No strange experience at all. And should anything ever happen, there are a ton of procedures in place to make sureyou as a foreign visitor make it out safely. So we totally get why you might be wondering if South Korea is safe or not. The premium ones are black and are obviously more expensive. Just know, South Korea is safe. They’ve even agreed on a peace treaty. In general, the food in South Korea is safe, but it pays to be SENSIBLE on any food odyssey…. As a group of adventurers, enthusiasts and fearless travellers, it pains us to tell you this, but the fact is that most travel is currently not safe, and in many countries, not possible because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Certainly, one item on your list of things to think about might be, “Is South Korea safe?” The answer to this understandable question is a resounding yes! Its much more stress-free to just take public transport, which is more reliable and runs ALL OVER the country. There was a bout of anti-Muslim protests and demonstrations during the South Korean hostage crisis in Afghanistan in 2007. You never know what’s going to happen; it may be your own forgetfulness that has you losing money. This means that if you book your accommodation, buy a book or sort your insurance, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. That’s right, South Korea is safe. Yes, I’m writing this answer from Seoul. South Korea has a booming medical tourism industry, but this is more for cosmetic surgery and procedures. Be prepared for what life throws at you on the road. South Korea is a very safe country to visit. Just watch out for those speedy highway buses and wear your seatbelt. A few safety tips for South Korea to help your trip go as smoothly as possible. And ultra comprehensive. It’s all about helping out our tribe of awesome backpacker readers [that’s you!]. See Political situation, Check the foreign travel checklist and crisis overseas page to find out more about things you can do before and during foreign travel to plan effectively and stay safe. Even though South Korean society is mainly hassle-free, nowhere is without sketchy areas and people. Making an effort will go a long way. See Natural disasters, The level of tension between North and South Korea, and the security situation, can change with little notice. Before you return to the UK you must provide your journey and contact details. As we learnt from the Singapore police: “low crime doesn’t mean no crime.”. On 21 April 2018, North Korea announced a halt to nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile testing. As for getting AROUND the country of South Korea, the train network is pretty good. These aren’t always the newest or safest way to get around. These stops are usually very brief though and they might even LEAVE early, so bear that in mind! We’ve left money on train counters, forgotten our smartphone, and no one’s touched our stuff. But other than that…. There are family-friendly resorts like Jeju Island to explore if you want to chill on the beach for a few days. In fact, South Korea is one of the safest countries in the world for foreign visitors. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone. Though we can’t vouch for its efficacy…, If you have something MINOR, like a bad stomach, for example, head to a pharmacy. All foreign arrivals, regardless of their point of departure, are now required to be tested for COVID-19 in South Korea. There’s still tension though and things can always change quickly. South Korea boasts a lot of food that’s pretty famous worldwide. In the past, heightened tensions haven’t affected daily life. If neither of those options appeals to your refined fashion sense, don’t compromise! We have used World Nomads for years now and I have personally made several claims. In conclusion, public transport in South Korea is safe and it makes the country a breeze to get around. BUT! Read our full review of the GRAYL GEOPRESS! You should check the South Korea Disease Control and prevention Agency (KCDA) and Ministry of Health and Welfare websites (English) and follow local guidance. From petty thieves and con artists to drunken brawlers, danger could be a threat to anyone – it's about knowing the areas to avoid and tactics to stay safe. See Health. As we’ve learnt from other countries, having a low crime rate doesn’t mean crime doesn’t exist anymore. The government has been trying to clamp down on speeding, which means there are LOADS of cameras on the highways. = Do you speak English? South Korea is a FUN place to experience as a female traveller. South Korea is so safe that you could accidentally leave your phone on a table and no one will take it. If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. As with everywhere in the world, you just have to make sure you travel smart. Getting an estimate from World Nomads is simple – just click the button or image below, fill out the necessary info, and you’re on your way! It will track your journey much like Uber and is also CHEAPER than Uber. You might want to do the same. In Seoul, 95% of all old water pipes have been replaced and the remaining 5% will be replaced by 2020. And, with the insane amount of news coverage the area has been receiving, you’d be forgiven for thinking for the peninsula is on the brink of war. There’s not a whole lot of risk when travelling to South Korea. I got confused as same travel guide books do not recommend to drink tap water in South Korea… Speedy drivers are definitely a problem; when we say “speedy,” we mean really speedy. I only link to stuff I’ve actually used and never endorse products or services that are not up to scratch. ALWAYS keep an eye on your drink and don’t leave it unattended. Whilst one of the major tourist destinations of South Korea is, in fact, the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), tension and mistrust remain between the two Koreas. North Korea, officially referred to as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is a country located in East Asia covering the northern half of the Korean Peninsula that is situated between Korea Bay and the East Sea. Violent crime is also rare. