Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. 
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. 

Vaccinations 

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice  

Healthcare facilities 

Health facilities are available in most large cities. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas. 

• Medical staff may speak little or no English. 
• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals, including providers who speak English. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. 
• South Korea is experiencing a doctor shortage. This has caused major teaching hospitals to postpone surgeries and cancel medical appointments. 
• While smaller local clinics and private hospitals may be less affected by the shortage, you may need to visit more than one medical provider for treatment. 
• Medical treatment for injuries is available almost everywhere in the country. 
• If you are far from a large city, it might take longer for medical help to arrive, to treat serious injuries, and to provide life-saving assistance.

Prescription medications  

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.  
• Many prescription medications, except psychotropic medications, are available at South Korean pharmacies, but brand names may be different.  
• Local pharmacies may require a prescription from a South Korean doctor. 
• Certain prescription drugs are illegal in South Korea. 
• Some prescription drugs are illegal in South Korea and others require preapproval from the South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (K-MFDS). If traveling with medications, particularly amphetamines, narcotics, or opioids, please ensure you have the proper authorization through the K-MFDS. Please visit the U.S. embassy for additional information.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP and FDA requirements to bring them back legally.  

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.  

For more information:  

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Transportation

Road conditions and safety 

• Roads are well paved and traffic signals are functional.  
• Most drivers follow basic traffic laws. 
• South Korea has a significantly higher traffic fatality rate than the United States.  
• Accidents are due to:  
  • excessive speed 
  • frequent lane changes without signaling 
  • running red lights 
  • aggressive bus drivers 
  • weaving motorcyclists 
• It is recommended that you photo document any traffic accidents. 
• Be aware that motorcyclists may drive on sidewalks.  
• Drivers do not always yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks. 

Traffic laws  

• International driving permit, or a South Korea driver license, is required for all drivers. 
• Left-hand turns are prohibited, except with a green arrow. 
• Seat belts and child car seats are mandatory. 
• Motorcyclists and passengers must wear helmets. 
• Drivers are assumed to have some fault in accidents involving pedestrians. 
• Expect long waits at police stations while they investigate any incidents. 
• Police may take your passport or detain you during an investigation. 
• Criminal charges may be filed, even if negligence is not proven. 
• Blood-alcohol content of 0.03% or higher is considered legally intoxicated. 
• Police regularly set up DUI checkpoints. Drivers are required to submit to breathalyzer tests. Refusal may result in cancellation of your license. 
• Review out information on Driving and Transportation Safety to learn about driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance.
• The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) provides more information. 
• Visit the website of South Korea’s national tourist office.

Aviation safety oversight 

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that South Korea’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program. 

Maritime travel 

Mariners planning travel to South Korea should check the following:   

• U.S. Coast Guard Homeport Directory 
• U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Advisories
• MARAD Active Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings

Weather and natural disasters

Storm season

Heavy rains and flooding may occur during:

• June-August monsoon season
• May-November typhoon season

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources 

• If you live abroad for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events.
• Learn how to prepare for life events like voting, getting married, or the birth of a child.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare or insurance abroad 
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service. 

Embassies and consulates