Travel advice for South Korea

Avoid travel to the DMZ and its adjacent sea because it is too dangerous and the Dutch embassy cannot assist there. Travel to the area directly south of the DMZ only on an organized trip with South Korean permission and an official DMZ tour operator. Elsewhere in South Korea, normal precautions apply, with risks including a possible terrorist attack, crime, strict drug laws, restrictions on demonstrations and tropical storms.

Travel to South Korea is generally safe when normal precautions are followed. Because conflict with North Korea has not officially ended and hostilities remain possible, stay informed about regional developments and respect usual safety precautions.

Exercise normal security precautions in South Korea, but remain vigilant because tensions on the Korean Peninsula and near the inter-Korean border can escalate suddenly. Petty crime occurs in major cities, while women travelling alone face harassment and sexual assault, especially around Itaewon, Gangnam and Hongdae. Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, allow extra time during transport strikes, and follow local authorities during civil emergency exercises.

Exercise normal precautions in South Korea, stay alert to terrorism, demonstrations, drink tampering, theft and assault. Avoid demonstrations, especially in Gwanghwamun and around parliament in Yeouido. North Korea conducts missile tests and provocations near the border, though they rarely affect daily life. Natural risks include earthquakes in the south, typhoons, flooding and landslides, while Middle East fuel shortages may disrupt flights and travel plans.

Take normal precautions in South Korea and monitor approaching storms, earthquake information and wildfire spread. Heavy rain during the rainy season may cause flooding and landslides, while earthquakes are rare and mostly weak. Estonian tourists driving must have a valid Estonian licence and a Geneva Convention international driving permit. Estonian citizens may stay without a visa for up to 90 days per half year; longer stays require a visa.

Germany advises normal precautions for South Korea.

Hungary advises normal precautions for South Korea, where safety is very good, crime against foreigners is rare and terrorism risk is low. The Middle East situation does not affect flights between Hungary and South Korea. Travellers should monitor security and follow local instructions amid tension between the two Koreas, respect restrictions near the Demilitarized Zone and Northern Limit Line, and prepare for military exercises, earthquakes, extreme rain, landslides and typhoons.

Exercise normal precautions when travelling to South Korea. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are very unlikely to directly affect visitors, but remain alert to any increase following North Korean missile tests. Demonstrations, sometimes involving violent clashes, can disrupt traffic, especially at Gwanghwamun on weekends, so exercise caution and follow local authority advice. Overall tension does not warrant cautionary travel advice, but avoid waters near the Northern Limit Line.

Japan advises normal precautions for South Korea.

Travel to South Korea requires normal precautions. Guard valuables in crowded places and areas frequented by foreigners, and take care hiking at night with a guide because Singaporeans have become lost and needed rescue. Foreigners must carry their passport or alien registration card, while drug offences can bring long prison sentences and heavy fines. Pollution may prompt limits on outdoor activity, especially for older people and those with respiratory conditions.

Exercise usual precautions when travelling to South Korea because no security reasons justify advising against travel. Regular demonstrations occur in Seoul, although violence is extremely rare. Heavy monsoon rain may cause flooding in summer, while winter brings low temperatures, poor air quality and frequent sandstorms. LGBTQI+ travellers may face discrimination or harassment, and civil defence exercises may cause sirens, traffic disruption and shelter instructions.

Normal precautions apply, but British citizens must meet South Korea's entry requirements. Tourist passports must remain valid after departure, and visits without a visa for business or tourism are limited to 90 days with an onward or return ticket. Invalid documents risk refused entry and employment without the correct visa is illegal. Arrivals from strict quarantine areas must submit health questionnaires; symptomatic arrivals from designated areas must also submit them.

Exercise normal precautions in South Korea. Large-scale demonstrations may occur with little notice and disrupt transportation and essential services; monitor local developments and remain vigilant. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula remain high, and North Korea continues missile launches and other military activity. Civil emergency drills occur throughout the year, while U.S. consular services are unavailable in Busan and available only in Seoul.