Is Seoul Safe? The Ultimate Insider Guide for Tourists & Expats

Is Seoul safe? When planning to travel to the beautiful capital of South Korea, this question might cross your mind.

Living in Seoul has given me many insights into the city regarding safety.

The good news is that Seoul is generally safe for travelers, including solo female explorers.

While the likelihood of serious incidents is low when staying in Seoul, it’s important to know common situations to avoid and tips to stay safe.

Is Seoul Safe?

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is known for its rich culture and modern vibe. So, is it safe to visit? The answer is a big yes! Seoul is welcoming and the crime rate in Seoul is low.

Here are some quick safety tips:

• Stay alert: Just like anywhere else, keep an eye on your surroundings.
• Travel smart: Use well-lit streets at night. Avoid dark alleys, even if your GPS says it’s a shortcut!
• Public transport: Seoul has an efficient system. Buses and subways are not just safe, but also a great way to get around.

Do you know some basic Korean phrases? That can go a long way in connecting with locals. Most people are friendly and helpful.

Here are three of the most common Korean phrases:

안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo) – Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening

감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida) – Thank you

죄송합니다 (Joesonghamnida) – I’m sorry / Excuse me

More info on the travel advice for South Korea.

What are the best Hospitals in Seoul?

What are the emergency numbers in Seoul?

Police: 112

Firefighters/ambulance: 119 (This is the most common number to call in case of an emergency; there’s always someone who can speak English)

Emergency/Foreigner hotline: 1330

Is Seoul Safe For Solo Female Travelers?

Seoul is regarded as a safe city, especially for solo female travelers. You’ll find it’s pretty easy to explore without feeling anxious.

There have been reports of drugs being slipped into drinks at bars. Please, always watch your drink and never leave it unattended.

In the very rare case that something might happen, 119 is the emergency number. You’ll also notice yellow “emergency poles” with a button. Pressing this button will call 119. There is always someone who can speak English when calling the number.

Here are a few tips:

• Use public transport: The subway system is user-friendly. Don’t worry; signs are in English, making navigating simple.

• Stay in busy areas: Choose accommodations in busy neighborhoods with constant foot traffic.

• Stay connected: Use your phone (fully charge it before going out) for maps and update your friends on your whereabouts.

• Apps: Make sure to have the apps Naver and Naver Maps on your phone for directions.
• Cash: Have some cash with you to get a taxi.

Police officers are often visible. You’ll probably notice entire tour buses driving around full of police sometimes!

Many women travelers say they felt comfortable coming back late at night.

Sticking to well-lit areas and being aware of your surroundings is smart. Common sense goes a long way!

In Seoul, the local attitude towards women is respectful. You’re not just another face in the crowd; people generally look out for each other in my experience.

Is Seoul Safe For Americans?

Seoul is a safe city for American tourists. South Korea is very ‘American-minded’!

You’ll see lots of American influences in music, lots of (local) hamburger stands, and they use the American traffic system. You’ll see American flags and even Koreans wearing caps with American flags!

And in my (probably unpopular) opinion lots of K-pop bands have been influenced by American boy bands.

This vastly differs from neighboring countries such as China, where you will see none of that.

Is Itaewon Safe?

Itaewon is one of Seoul’s most vibrant and lively neighborhoods, known for its nightlife and international atmosphere. While this energy makes it an exciting place to explore, it also means you should stay mindful of your surroundings, especially at night—just as you would in any busy entertainment district.

I’ve lived in Itaewon for several years and there are several things to keep in mind when visiting Itaewon:

• You might come across a loud protest, though most are small and peaceful.
• The streets of Itaewon are a mix of scooters, cars, and pedestrians, much more than many other areas in Seoul, so stay aware when walking around.
• The streets get much more crowded at night due to the many bars and clubs in the area. Be prepared for a lively atmosphere and busy sidewalks. You might encounter some folks who had a few drinks.

Explore my full Itaewon travel guide.

Is Myeongdong Safe?

Myeongdong is pretty safe overall and is one of the liveliest spots in Seoul, packed with shops, restaurants, and lots of action.

Like any busy area, it’s a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings, especially late at night when the crowds thin out.

While petty theft, like pickpocketing, can happen here and there, just keep your stuff secure and you’ll be fine.

But overall, Myeongdong is not my favorite area in Seoul, it is very ‘touristy‘ like. I prefer to go to Namdaemun, which also has lots of food stands and market stands, but is way less touristy.

Namdaemun market on Google Maps.

Is Seoul Safe At Night?

