U.S. Department of State
Level 1Exercise Normal Precautions
Updated to reflect information on demonstrations and ongoing physician shortage. Exercise normal precautions when traveling to the Republic of Korea (ROK or South Korea).
Full advisory →Is South Korea safe? 🇰🇷
Asia · Updated
As of September 2026, South Korea scores 89/100 on the IsMyTripSafe safety index (average across assessed destinations). The U.S. State Department rates South Korea Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. Of the 10 South Korea destinations assessed, Seoul scores highest (89/100), while Busan scores lowest (88/100).
01 · Official Guidance
Government advisories
UK Foreign Office (FCDO)
Level 1No advisory against travel
Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights. Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East.
Full advisory →Government of Canada
Level 1Exercise normal security precautions
Canada's official risk level for South Korea: exercise normal security precautions.
Full advisory →02 · Destinations
South Korea destinations by safety score
#1🇰🇷SeoulVery Safe · updated 27 September 202689#2🇰🇷SuwonVery Safe · updated 29 July 202689#3🇰🇷JeonjuVery Safe · updated 29 July 202689#4🇰🇷SokchoVery Safe · updated 29 July 202689#5🇰🇷GyeongjuVery Safe · updated 29 July 202689#6🇰🇷IncheonVery Safe · updated 29 July 202689#7🇰🇷Jeju CityVery Safe · updated 29 July 202689#8🇰🇷UlsanVery Safe · updated 29 July 202688#9🇰🇷DaeguVery Safe · updated 29 July 202688#10🇰🇷BusanVery Safe · updated 29 July 202688
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03 · Evidence Signals
South Korea safety data
| Indicator | Value | Score | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government travel advisoryCA / US | Level 1 — Exercise Normal Precautions · 2 govts | 97 | CA / US |
| Homicide rateWorld Bank Open Data · 2023 | 0.5 / 100k | 98 | World Bank Open Data (2023) |
| Political stability & no terrorismWorld Bank Governance Indicators · 2024 | 77/100 | 77 | World Bank Governance Indicators (2024) |
| Rule of lawWorld Bank Governance Indicators · 2024 | 76/100 | 76 | World Bank Governance Indicators (2024) |
| Road traffic deathsWHO Global Health Observatory · 2021 | 6.9 / 100k | 76 | WHO Global Health Observatory (2021) |
04 · Questions
South Korea safety FAQ
Is South Korea safe to visit right now?
The U.S. State Department currently rates South Korea Level 1 of 4 — Exercise Normal Precautions. On our composite index South Korea averages 89/100. See the destination reports above for city-level detail. (Updated 27 September 2026.)
What is the safest place to visit in South Korea?
Of the destinations we've assessed, Seoul currently scores highest at 89/100 (Very Safe). Busan scores lowest at 88/100.
Where does this South Korea safety data come from?
Directly from public sources: US, UK and Canadian government advisories, World Bank and UNODC crime statistics, WHO health data, live air-quality, disaster and earthquake feeds — plus AI field research over current local reporting. Read the full methodology.