2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office of the U.S. Embassy in . OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in South Korea (Republic of Korea, or ROK). For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s South Korea country page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State at the date of this report’s publication advises reconsidering travel to South Korea due to an outbreak of COVID-19. Do not travel to Daegu due to the level of community transmission of the virus and imposition of local quarantine procedures. However, the Travel Advisory in effect prior to the outbreak assessed the country at Level 1, indicating travelers should exercise normal precautions. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Seoul as being a LOW threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. For most visitors, the South Korea remains a very safe country. When traveling in South Korea, stay alert to any unusual activity around your home, hotel, or business, and report any significant incidents to the local police. The most common crimes (e.g. pickpocketing, purse snatching, thefts from hotel rooms or homes) occur more frequently in major metropolitan and tourist areas, and crowded markets. Review OSAC’s report, All That You Should Leave Behind.

There are occasional reports of taxi scams, where drivers refuse to use the meter and then quote unreasonable fares. Burglaries of occupied residences are rare. While crimes involving firearms are extremely rare due to stringent gun control laws, violent crimes do sometimes occur, often involving the use of knives.

There have been few reported incidents involving U.S. Embassy, military, or expatriate victims. Most crimes reported by U.S. expatriates involve pickpocketing in tourist areas and crowded markets or non- confrontational property theft.

Most crimes are non-violent in nature, although there have been reports of more serious crimes, such as sexual assaults and murders. Corresponding to combatting the four “social evils” campaign, South Korea made numerous amendments to outdated laws related to sex crimes. With these sweeping changes, and a focus on enforcement, Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) crime statistics show an increase in reported incidents in various categories of sex crimes over the past several years, particularly higher numbers of reported crimes, apprehensions, and cases prosecuted (23,478 cases for 2018). Specifically, sexual assaults against foreigners continue. The majority of reported sexual assault cases include the use and consumption of alcohol, and victims who may have known their attacker. The ROK has specialized police and hospital units to assist victims. Women traveling alone should review the State Department’s travel tips for Women Travelers.

South Korea 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

Itaewon, Sinchon, Myeongdong, Gangnam, and Hongdae are well-known entertainment and shopping districts in which crowds, alcohol, foreigners, and a higher prevalence of drug activity present a higher risk for crime. In most instances, criminal perpetrators are usually deterred by the risk of confrontation and engage principally in crimes of stealth.

The commonsense security precautions a person would take in any large American city are appropriate throughout Korea. Use caution in all crowded entertainment, nightlife, and shopping districts. Remain alert to surroundings and avoid carrying anything that is not needed while traveling around Seoul and other cities. Avoid carrying valuables in backpacks, which pickpockets target more easily.

Visitors who cannot speak/read Korean should ask their hotel for language cards with the names and contact information for their hotel, destinations, etc.

Review OSAC’s reports, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud, Taking Credit, Hotels: The Inns and Outs and Considerations for Hotel Security.

Cybersecurity Issues

The Republic of Korea is a world leader in Internet connectivity, reportedly having the world’s fastest Internet connection speed and the highest internet penetration in per capita. Internet penetration rate is over 85%, and smart phone penetration rate is 80%. On an individual level, the threat of cybercrime is moderate but steadily increasing; phishing schemes and theft of Personal Identifiable Information (PII) for criminal intent have increased as has defamation, which is considered a criminal offense. At the institutional and multinational company level, South Korea has experienced an increased number of intrusions, Distribution Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, and the use of malicious software to disrupt networks. Hackers with financial motives have also targeted Korean financial institutions, stealing Korean Identification Numbers (KID) and other PII. (KID is similar to a U.S. social security number, used in Korea as a primary identity document for personal and financial transactions.) The use of malicious software to disrupt or shut down government, public, and private networks continues to impact the economy and jeopardize the security of critical infrastructure. In 2014, hackers used malicious software to gain access to the Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Company. KNPA statistics reveal just under 150,000 cybercrimes reported for 2018, up from 131,734 in 2017.

The U.S. government advises its travelers not to leave personal electronic items containing sensitive information unsecured in hotel rooms.

Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best Practices, and Satellite Phones: Critical or Contraband?

South Korea 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

Transportation-Safety Situation

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Roads are well paved, and traffic signals are operational. Seasonal heavy rains can cause isolated sections of road to become temporarily blocked or washed out. South Korea’s mountainous topography dictates unusual road networks and interchanges in some areas; foreigners who cannot read Korean report that road signs are difficult to use for navigating.

Drivers are aggressive, especially in large cities. Vehicles frequently do not yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks, and drivers occasionally do not obey traffic signs or lights.

South Korea's traffic-related deaths have been on a decline for the past six years, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Based on OECD criteria for 2018, the country's death rates from traffic accidents was 7.3 per 100,000 inhabitants. OECD also observed that pedestrian and cyclist safety is lacking, accounting for 445 of all road fatalities in 2018.

Seatbelt use in front seats has been compulsory since 1990 on all roads. However, the use of rear seatbelts on motorways was not made compulsory for all roads until 2018. The improvement of children safety has been one of the most important successes in the past two decades. The number of children killed in traffic accidents continues to lessen due to use of child safety seat devices.