Seoul is a city that buzzes with activity after dark. You can explore neighborhoods like Hongdae, Gangnam, and Itaewon without worrying too much.

In Hongdae, known for its nightlife, you’ll find live music and street performances. It’s a hotspot for young locals and visitors alike. Just keep an eye on your belongings amid the excitement.

Gangnam is another lively area. Here, fancy clubs and bars light up the night. While crime is low, it’s smart to stay aware while enjoying your night out.

Itaewon district is famous for its international vibe. You’ll meet people from all over the world there.

As you stroll through Myeongdong, you’ll discover bustling night markets.

Note that Seoul has a solid security presence for extra peace of mind. There are over 75,000 CCTV cameras in the city, so you can feel a bit more secure exploring at night.

Moreover, there are lots of ’emergency buttons’ all around town, even in less populated areas. Press the button, and 119 is called.

Remember to travel with friends when possible and keep your phone charged. Seoul’s night scene is fun, but being aware of your surroundings is always a good idea!

Is Seoul Safe To Travel Alone?

Traveling alone in Seoul can be a great experience! The city is known for being safe, even at night. Most people feel comfortable exploring its streets solo.

In my experience, Korean people are very ‘open’ and easy to talk to. In most cases, starting a conversation outside will not be frowned upon. Besides that the locals are generally welcoming and friendly. If you get lost, most people will gladly help you find your way.

It happened to me several times when I was buying a subway ticket, a Korean person next to me at the other machine asked me right away if I needed any help!

Tips for Solo Travelers:

• Plan Your Route: Use apps to help navigate. Google Maps or local transport apps work well.

• Stay Connected: Consider getting a local SIM card or portable Wi-Fi. This makes it easy to contact someone if needed.

• Trust Your Instincts: If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to change your plans. Your safety comes first.

Enjoy your solo adventure! Seoul has plenty to offer, and you’ll have some nice stories to tell when you get back.

Is Seoul Safe For Foreigners?

Seoul is considered a safe city for tourists. As a foreigner, you’ll likely feel at ease exploring the streets. In fact, many visitors report a friendly atmosphere that welcomes international travelers.

Seoul and all of South Korea are very Western-minded. In Seoul, you can find a mosque, halal food, and many international restaurants. Once again, it’s much different in this aspect than in China, where China is very ‘China-minded’.

Is it safe to go to Seoul now?

Visiting Seoul is a great choice, and you’ll be glad to know that it is considered safe for travelers. Crime rates are low, so you can focus on enjoying your trip instead of worrying.

If you’re wondering is Seoul safe right now?, and what the current situation is, have a look at these local news stations (in English):

Yonhap News Agency – One of South Korea’s leading news agencies, providing coverage on national and international news, business, politics, and more.
Website: www.yna.co.kr

The Korea Herald – An English-language daily newspaper offering news on politics, culture, business, and society in Korea.
Website: www.koreaherald.com

The Korea Times– Another prominent English-language news outlet covering a wide range of topics, including domestic news, politics, and global affairs.
Website: www.koreatimes.co.kr

Chosun Ilbo – One of the oldest and most influential newspapers in South Korea, covering breaking news, politics, business, and entertainment.
Website: www.chosun.com

The Hankyoreh – A liberal daily newspaper providing in-depth reporting on domestic and international issues, including social justice and human rights.
Website: www.hani.co.kr

JoongAng Ilbo – A major daily newspaper with a focus on news, business, entertainment, and sports.
Website: www.joongang.co.kr

Is Seoul Safe From North Korea?

When thinking about safety in Seoul, concerns about North Korea often come up. After all, the two Koreas are technically still at war. Yet, don’t let that overshadow your travel plans.

Here are some key points to consider:

• Political Tension: Yes, there is tension between North and South Korea. However, day-to-day life in Seoul feels normal. People go about their daily routines without worry.

• Defense Measures: Seoul has many defense strategies in place. The city is equipped with advanced military systems and emergency protocols, making it safer than you might think.

• Public Awareness: The South Korean government keeps citizens informed about any potential threats. Public safety announcements on everyone’s phone help everyone stay alert without causing panic.

• Safety Statistics: Seoul ranks high in global safety measures. Visitors often find it a welcoming place with a low crime rate compared to many other cities.

If you’re planning on visiting the DMZ (demilitarized zone) close to the border of North Korea you’ll have to deal with some safety issues. But the tour operator will explain everything.

Bunkers and Shelters in Seoul

When walking in the street you might see some signs of shelters. These are accessible to everyone in case of a huge national emergency.

