Whether you’re traveling in a group or on your own, you can rest assured that Seoul is a safe place to visit. As long as basic safety precautions are taken, there shouldn’t be any problems to hinder your experience of the city. Here are a few tips to enjoy a safe and memorable trip to Seoul.
First, follow basic safety rules. Most parts of Seoul are safe to freely roam around day and night, even for women traveling alone. As long as basic safety precautions are taken, like avoiding dark alleys and parking lots, it is very unlikely you will encounter dubious or troublesome individuals.
In the event you encounter police in full riot gear, do not be alarmed. In most cases, the riot police are there as a precaution. Simply, keep out of the way of any confrontations that may occur.
In the event of an incident, go to the nearest police station or dial 112. If you are a victim of an assault or other crime, day or night, go to the nearest police station to file a report.
Police stations are located throughout the city. Most police stations do not have English-speaking staff but will be able to provide you with free interpretation services in the event of an emergency. If you are a victim of an assault or other crime, day or night, go to the nearest police station to file a report or dial 112.
Whether traveling in a group or on your own, you can rest assured that Seoul is a safe place to visit. To ensure the maximum safety of all international travelers, tourist police officers patrol the major tourist areas of Seoul, including Myeong-dong, Itaewon, and Dongdaemun. Dial 1330 to locate the nearest tourist police officer.
In the event of an emergency, please contact the relevant department listed below.
Police Department: 112 (for theft, assault, and other crimes)
Fire Department: 119 (for general accidents and ambulance)
Emergency Medical Information Center: 1339 (medical assistance for international visitors)
Tourist Information Center: 1330 (for any other tourism-related assistance)