Safety Guide for South Korea: What Every Student Should Know

The Safest Megacity You'll Ever Live In

You'll notice something within your first week in Seoul: people leave their phones on café tables. Laptops sit unattended in libraries. Women walk home alone at midnight without a second thought. This isn't carelessness — it's a rational response to an environment where crime against persons and property is among the lowest in the world.

South Korea ranks as one of the safest countries on earth. The Global Peace Index consistently places it in the top 50 nations worldwide, and Seoul specifically has violent crime rates that would be unimaginable in cities of comparable size in the Americas or Europe. You're statistically safer walking through Hongdae at 2 AM than you are in most American college towns at noon.

But safety isn't just about crime. It's about healthcare access, natural disaster preparedness, knowing who to call when things go wrong, and understanding the few risks that do exist. Here's everything you need to know to stay safe and healthy during your time in Korea.

For the full picture of studying in Korea, see our complete guide.

Crime: The Numbers Are Remarkable

South Korea's crime rate is low by any measure, and it's been declining for decades.

Violent crime: Korea's homicide rate is approximately 0.6 per 100,000 people. For comparison, the US rate is about 6.3 per 100,000 — more than 10 times higher. Gun violence is essentially nonexistent because civilian gun ownership is extremely restricted.

Petty crime: Pickpocketing and bag-snatching do occur but are uncommon, especially compared to major European cities. The subway system in Seoul is remarkably safe — you'll see commuters sleeping on the train with their phones visible and nobody bats an eye.

Sexual harassment: While violent crime is low, sexual harassment in crowded spaces (subways, clubs) is a recognized issue. Korea has implemented measures including women-only subway cars during rush hours and a dedicated reporting app. If you experience harassment, report it to the police (112) or your university's international office.

What this means for you: Practice normal urban awareness — don't leave valuables unattended in public, be aware of your surroundings at night, and trust your instincts. But you can realistically leave your laptop on a library desk while you grab a coffee, and it'll be there when you return. That's not something you can do in most cities worldwide.

Walking at Night: Completely Normal

In Seoul, nightlife doesn't end at midnight — it peaks. The streets of Hongdae, Itaewon, and Gangnam are packed with people at 1 AM on a Friday. Convenience stores, restaurants, and cafés operate 24 hours. The subway runs until midnight (later on weekends), and buses run all night on major routes.

Women consistently report feeling safer walking alone at night in Seoul than in most Western cities. The streets are well-lit, populated, and monitored by extensive CCTV coverage (Korea has one of the highest densities of security cameras in the world — it's a trade-off between privacy and safety that Korean society has made deliberately).

Precautions:

• Stay on main streets at night — side alleys in unfamiliar areas may be poorly lit
• Keep your phone charged for navigation and emergencies
• If you've been drinking, use a taxi or subway rather than walking long distances alone
• Save the emergency numbers in your phone (see below)

Emergency Numbers: Save These Now

Service	Number	Notes
Police	112	English-speaking operators available
Fire/Ambulance	119	English-speaking operators available
Tourist Helpline	1330	Multi-language support, 24/7
Embassy (US)	+82-2-397-4114	For US citizens in emergencies
Poison Control	119	Press 3 for English

The 1330 tourist helpline is your best friend as an international student. They provide emergency translation assistance, can help you navigate medical situations, and can direct you to the right authorities. Available 24/7 in English, Chinese, Japanese, and several other languages.

Healthcare: High Quality, Low Cost

Korea's healthcare system is consistently ranked among the best in the world by the WHO. Hospitals are modern, well-equipped, and staffed by highly trained doctors. Wait times are short — you can typically see a specialist within days, not months.

National Health Insurance (NHIS): All international students staying longer than 6 months are required to enroll. The cost is approximately ₩20,000–5/month, and it covers 70% of medical expenses. Enrollment happens through your university — the international office will guide you through the process during orientation.