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Seriously. There are a few high-speed routes as well and these are, obviously, pretty quick, too. All of this makes South Korea an extremely fascinating destination. In this case, they might beep at you if they’re looking for a fare. That’s why we’ve created this epic insider’s guide to staying safe in South Korea. Is South Korea safe to travel for families? There are definitely a LOT of different money belts to choose from out there. But honestly, South Korea’s crime rate is one of the lowest in comparison to other developed countries. For extra protection and the ultimate peace of mind, we’d suggest getting yourself a money belt. Crime rates are relatively low. YES, South Korea is safe for families. For the sake of transparency, some of the links in our content are affiliate links. Answer 1 of 20: Hi there, Please is it safe to drink tap water in South Korea for a Westerner? There were 2 nuclear tests in 2016 and one in 2017, a series of ballistic missile tests in 2016 and 2017, 2 intercontinental ballistic missile tests in July 2017 and one in November 2017. Super safe. The South Korea DMZ has plenty of activities for those looking to understand geopolitics and history. The food, festivities, and hospitality of the Korean people will convince you that South Korea is an ideal destination for studying abroad in a safe and secure environment. on the safety in South Korea, you will see that travellers are only advised to ‘ exercise normal safety precautions ‘. Most often don’t really know where they’re going and tend to neglect GPS navs. If you want to explore the backcountry, we’d suggest boiling and filtering your water or using The GRAYL GEOPRESS. Korean can be difficult to understand, but a little effort goes a long way. Most expatriates find South Korea to be a very safe country. Check the rules that apply to you in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. So if you want to do some travelling around, you won’t have to put up with overly long bus journeys or overnight trains with your kids in tow. We love it. If you show coronavirus symptoms on arrival you will be tested. Driving around cities like Seoul and Busan is just really not worth the hassle because of the TRAFFIC. How Safe Is South Korea | Social Experiment I went to Hongdae, Seoul where I tried to drop my wallet on the bench and tried to see 2021-01-10 01:40:06 4 hours ago Kids all over Korean TV and they are the literal focal point of families. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. Public transport in South Korea is efficient and cheap too. Its crime rates are much lower than in the US and on par with most European countries, Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Public healthcare is of a very high standard, especially in Seoul. No less then SIX of South Korea’s city’s come complete with their own metro systems. The world is different for a solo female traveller, unfortunately. Even so, we still think you ought to bring your own water bottle and at least try the tap. Though these sorts of laws are recommended by the UN, they’ve been stalled numerous times in Korean politics due to a “lack of public consensus”. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Their infection and death rates are all the more impressive considering the country’s urban population density and its proximity to where the virus is thought to have originated. If you're travelling for a procedure, research and choose your medical service providers carefully. Also check if you need to self isolate. The same requirement will apply from 15 January 2021 to all foreign nationals arriving in South Korea by sea. It is however cheap, clean and safe. See Demonstrations, Air pollution, including yellow dust pollution, is common in South Korea throughout the year and especially during spring months. We’re not talking fast food but more like, Look online for good reviews, read blogs, or better yet, wander around and. There’s not a very high chance of anything crime-related happening to you. If there is a large demonstration or protest (which are common in Seoul), walk the … So in conclusion, it’s safe to drive in South Korea but you won’t need to. So if you feel like showing off with some sharp outfits, here’s the place to try ’em out. However, the South Korean laws … A LOT of Korean food is spicy and very meaty, so do some research on what you fancy trying and everyone should be happy with their meal. It won’t necessarily be the safety that you’ll be worried about though, but the homogenous society. perfectly safe to eat and as you rightly say, a very healthy addition to your diet. South Korea still lacks anti-discrimination laws, which means you can be turned down for a job simply for not being Korean. Being a vegetarian in South Korea is going to be PRETTY tricky – trust us. My response is, South Korea is a very safe country to visit and not only that, it is one of the most beautiful and friendliest countries I have ever visited. (It’s definitely doable.). Whatever it is, a money belt is always a good idea, especially when it’s as subtle as this one. South Korea has resumed most transportation options, (including airport operations and re-opening of borders) and business operations (including day cares and schools). Taxis are safe in South Korea and you’ll find them just about everywhere: at taxi ranks, airports, bus stations…. = How are you? © 2021, The Broke Backpacker. We’ve never seen it on sale, to be honest. But the best thing? Healthcare’s great in South Korea. Do you need Travel Insurance