South Korea

Is South Korea safe to visit?

Yes, and from crime it is one of the safest countries we cover. South Korea had 0.48 homicides per 100,000Homicide rateThe number of people killed on purpose each year for every 100,000 residents. It is the most comparable crime figure between countries.More in the glossary people in 2023 (UNODC), close to Japan, and the FCDOFCDO travel adviceThe UK government's travel advice for each country, which can advise against all travel or all but essential travel to specific areas.More in the glossary says crime against foreigners is rare. Seoul's streets and subway are busy late into the night.

What sets Korea apart is a set of risks most rich countries do not have. It is still technically at war with North Korea, which fired two ballistic missiles as recently as 20 September 2026. Air quality is poor in spring. And traffic is assertive, especially towards pedestrians. We score it 85, a few points below Japan (92) and well above the United States (73).

North Korea and the DMZ

The Korean War ended in 1953 with an armistice, not a peace treaty, and the demilitarised zone is less than 60 km from central Seoul. That is why South Korea ranks only 57th of 163 on the 2026 Global Peace IndexGlobal Peace IndexAn annual ranking of 163 countries by how peaceful they are, based on conflict, crime, militarisation and political instability.More in the glossary despite its tiny crime rate.

For visitors, the threat is mostly theoretical. North Korea's missile tests land in the sea, and life in Seoul carries on. The FCDOFCDO travel adviceThe UK government's travel advice for each country, which can advise against all travel or all but essential travel to specific areas.More in the glossary warns that tension can rise quickly after tests and during the joint South Korean-US military exercises held throughout the year.

You may hear air-raid sirens during civil defence drills. Traffic stops and people may be directed into metro stations or basements; you do not have to take part, but follow officials' instructions. Install the government's Emergency Ready App, which explains alerts in English.

Large political demonstrations are common in central Seoul, especially around Gwanghwamun. They are usually peaceful and heavily policed, but foreigners are banned from political activity, so watch from a distance or not at all.

Fine dust and yellow dust

Air pollution is the health risk most visitors notice. The national average for fine particlesPM2.5Tiny airborne particles 2.5 micrometres across or smaller. They reach deep into the lungs and are the air pollutant most linked to early death.More in the glossary (PM2.5) was 15.6 micrograms per cubic metre in 2024, according to the Ministry of Environment. That was the lowest since records began in 2015, but still about three times the WHO guideline of 5. Winter and spring are the worst seasons, when yellow dust blows in from China and Mongolia.

If you have asthma or a heart or lung condition, check the AirKorea forecast each day, carry a KF94 mask (sold in every convenience store) and keep high-dust days for museums, markets and malls.

The FCDOFCDO travel adviceThe UK government's travel advice for each country, which can advise against all travel or all but essential travel to specific areas.More in the glossary also lists malaria, tick bites and tick-borne encephalitis. Malaria is a low risk confined mainly to areas near the DMZ in summer. Hospitals are modern but can be expensive, few staff speak English, and inpatients are often expected to bring a guardian, a family member or paid carer who helps with washing and meals.

Roads and crossing the street

Police counted 2,549 road deaths in 2025, about 4.9 per 100,000 people, much lower than a decade ago but slightly up on 2024. Crashes involving older drivers are rising fastest.

For a visitor on foot, the hazards are motorbike couriers riding on pavements, cars turning across crossings and drivers who do not always stop at zebra crossings. Look both ways even when the light is green. If you drive, you need the 1949 international driving permit, and the FCDOFCDO travel adviceThe UK government's travel advice for each country, which can advise against all travel or all but essential travel to specific areas.More in the glossary warns that drivers are presumed at fault in crashes with pedestrians or cyclists and can face criminal charges.

Weather: monsoon and typhoons

The summer monsoon in June and July brings torrential rain, flash floods and landslides, including in cities. Avoid riverside paths and underpasses during heavy rain warnings. Typhoons can arrive from June to November, often hitting Jeju and the south coast hardest. Strong earthquakes are unusual. Forest fires occur in dry spring weather, especially in the mountainous east.

How to stay safe in South Korea

• Install the Emergency Ready App and turn on emergency alerts; they arrive in Korean, with English versions on the app.
• Check AirKorea before going out in spring, and carry a KF94 mask.
• Keep your passport easy to reach in case of a sudden crisis.
• Take DMZ trips only with licensed tour operators.
• Use licensed taxis, Kakao T or the subway late at night, and watch your drink in Itaewon and Hongdae.
• Call 112 for police and 119 for ambulance or fire; 1330 is the tourist helpline in English.

How we scored it

Violent crime (97) and petty crime (88) are near the top of our scale. Conflict (78) is the weakest factor because of the unresolved standoff with North Korea, even though it rarely affects visitors. Road safety (80) and natural hazards (80) are solid, and health (85) is pulled down mainly by air quality.