Security Overview for South Korea

Expatriates or visitors are unlikely to encounter any security-related problems while in South Korea. By most international standards, crime is low in South Korea, but visitors occasionally report petty theft. In urban areas, especially Seoul, guard against purse-snatchers and pickpockets. Pickpockets operate in crowded markets and train/subway stations, on city streets and on public transportation. Some pickpockets slice open women's handbags to remove wallets and valuables and cut into men's suit coat or trouser pockets to remove their wallets. Although most parts of Seoul are safe, avoid walking alone at night.

Large-scale demonstrations and protests are common and sometimes turn violent. Most demonstrations occur during the "spring struggle" season when workers and management hold annual salary negotiations. Although most protests and strikes are peaceful, many have involved violent clashes with security personnel. Demonstrations by university students are also quite common, but typically take place in or around campuses. Protests can also trigger transportation disruptions, particularly in downtown Seoul - where many protests take place.

Anti-U.S. sentiment is strong among radical students and some labor and citizens' groups. Protests against the U.S. military presence, trade policies or perceived attempts to undermine South Korean sovereignty have led to occasional protests. With very few exceptions, the targets of these demonstrations have been the U.S. military and U.S. government; only rarely have protests been directed at private U.S. companies or citizens.

Police and security services are generally good in South Korea, although most police units are usually less effective than those in most western European countries or Japan. While typically responding to incidents relatively quickly, most police officers are not well-trained in English, which poses a problem for expatriates or visitors.

A tight security posture has been very effective at preventing international terrorists from operating within South Korean borders. No active domestic terrorist groups operate in South Korea. The threat that terrorism in South Korea is external, almost always instigated by, and/or directly involving North Korea.

The threat of kidnapping throughout South Korea is low.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.