South Korea🇰🇷
South Korea, an East Asian nation on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula, shares one of the world's most heavily militarized borders with North Korea. It is equally known for its green, hilly countryside dotted with cherry trees and centuries-old Buddhist temples, plus its coastal fishing villages, sub-tropical islands and high-tech cities such as Seoul, the capital. South Korea is known for its innovations in technology, vibrant cinema (Hallyu wave), K-pop music, and delicious cuisine such as kimchi, bulgogi and bibimbap. South Korea also stands out for its traditional experiences such as the hanbok dressing, hanok stays, and tea ceremonies making it a compelling travel destination.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid criticizing the country's relationship with North Korea. It's a sensitive topic.
- Avoid walking alone late at night in off-beat areas.
- Do not ignore crosswalk signals—Jaywalking can attract fines.
- Avoid being loud or creating a ruckus in public places.
- Do not lose your temper in public. Keeping calmness is hugely admired and appreciated.
- Don't disrespect local customs and norms. South Koreans value decorum and politeness.
- Try not to refuse a drink offered by an elder as it may seem disrespectful.
- In formal situations, do not use the first name without proper honorifics.
- Avoid going against advice regarding weather warnings, especially during typhoon and flood seasons.
- Avoid military and restricted areas along the borders without permissions.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
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South Korea has a low overall crime rate. Violent crime remains very rare, with petty thefts, purse snatching, pickpocketing, and residential burglaries being the most common offenses. The major cities, like Seoul, Daejeon, and Busan, experience these petty thefts in crowded areas or at night usually.
Terrorism 💣
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Terrorism incidents are extremely rare, making it one of the safest countries on that aspect. There have been no significant terrorism incidents in recent decades.
War ⚔️
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South Korea's war risk mainly stems from tensions with North Korea. Despite occasional tensions flaring up due to North Korea's nuclear ambitions, major conflict remains unlikely. The last major Korean War ended in 1953, which though didn't lead to peace, the situation has remained a cold conflict.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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South Korea is prone to natural disasters like typhoons and floods, particularly during the monsoon season and in the typhoon season. Significant ones include the landslides and floods in 2020 that caused multiple fatalities and significant property damage. Seismic activities are generally low.
Medical Care 🏥
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South Korea has a high standard of medical care, with access to advanced medical facilities, highly skilled doctors, and a well-structured health care system. They handled the COVID-19 pandemic relatively well, with effective testing and tracing measures.
Tap Water Quality 💧
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Tap water is completely safe to drink in South Korea. The country has stringent water quality regulations, and the water supplied meets WHO drinking water guidelines.
Disease Burden 🤒
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South Korea has a very low burden of disease. In recent years, the main health issues have been non-contagious diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer. The prevalence of communicable diseases is extremely low.
Corruption 💸
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South Korea struggles with issues of corruption in politics and business. High-profile cases, including former President Park Geun-hye's impeachment and corruption scandal in 2017, demonstrate the scope of the problem. However, anti-corruption efforts are robust, and public intolerance towards corruption is growing.
Safety for Women ♀️
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South Korea is generally safe for women travelers. Street harassment and crime targeting women, while present, is not as widespread as in many countries. However, cases of hidden cameras in public spaces have caused concern in recent years.
Safety for Queer People 👬
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While South Korea does not criminalize homosexuality, societal attitudes, especially among the older generation are not always accepting. There is no protection against discrimination, and same-sex marriages or partnerships are not recognized.
Censorship 📺
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South Korea has relatively free speech and press. However, certain North Korea-related materials can be censored, and defamation remains criminalized, leading to occasional controversy and criticism.
Public Transportation 🚌
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South Korea's public transportation system is excellent, characterized by extensive bus networks and subway systems, especially in major cities like Seoul and Busan. The system is considered safe, efficient, and generally on time.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
South Korea is overall a safe country to travel and live, with low crime rates, no significant risk of terrorism, and an efficient healthcare system. However, occasional natural disasters and tensions with North Korea can pose risks. Social safety is fairly good, and public transportation is excellent and reliable. However, be mindful of the risks mentioned including petty crimes and cultural respect.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
Many countries have their embassies in Seoul, including the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and many European, African, and Asian countries.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
Routine vaccines such as MMR, Flu, Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Varicella, and Polio are recommended. Additional vaccines to consider are Hepatitis A and B and Japanese Encephalitis.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
South Korea doesn't have many dangerous animals. However, venomous snake species such as the Korean viper exist but are very rare and avoid human interaction. There are also wild boars in some of the mountainous regions that may pose a risk if encountered.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Many countries' citizens can enter South Korea for a limited period without a visa, although the exact length of stay varies by country. Visitors should check with their local South Korean embassy or consulate for specific details.
💲 Currency
The currency is the South Korean won (KRW). You can exchange your money at airports, major hotels, and bank branches throughout the country.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are widely accepted in South Korea, particularly in larger cities. However, smaller restaurants and shops in rural areas may prefer cash.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
Yes, many opportunities exist for work and travel, particularly teaching English, along with jobs in IT, business, and finance for skilled workers. However, one should secure a proper work visa before starting any work-related activity.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
The cost of travel and living can vary widely depending on the area. Major cities like Seoul are more expensive than smaller cities or rural areas. On average, however, South Korea is more affordable than many Western countries.