Is Seoul safe? I would say Seoul and the rest of Korea are quite safe overall. Crime rates are low and Korea has no recent history of terrorism. Although Korea is relatively a safe country to travel around, violent crimes do happen here. Especially if you are a female solo traveler, you need to be extra careful. As a female local resident of Seoul, I will give you a local insight into staying safe in Seoul City.
Pickpocketing
Pickpocketing might be the main problem travelers encounter in South Korea. Good news is it does not happen often. I personally have never been pickpocketed in Korea while spending most of my life here. In a cafe or a restaurant, Koreans including me do leave their mobile phones or laptops on the table when they go to the counter or the bathroom. I sometimes leave my purse on the table and I have never been stolen so far. But, if you are a visitor to Seoul, you might be an easier target of pickpockets. It is better to be careful when you are on crowded subways and tourist areas.
Taxies and Public Transport
Public transport in Seoul is safe, convenient and cheap. Transportation cards like Tmoney can be used on bus, subway and even taxi. Taxies are inexpensive in Korea and they are everywhere. Therefore, taxies are a convenient way to get around. The problem is there are unfair taxi drivers. They might not use the meter and call the price or they might take a longer route to the destination. Nowadays, most Koreans use Kakao T, a Korean version of Uber. If you are going to use taxi more than a few times, I recommend using Kakao T app. Seoul City also offers foreigners foreign-language taxi service. The service is offered in English, Chinese, and Japanese.
Demonstrations
Public demonstrations are very common in Korea. Protesters gather in Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul City Hall, or Daehangno. Demonstrations are usually peaceful and they are accompanied by a heavy police force. So, you do not really need to worry about your safety if you happen to be in Seoul while some demonstrations are going on.
Terrorism
There have been no terrorist attacks in South Korea in recent history.
Extra Tips for Women Travelers
Korea is generally safe for women travelers. As a local resident, I feel generally safe in Seoul. I can go to a convenience store near home at 2 am without being scared. BUT! sexual assaults happen often enough. I have so many female friends who have been sexually harassed in public places in Seoul. The most common assaults female traveler might encounter in Korea are being touched or grabbed. Some older guys might give you inappropriate looks and it is also quite common that guys stare at women’s body. Some of my friends have been verbally assaulted by taxi drivers too. Some female travelers reported that they have been treated as a prostitute like being asked how much “they cost.” If you go to a club or a pub, you have to be alert to the possibility of ‘rape’ drugs.
Emergency Contacts and Assistance
In case of an emergency, call below numbers.
Police : 112
Ambulance : 119
Fire : 119
Korea Travel Hotline : 02-1330
If you are in trouble, you can call above numbers or just ask for help from the locals. They might not fully understand you if you do not speak Korean, but still many locals are friendly and are willing to help.