for your trip? This does happen. While I haven’t traveled to any other parts of Korea my views are mainly based on my experience in Seoul. All arrivals – regardless of nationality and length of stay – are required to undergo quarantine for 14 days. You’re going to be able to walk around – even at night – and should feel comfortable knowing that no one is out to get you. (What?) Yong-o-rul hahl-jool a-se-yo? From 15 January 2021, all foreign nationals arriving in South Korea by sea will be required to provide a negative PCR test declaration, issued within 72 hours of departure. It’s a huge thing because South Korea is actually quite image-conscious. You can get a quote from World Nomads by clicking on the link below. You should monitor the Korean Meteorological Administration website and follow any advice given by the local authorities and the emergency services. They are at war with the North so if you go there they won't attack you. Just because it’s super safe in South Korea, doesn’t mean you should be taking unnecessary risks. All arrivals, regardless of nationality and length of stay, are also required to be tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) and to undergo quarantine for 14 days after arriving in South Korea. From 1 January 2021, all arrivals entering South Korea from the UK will be required to provide a negative PCR test declaration, issued within 48 hours of departure. Each city in South Korea suffers from the same criminal activity as any other city around the world. Is public transportation in South Korea safe? It’s a lot of fun! We’re definitely up for the idea of solo travel – all this amazing, worldly stuff to see and no one to answer to. Do your own research. Granted, you should know that Koreans (men AND women) dress really well. ), 19 Top Safety Tips for Traveling to South Korea. There’s always more you have to think about, more you have to worry about, more you have to keep in mind – that’s the annoying truth of it all. Whatever it is, our epic guide has you covered. The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks. Sometimes there are international clinics attached to the hospital, complete with staff who have studied abroad. Political protests are ALSO something that you should keep an eye out for. Well, YES it is safe to drive in South Korea, as many Koreans obviously do, but it may not be worth it. We love living in South Korea, but sometimes when we see stories like this … we just shake our heads and groan. From US servicemen to English teachers, many foreign nationals live South Korea for varying lengths of time. I recommend checking out this post on Korean survival phrases to get you started with the correct pronunciation. There IS Kakaotaxi – a taxi-hailing app that features private cars and regular taxis. And, there are lots of child-friendly museums (the Children’s Museum in Seoul, for example) and parks equipped with fun fairs and zoos, which are PERFECT for days out with the family. Though South Korea just achieved status as a developed country in 2016, it already has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. They’re safe to get in and safe to hail; just do so AWAY from intersections. There is a genuine sense of community and respect towards other people and their belongings in Korea which I’ve never seen anywhere else. Basically, violent crime and petty theft are basically non-existent, especially against tourists. Pick up an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure. South Korea is a popular destination for medical tourism. So there you have it. There are sprawling palace complexes and old traditional villages to run around. The metro and buses should take you where you need to go without any trouble. Look into it if you like but make sure you do your research first. It isn’t even seen as NORMAL to drink water straight from the tap and Koreans will think you’re weird. Make sure you keep an eye on your kids when you’re out exploring. Buses in the cities and towns are safe but can be slow because of traffic. Although there is no recent history of terrorism in South Korea, attacks can’t be ruled out. Get off the beaten track, see what untravelled towns you can find, pick a point on the map and go for it. We use this information to make the website work as well as possible and improve government services. You can also sign up to email alerts to be notified about future updates to this travel advice. That sounds pretty good to us. You’ll find a whole lot of tips and info in here that’ll help you travel smart. Communism rules. But security-wise, South Korea is safe to live in. South Korea is an incredibly safe country and I don’t just mean that in terms of the country’s crime rate statistics. So do your research and be careful! Taxis in South Korea are safe. They can also be a little hard to figure out without some hangul skills under your belt. Please visit the link to find out how you can help keep the site going . It’s got a very low crime rate, so much so that can live PROBABLY more safely here than in your own country. All rights reserved. South Korean diplomatic missions in the UK will also suspend the issuing of visas from 29 December 2020. South Korea also gets a bad rep with the whole dog meat controversy. Currently, the international situation is stable and South Korea is safe to visit. The DMZ is very secure, albeit touristy at times, and is run by the US Military, who, we all know, mean business. Let’s not forget the Buddhist temples and tasty food. “Find out how YOU can support the site. South Korea has been consistently lauded by the international community for its handling of the coronavirus. And that can only be a good thing. Taxis come in two general types: standard and premium. The tap water in South Korea is of good quality and won’t upset the stomach. 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