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
Safety Guidance for South Korea
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated August 11, 2025).
Public Demonstrations
Demonstrations and rallies are common in South Korea, particularly near the U.S. Embassy, Seoul City Hall, and areas surrounding military installations. You should avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and exercise caution in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or rallies. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.
Weather-related Events
Heavy rains and flooding may occur during the June - August monsoon season or the May - November typhoon season. See general information about natural disaster preparedness at the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website.
Enroll in the
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ): To receive security messages by email and make it easier to locate you in an emergency, register in STEP. If the Embassy becomes aware of any specific and credible threat to the safety and security of U.S. citizens, we will inform you through our website, social media, and email.
Crime
For most visitors, South Korea remains a very safe country. Common crimes occur more frequently in major metropolitan areas, tourist sites, and crowded markets. Take routine safety precautions. Pay attention to your surroundings. Report any concerns to local police. Violent crime is not common; however, remain vigilant: Exercise caution in crowded entertainment, nightlife, and shopping districts. If traveling at night, consider traveling in groups. Use legitimate taxis or public transportation only.
Victims of Crime
Call 112 for emergency assistance or to report a crime to local authorities. Call 02-397-4114 to contact the U.S. Embassy. We can: Help you find appropriate medical care; Assist you in reporting a crime to police; Contact relatives or friends on your behalf; Explain Korean judicial procedures in general terms; Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution; Help you find accommodations and flight arrangements to the United States; Replace a lost or stolen passport.
Sexual Assault
The Embassy regularly receives reports of sexual assault from U.S. citizens. Most cases involved young women assaulted by acquaintances they met on social media, dating, or messaging apps. Alcohol is often involved, and Korea’s low overall crime can create a false sense of security. Specialized hospital units and police are available in South Korea to assist victims, however services in English and responsiveness to the crime are not always consistent. In general, sex crimes are not punished as harshly in South Korea as in the United States and the road to prosecution is a challenging one for victims.
Domestic Violence
Victim’s assistance resources or battered women’s shelters exist in Seoul and other urban areas but may be limited in rural areas. Most are government administered and require a police referral. Call 112 for emergency assistance or 1366 to reach Korea’s 24-hour domestic violence hotline. Victims may also contact the Embassy, tel. (+82) 2-397-4114.
Lost or Stolen Passports
If your passport is stolen, file a report at the nearest police station.
Avoid fraud and scams
See Department of State and FBI websites for more information.
Tourism
The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .
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.