What a doctor's visit costs:

• General practitioner: ₩10,000–₩30,000 (–2) with NHIS
• Specialist: ₩15,000–₩50,000 (1–7) with NHIS
• Emergency room: ₩50,000–₩150,000 (7–10) with NHIS
• Prescription medication: ₩3,000–₩15,000 (–1) with NHIS

Major hospitals with international patient departments in Seoul:

• Seoul National University Hospital — comprehensive English-speaking services
• Asan Medical Center — one of the largest hospitals in Asia
• Samsung Medical Center — modern facilities, English support
• Severance Hospital (Yonsei) — affiliated with Yonsei University, strong international student support

Pharmacies (약국, yagguk): Found on virtually every block. Pharmacists can advise on minor ailments and sell over-the-counter medications. Many common medications (cold medicine, pain relievers, digestive aids) are available without a prescription and are very affordable.

What this means for you: Healthcare in Korea is not something you need to worry about. The quality is excellent, the cost is low, and the infrastructure is designed to get you seen quickly. Enroll in NHIS immediately upon arrival and keep your insurance card with you.

Natural Disasters: What to Know

Korea is not prone to major natural disasters compared to neighboring countries, but there are a few things to be aware of.

Earthquakes: Korea is in a relatively low seismic zone, but minor earthquakes do occur (the 2016 Gyeongju earthquake was the strongest in decades at magnitude 5.8). Buildings are constructed to seismic standards. If you feel shaking: drop, cover, and hold on. Move away from windows.

Typhoons: Korea's typhoon season runs from June to September. Typhoons bring heavy rain and strong winds, typically for 1–2 days. Universities cancel classes during severe typhoons. Follow weather alerts on the Korea Meteorological Administration website or app.

Fine dust (미세먼지): Air quality can be poor in spring (March–May) due to fine dust particles blowing in from industrial areas in China. Check air quality forecasts daily — on bad days, wear an KF94 mask (the Korean equivalent of N95) and limit outdoor exercise. Air purifiers are essential for your living space; most apartments and dorms have them, but if yours doesn't, buy one immediately (₩100,000–₩300,000 / 5–20).

What this means for you: Natural disasters are not a major concern in Korea. The main environmental issue is seasonal fine dust, which is manageable with a mask and an air purifier. Download the Emergency Ready app (from the Korean government) for real-time alerts in English.

Scams to Watch For

Korea is remarkably low-scam compared to most countries, but a few schemes target international students and tourists.

The "friendly local" bar scam: Someone approaches you in a tourist area, strikes up a friendly conversation, and invites you to a specific bar or club. You end up with an enormous bill (00–,000) and intimidating staff demanding payment. Avoid: Never follow strangers to specific bars or clubs. If someone invites you somewhere, suggest a location you choose.

Taxi overcharging: Some taxi drivers take longer routes to inflate the fare, especially with passengers who appear to be tourists. Avoid: Use the Kakao T app to call taxis (it shows the route and estimated fare) or insist the driver uses the meter.

Fake products: Street vendors in tourist areas may sell counterfeit goods. This isn't a safety risk, but purchasing counterfeits is illegal and they can be confiscated by customs.

What this means for you: These scams are uncommon and easy to avoid with basic awareness. The "friendly local" bar scam is the most significant — it's the one that causes real financial harm. Otherwise, Korea's low-crime environment extends to fraud and scams as well.

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Safety isn't just physical. The cultural adjustment of living in Korea can be intense — language barriers, academic pressure, and being far from home all take a toll.

University counseling centers: Most Korean universities offer free counseling services for students, including English-speaking counselors. Don't hesitate to use them.

International student communities: Your university's international office can connect you with other international students who understand the adjustment process. Building a support network is one of the most important things you can do for your wellbeing.

The cultural adjustment curve: Most students experience a "honeymoon phase" (first 2–4 weeks, everything is exciting), followed by a "culture shock" phase (weeks 4–8, everything is frustrating), and then gradual adaptation. This is completely normal. If you're struggling past the 2-month mark, reach out to your university's counseling center.

Stay Safe, Stay Confident

South Korea is one of the safest places in the world to live and study. The risks are minimal, the infrastructure is excellent, and the systems — healthcare, emergency services, public safety — are designed to work. Your main job is to be aware, prepare for the few scenarios that can arise, and then enjoy one of the most extraordinary experiences of your life.

Pair this guide with our Korean culture guide and cost of living guide to prepare fully. And if you have specific safety questions about your situation, book a consultation with our advisors who've lived in Korea and can give you personalized guidance.