Emergency Help Abroad – South Korea

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting South Korea — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• South Korea has a zero-tolerance drug policy — even small amounts result in arrest and imprisonment.

• Korean citizens can be prosecuted for drug use abroad; foreigners are prosecuted for drug use inside Korea.

• Carrying weapons, including certain knives or sprays, without lawful reason is illegal.

• Drink-driving laws are strict and enforced with roadside tests.

• Bringing illegal substances through airports leads to immediate detention.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Respectful behaviour is required in temples, palaces, and traditional villages.

• Littering or damaging public spaces may result in fines.

• Public displays of affection may attract attention in conservative areas.

• Defacing public property or cultural monuments is a criminal offence.

• Respect local customs when visiting historic districts or rural communities.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police may request identification — carry your passport or a clear copy.

• Pickpocketing can occur in busy nightlife districts and transport hubs.

• Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar neighbourhoods.

• Avoid protests or political gatherings — non-participation is recommended for foreigners.

• Attempting to bribe officials is a criminal offence.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Trains, buses and metros require valid payment — fare evasion leads to fines.

• Driving laws are strict: speeding, mobile-phone use and illegal turns are penalised.

• Only use licensed taxis or registered apps.

• Overstaying your visa or entry permit results in fines or immigration restrictions.

• Some areas near the North Korean border have restricted access.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Do not photograph military zones, DMZ areas, checkpoints or security installations.

• Drone use is heavily regulated, especially in Seoul — permits are required for most flights.

• Museums and palaces may restrict flash photography — respect signage.

• Always ask permission before photographing people in traditional markets or rural areas.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Do not remove stones, plants or natural materials from national parks.

• Hiking off marked trails can be dangerous; fines may apply in protected areas.

• Swimming in beaches with red flags or in dangerous currents is prohibited.

• Lighting fires in forested regions is strictly controlled.

• Feeding wildlife in national parks is prohibited.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Damaging temples, shrines or historic buildings is a criminal offence.

• Removing artefacts, cultural items or natural materials is illegal.

• Entering sacred or restricted temple areas without permission is prohibited.

• Buying items made from endangered species is illegal.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels normal or automatic in the UK may be approached very differently in South Korea.

• Don’t speak loudly on public transport, where quiet is expected on buses and subways.

• Don’t sit in priority seats on trains and buses, unless you are elderly, pregnant, disabled or otherwise in need.

• Don’t push into queues, especially when boarding trains, buses or lifts.

• Don’t leave rubbish behind in parks or hiking areas, as Koreans take pride in clean outdoor spaces.

• Don’t drink excessively and cause disturbance in public, even though social drinking is common.

• Don’t show disrespect towards elders, and be polite in tone and body language.

• Don’t wear revealing clothing in some traditional or rural areas, particularly in temples.

• Don’t enter temples or traditional homes with shoes on, where they must be removed.

• Don’t photograph military installations or in the DMZ where photography may be restricted.

• Don’t underestimate the heat and humidity in summer, especially in cities.

• Don’t expect everyone to speak English, especially outside Seoul and major tourist areas.

• Don’t blow your nose loudly at the table, which can be considered impolite.

• Don’t eat on the move in traditional markets or older districts, if locals are mostly dining seated.

• Don’t leave valuables unattended in cafés, even if they appear safe.

• Don’t cycle on pavements without checking local rules, especially in busy districts.

• Don’t use informal speech with strangers, as hierarchy and formality matter in Korean language.

• Don’t ignore emergency alerts on your phone, which may warn of weather or other incidents.

• Don’t smoke where prohibited, especially near building entrances and in many public areas.

• Don’t carve or write on historic palace walls or gates, as this causes damage and is illegal.

• Don’t underestimate how busy popular hiking trails get, and be prepared to move with the flow.