Overview

Overview

Security status

If you’re planning a trip to South Korea, we advise you to take normal precautions. 

Latest travel alerts

Since conducting what was stated to be a nuclear test on 12 February 2013 the DPRK (North Korea) have issued a number of statements which have resulted in increased tension on the Korean Peninsula.   Most recently, these statements have concerned the safety of the diplomatic community in the DPRK and foreign nationals living in the Republic of Korea.

We assess that there is currently no immediate increased risk or danger to those living in or travelling to South Korea. We continue to recommend that any travellers planning to visit the Republic of Korea register with the Embassy of Ireland in Seoul.  Irish citizens are advised to remain vigilant, to monitor local media reports and to regularly check the Embassy’s website and/or here for any updates to our travel advice. 

Register with us

If you are visiting or planning to stay in South Korea, you should register your details with us so we can find you quickly if there is an unforeseen crisis like a natural disaster or if you have a family emergency while you are abroad. And, if necessary, we can offer help to you and your family.

Our advice

We suggest you learn as much as you can about South Korea before your trip.

We also recommend reading our Know Before You Go travel guide for practical tips on travelling abroad.

Emergency assistance

The best help is often close at hand so if you have problems, try talking to your local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management.

Contact the Embassy

If there is an emergency, or if you need help and advice, you can contact the Irish Embassy in Seoul.

If you phone outside of working hours, leave us a message giving:

• Your name
• The nature of your problem
• Where you are now
• Your contact details (mobile phone number or phone number of where you’re staying)

We regularly monitor these messages and one of our staff members will be in contact with you.

How we can help you

We have a lot of experience helping Irish citizens who run into problems when they’re abroad. Learn more about the kind of emergency assistance we can offer you.

Safety and security

Safety and security

Practical advice

• Read our Know Before You Go travel guide for useful security tips when travelling abroad
• Get advice locally about areas of risk and security concerns
• Take common-sense precautions about safety and security
• Know who to contact in case of an emergency

Political unrest

The political situation in South Korea is reasonably stable. An armistice continues in effect between the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). The border between North and South Korea, the Demilitarised Zone or DMZ, is one of the most heavily-fortified borders in the world. Relations between the two jurisdictions on the peninsula are subject to various degrees of tension, notably naval clashes in the Western Sea. However, the situation at this stage does not merit any cautionary advice about travelling to South Korea, although travel in the waters near the Northern Limit Line is not advisable. Always keep yourself informed of what’s going on around you by monitoring local media and staying in contact with your hotel or tour organiser.

Terrorism

South Korea has not been a target for terrorism in recent years, although North Korea has been accused of terrorist acts in the past.

Crime

Crime remains relatively low in South Korea but you should take sensible precautions. 

• Don’t carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place 
• Leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home
• Avoid showing large sums of money in public and don’t use ATMs after dark, especially if you are alone. Check no one has followed you after conducting your business
• Keep a close eye on your personal belongings and hold on to them in public places such as internet cafes, train and bus stations
• Avoid dark and unlit streets and stairways, arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close to your hotel or apartment entrance as possible

Reporting a crime

If you’re a victim of a crime while in South Korea, report it to the local police immediately. And you can contact us at the Irish Embassy or Consulate/Honorary Consul if you need help. Call 112 for police (an interpretation service is available during working hours).

Driving

The rules of the road in South Korea are broadly similar to those in Ireland. Excellent motorways link all major cities, but minor roads are often badly maintained. Road signs are usually written in both Korean and English.

If you want to drive:

• Bring your international driving licence and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law and you risk being detained, fined or banned from driving if caught
• Be aware of South Korea’s traffic laws, such as speed limits
• Wear your seatbelts at all times
• Keep your vehicle doors locked and your bags kept out of sight to prevent opportunistic bag-snatching if you’re stopped at traffic lights

Hiring a vehicle

If you’re hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If you’re allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.

Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).

National exercises

The South Korean authorities normally hold nationwide civil emergency exercises on the 15th day of the month, eight times a year (not January, February, July or December). Sirens are sounded, transport stopped and some people are asked to take shelter in metro stations or basements. You should check local announcements for further exercises.

Local laws and customs

Local laws and customs

Practical advice

• Read our travel advice, inform yourself before travelling and get advice locally when you arrive
• Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them
• Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or even illegal

Illegal drugs

Illegal drug use (no matter what the drug) carries stiff penalties, including fines and long prison terms. 

Emergency assistance

Call 112 for police (an interpretation service is available during working hours) and 119 for ambulance and fire. The Korean National Police operates a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week Central Interpretation Centre where foreigners can report crimes (through 112).

Language

English is not widely spoken in South Korea so a phrase book can be very useful when you want to communicate essentials.

In general, taxi drivers do not speak English, though some companies offer in-car translation. It is best to have written directions (in Korean) and a map. 

Public transport

Some Korean taxi drivers are reluctant to pick up foreigners and this reluctance can be exacerbated at night or during inclement weather. Given often-heavy traffic conditions, you should get advice about travel times. 

The Seoul metro is an excellent form of transport; quick, cheap and extensive. Ticket machines operate in English as well as Korean.

Personal identification

You should carry personal ID with you at all times. We recommend that you fill in the personal identification and next-of-kin information in the back of your passport. It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you. During your stay, you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.

Natural disasters and climate

Natural disasters and climate

Practical advice

• If you’re travelling to South Korea, make sure you know what to expect – then plan and pack so that you’re prepared
• Get local advice on how to manage in the case of a serious incident or dangerous conditions
• Co-operate with local authorities and emergency services in the case of serious incidents 

Climate

South Korea has very cold, dry winters and very hot, humid summers, which include a rainy season in July (sometimes extending into August). Autumn and spring are very pleasant but can be short. 

The summer begins in June and ends in late September, giving way to crisp, clear autumn days that last until the end of October. It becomes colder in November, and a very cold, bleak winter sets in during December and lasts until the end of February.

Typhoons

Typhoon season extends from June to November in South Korea and the risk of tropical storms and typhoons is higher than normal throughout this period. If you’re travelling to South Korea, monitor local weather forecasts and know what to expect.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) examines and reinforces national disaster prevention systems to ensure that those systems remain safe, effective and reliable.

Rainy season

The summer rainy season lasts from the end of June to mid-July.

Additional information

Additional information

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

If you’re unsure of the entry requirements for South Korea, including visa and other immigration information, ask your travel agent or contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of South Korea.

You can also check with them how long your passport must be valid for.

The Korean Immigration Service (KIS) formally announced that from 1 January 2012 all non-Korean nationals, with some limited exceptions, must provide biometric information on entering the Republic of Korea. You can find out more from the KIS.

Personal identification

You should carry personal ID with you at all times. We recommend that you fill in the personal identification and next-of-kin information in the back of your passport. It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you. During your stay, you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.

Health

Check with your doctor well in advance of travelling to see if you need any vaccinations for South Korea.

Visiting a hospital

There are international clinics at the major hospitals where English is spoken. If you need to stay overnight, be aware that a friend or relative is expected to stay with the patient and attend to his/her non-medical needs (which do not fall to the nursing staff).

Food

Korean cuisine is unique, with a range of different ingredients and it is often very spicy. Normal care should be taken when eating out. Fish is a major part of Korean cuisine and while safe for the most part, we strongly advised you not to eat shellfish.

Money

Local currency is the ROK Won. Credit cards are not always accepted outside major cities. ATMs are widely available but may not always accept foreign cards. 

Mobile phone coverage

Non-Korean mobile phones do not generally work in Korea; temporary mobiles are available at Incheon Airport for hire. Some smartphones will function.