South Korea [1]
South Korea
Political tensions
Relations between South and North Korea can be tense. North Korea has conducted several nuclear tests (the most recent in 2017) and regular ballistic missile tests, leading to further tensions. Future tests cannot be ruled out. In the past, heightened tensions haven’t affected daily life.
There have been occasional exchanges of live fire (warning shots) between North and South Korean border forces. These incidents occurred in areas along the Demilitarised Zone and the north-western islands (including Yeonpyeong-do, Daecheong-do and Baengnyeong-do) and surrounding waters. The most recent incident was in October 2022 when the two Koreas exchanged warning shots off the western coast, accusing each other of breaching their maritime border. In November 2010, the North Korean military shelled the north-western island of Yeonpyeong-do, resulting in loss of life. Tensions in the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) have de-escalated since the Panmunjom Declaration was signed in April 2017. However, further provocations or reactions cannot be ruled out. On 18 July, a US serviceman willfully crossed the border into North Korea without authorisation and is currently in North Korean custody. As a result, all tours to the DMZ have been postponed indefinitely.
Tensions on the Korean Peninsula could escalate with little warning and New Zealanders are advised to monitor the media to stay informed of any developments and follow any instructions issued by the local authorities. Remain vigilant and take official warnings seriously.
Civil unrest
Public protests and demonstrations take place regularly, particularly in central Seoul and can cause disruptions to traffic and public transport. While the protests and demonstrations are generally peaceful, we advise New Zealanders in South Korea to avoid them, as there have been sporadic instances of escalation where protesters and police clash. We recommend you monitor the media to keep up to date with local events and follow instructions issued by the local authorities. You should also be aware that under Korean law, foreign nationals are prohibited from engaging in political activities in South Korea.
Crime
Generally speaking Korea has a very low crime rate, and foreigners are rarely targeted. However, petty crime is always possible and we advise New Zealanders to be alert to their surroundings at all times and to take steps to keep themselves safe and to secure their personal belongings. There have been sporadic instances of sexual harassment and sexual violence against foreigners.
For emergency assistance, or to report a crime, call 112 for police (a 24 hour interpretation service is available) and 119 for ambulance and fire.
General travel advice
The South Korean government has developed a smartphone application with civil emergency advice, including shelter locations, different types of alarms, medical facilities and emergency services. Search for ‘emergency ready app’ on Android or Apple app stores.
South Korean authorities hold national civil emergency exercises from time to time. These may include sirens and requests for people to take shelter in metro stations or basements. While visitor participation is not necessary, we recommend that you familiarise yourself with the procedures and keep an eye on local media.
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include lengthy imprisonment or fines.
The blood alcohol concentration limit for drivers is 0.03%. Heavy penalties apply for exceeding the limit.
South Korea has one of the highest traffic fatality rates for a developed country. Speeding, running red lights and other risky behaviour is common, particularly by buses, taxis and motorcyclists. Automobile drivers are presumed to be at fault in accidents involving bicycles or pedestrians, although most vehicles have blackbox cameras installed and the recordings are used by police and insurance companies to determine actual fault. If you are involved in an accident or a physical altercation following an accident, whether you are at fault or not, you could face criminal charges and heavy penalties, especially if it results in injury. Watch out for motorcyclists travelling on footpaths.
Air pollution, including yellow dust pollution, is common throughout the year and especially during spring months. Yellow dust is carried to the Korean peninsula by strong winds from Mongolia and China. It can cause eye, nose, mouth, and throat irritations as well as make breathing and heart problems worse. When the concentration levels are high, residents and visitors are advised to stay indoors as much as possible and drink plenty of water, Follow local media reporting and the Korean Meteorological Service website [2] for the latest advice.
The monsoon season is from late June to late August, and flash floods causing a number of drowning deaths have occurred in the last two years. Typhoons can occur in August and September. You should monitor approaching storms on the Korean Meterological Administration website, identify your nearest shelter if required and follow any advice given by local authorities. If you decide to travel to South Korea during the rainy or typhoon seasons, be aware of the risks to your safety and be prepared to change or cancel your travel plans at short notice.
New Zealanders travelling or living in South Korea should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place. All foreigners living in South Korea for six months or longer must subscribe to South Korea’s state health insurance scheme.
New Zealanders in South Korea are encouraged to register their details [3] with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Travel tips
