🇰🇷 South Korea · Asia
Safety South Korea
Tres sur
South Korea is one of the safest countries in Asia. Very low crime, well-lit cities covered in cameras. You can walk alone at night in Seoul or Busan without worry. Main points of attention: occasional political tensions (protests at Gwanghwamun) and the language barrier in an emergency.
Specific risks
Theft & petty crime
1Tres sur
Scams
1Tres sur
Natural disasters
2Globalement sur
Health risks
1Tres sur
Political stability
2Globalement sur
Areas to avoid
- The DMZ border zone outside an organized visit (access forbidden without a guide)
- The surroundings of Gwanghwamun palace in Seoul during political protests
- Some streets in Itaewon late on weekends (crowds, alcohol) — basic vigilance
Emergency numbers
Police
112
Ambulance
119
Fire department
119
Health & precautions
Vaccinations
- None required
- Vaccins de routine a jour recommandes (DTP, ROR)
- Hepatitis A advised for long stays
Drinking water
Tap water officially drinkable, especially in Seoul, but most Koreans drink filtered or bottled water. Free water available everywhere (restaurants, dispensers).
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes in summer (June-September), especially after the monsoon. No malaria in tourist areas, very marginal risk near the DMZ.
General notes
Systeme de sante excellent et moderne, hopitaux de haut niveau. Consultations peu couteuses mais assurance voyage recommandee (pas de reciprocite avec la France). L'appli 1339 et le service 1330 aident en anglais.
Women travelers
Tres sur pour les voyageuses seules. Wagons de metro reserves aux femmes disponibles apres 22h sur les lignes 1 a 9. Harcelement de rue rare. Vigilance standard dans les quartiers festifs comme Hongdae ou Itaewon.
LGBTQ+ travelers
Low risk of violence, but still a conservative society: same-sex marriage is not recognised and public displays of affection draw stares. A visible, welcoming scene around Itaewon (Homo Hill) in Seoul.
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