South Korea Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for South Korea
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Normal Precautions
Updated May 28, 2025
South Korea recorded 0.5 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is among the lowest in the world. That places South Korea #184 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Asia average of 2.0 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (0.7 per 100,000 in 2013, 0.5 today). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates South Korea at Level 1 of 4: Exercise Normal Precautions.
Homicide Rate
0.5 /100k
Safety Rank
#12 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 1 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (0.7 per 100,000 in 2013, 0.5 today). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How South Korea Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In South Korea, the homicide rate for men is 1.1× higher than the rate for women — 0.5 vs 0.5 per 100,000 (2023).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for South Korea:
Updated to reflect information on demonstrations and ongoing physician shortage. Exercise normal precautions when traveling to the Republic of Korea (ROK or South Korea). Advisory summary: Large-scale demonstrations related to the domestic political situation may occur with little notice, potentially disrupting transportation and other essential services. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula remain high. North Korea continues to conduct missile launches and other military activities that may increase tensions. Travelers should monitor local developments and remain vigilant.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
South Korea Population & Demographics
Population of 51,751,065, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Korea safe to visit?
The US State Department rates South Korea at Level 1 of 4 (Exercise Normal Precautions). Cited risks include demonstrations. The homicide rate of 0.5 per 100,000 is among the lowest in the world.
What is the crime rate in South Korea?
South Korea has an intentional homicide rate of 0.5 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #184 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for South Korea?
South Korea is currently at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in South Korea compare to other countries?
South Korea's homicide rate of 0.5 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Asia average of 2.0.