From what I’ve heard, these shelters don’t have much inside them. It’s important to bring your own food, water, power bank, and other essentials.

Many times, a subway station is a shelter.

Is Traffic Safe In Seoul?

When it comes to traffic in Seoul, you might notice that they use the ‘American system‘. You’ll even see signs in the “Route 66” theme.

Red light, green light: In Seoul, traffic lights generally follow the standard system you might be familiar with, but travelers should keep a few unique aspects in mind. For instance, turning right on red is always allowed unless a specific sign prohibits it. This may surprise visitors from countries where right turns on red are not permitted. It did surprise me!

Pedestrian crossings: In addition, be aware that pedestrian crossings can be a bit tricky. Eventho you’re allowed to turn right on a red light, you need to wait until the pedestrian traffic light has switched from green to red. It is not allowed to turn right whenever people cross the street during a green light.

Stay in your lane: Another thing is the “stay in your lane” system. Drivers are expected to stay within their own lane so you can pass a car from both sides! So, if you’re changing lanes to the right, ensure no one is in your blind spot.

Narrow and steep streets: Some streets in Seoul are very narrow, and they’re still a two-way street! This requires some good driving skills. Moreover, some of the streets are crazy steep especially in Itaewon. My parents thought I was crazy when I drove them through the neighborhood!

Lastly, when you’re at a traffic light, The full green “circle” light only means cars going straight are allowed to go. If you go left, wait until a green arrow pointing to the left lights up. This differs from what I was used to, where the green full circle means everyone is allowed to go in any direction!

There are a few exceptions I noticed at very small crossroads. When there is no green arrow, you’re allowed to go on the full green circle light, but be careful because incoming traffic will go straight ahead.

Overall, traffic is safe, but it took me a while to get used to it. There are quite a few signs and symbols on the road that are kind of distracting.

Traffic laws are strict, but that doesn’t mean everyone follows them, so always drive safely.

Public transportation is not just safe, it’s also very affordable. You can use a T-money card for easy access. Plus, signs are in English so you won’t be lost in translation.

What Is Not Safe In Seoul?

While Seoul is generally a safe city, there are a few things to watch out for.

Basically, what isn’t safe is not respecting the rules and regulations of the country, as in most countries! Besides that:

Air quality: Overall, the air quality is pretty good, but there are some days in a year when you’ll notice lots of smog. It’s probably not safe to go outside then. But in my experience, it’s not more than a total of 1 week in a year.

Summertime: The summers are hot and incredibly crazy humid! Don’t do too much outside, drink enough water and protect yourself against the sun. The humidity is unlike I’ve ever experienced, so watch out for that.

Getting in a fight: If you’re going out late at night and get into a fight, that’s not smart (obviously!). This seems obvious, but in Korea (as well as many other Asian countries), as a foreigner, you’ll have less chance of being seen as the victim but probably as the one who started it.

Millitairy exercises: Every once in a while, big millitairy exercises are held with the Americans. While these don’t have much to do with safety in the city, it might come as a bit of an anxious surprise.

North Korea: After these exercises, North Korea might respond by launching some rockets. While these are not directed directly to South Korea, it is always a bit of a nerve-wracking moment.

Military parade: Once a year, there is a military parade, including fighter jets flying very low over the city. These planes are super loud! These might scare you a bit, but don’t worry, it is just for the parade.

Pickpockets: Yes, they exist in Seoul, just like in any big city. Keep your wallet secure and be cautious in busy places. If you notice someone acting a bit too friendly, it might be time to step back.

Big events: Lastly, on 29 October 2022, around 22:20, many people got crushed in one of the narrow streets of Itaewon. The crowd was too massive for the space. A devastating event that killed more than 100 people. The government has taken measures, but it is still advisable to be cautious in big events.

Closing Thoughts on Safety in Seoul

Seoul is one of the safest cities in the world, making it a great place for both locals and visitors. The streets are well-lit, public transportation runs smoothly even late at night, and crime rates are very low.

That said, it’s still a big city, and Seoul does have some particular things to keep in mind. Keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas, stay alert when crossing streets (traffic can be a bit unpredictable), and know the local emergency numbers just in case.

Useful Links and Seoul Travel Guides

• What To Do in Seoul + What To Skip
• Where To Stay in Seoul: Best Areas + Hotels
• Ikseon Dong Hanok Village: Where to Eat Drink and Stay
• Itaewon Itinerary 2025: The Best Local Eats, Drinks & Hangouts
• Visiting Seoul: 12 Fascinating First Impressions

F.A.Q.