It is very common to find a “black box” installed in vehicles. Black boxes are small (surveillance) cameras installed in the front and/or back of vehicle that record everything happening around a vehicle. Police use the video footage taken from these black boxes for investigations and evidence in court, as do insurance companies to catch/prevent insurance fraud.

All riders of motorized two-wheelers must wear helmets. The compliance rate varies between urban and rural environments. There is no mandatory helmet use law for cyclists, but the majority of bicycle riders appear to wear protective helmets.

Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.

Public Transportation Conditions

South Korea has a modern, efficient, integrated public transportation system. In Seoul, most people use the public transportation system instead of driving on the congested roadways. Reliability and ease of use of this sprawling, vast network affords travelers the opportunity to get between smaller cities and towns and urban areas. Trains, buses, and subways are clean and punctual, and most subway/train stations have signs in Korean and English. Timetable and bus stop names are typically in Korean, and most bus drivers do not speak English. Public transportation systems are considered safe, although petty crimes of opportunity can occur at subway, train, and/or bus stations.

South Korea 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

There are occasional reports of taxi scams, where drivers refuse to use the meter and quote unreasonable fares or stop at disreputable gem/souvenir shops. Travelers should ensure taxi drivers use the meter. Taxis are abundant and are safe to hail on the street, or to coordinate through hotel guest services. Uber is available and safe. Review OSAC’s report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) is one of the largest, busiest airports in the world, providing service to over 90 airlines. For several years, the Airports Council International has rated it the best airport worldwide. ICN replaced Gimpo Airport as the country’s primary international airport in the early 2000s; Gimpo now mostly services domestic destinations, with some flights to Japan and China.

Other Travel Conditions

In response to the 2014 Sewol Ferry disaster, the South Korean government has strengthened maritime safety by amending the maritime laws related to the safety of passenger ships. The disaster has had a profound impact on Korean society, causing the South Korean government to be more proactive in instituting additional measures to further prevent and/or reduce maritime accidents.

Terrorism Threat

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Seoul as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. No information suggests any specific terrorist threats directed at U.S. nationals or interests in Korea. Although there has not been a terrorist incident against U.S. interests in South Korea in recent history, one cannot rule out the possibility of a “lone-wolf” attack or transnational terrorist organizations attempting to operate in the country.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Seoul as being a MEDIUM-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Political demonstrations are extremely common. According to KNPA statistics for 2018, more than 68,000 demonstrations occurred nationwide on a wide range of issues. In recent years, there has been a marked decrease in violence associated with political demonstrations, but even demonstrations intended to be peaceful have the potential to turn confrontational quickly.

Many demonstrations are held on Plaza, in front of the U.S. Embassy, where many Korean government offices and buildings are also located, to include “,” the office and residence of the South Korean president. Demonstrations also frequently occur at , approximately 200 meters south of . Protests can often exceed 50,000 participants, and often involve marches throughout downtown Seoul. Although the KNPA monitors demonstrations, and keeps traffic lanes open during protests, traffic becomes congested during large demonstrations, especially in downtown Seoul.

South Korea 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

Organizers must register demonstrations at least 48 hours in advance, with security coordinated by the KNPA. If you are in the vicinity of a protest and/or demonstration, leave the area immediately. Foreigners may not participate in political demonstrations in Korea; doing so would violate your ROK visa terms. Avoid confronting demonstrators, and exercise caution if within the vicinity of protests or rallies.

Stay informed through local media about military exercises and civil defense drills that sometimes occur at short notice and for which the Embassy may not always be able to provide advance notification. Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment

South Korea is overwhelmingly pro-U.S. However, with approximately 28,500 U.S. troops stationed in the country, there have been periods with increased anti-U.S. sentiment due to high-profile accidents/crimes committed by U.S. service members, and as relations develop between the U.S. and North Korea on denuclearization. For example, in 2002 a U.S. military vehicle fatally injured two 14-year old South Korean girls, prompting large-scale protests against U.S. Forces Korea. In 2008, there were mass protests in Seoul against the importation of U.S. beef; in 2011, there were mass protests in Seoul against the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement; and 2019 saw increased protest activity against the U.S. government’s proposed increase for the cost-sharing agreement by the South Korean government for U.S. military assets stationed on the Korean Peninsula, known as the Special Measures Agreement (SMA). Protests against U.S. policies are generally peaceful in nature, remain small in size, and are well monitored by the South Korean government.

Religious/Ethnic Violence

There have been no recent reports of religious and/or ethnic violence incidents in South Korea.

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

South Korea has experienced earthquakes with minimal/no damage. The most recent earthquake occurred in 2017, in Buk-gu, Pohang, North Gyeongsang, registering 5.4 on the Richter scale.

The monsoon season (June-August) typically involves four to six weeks of heavy rain. Damages from flooding vary from year to year, but flooding is often a problem, especially in rural areas.

Typhoons occasionally cause damage. In 2012, typhoons caused several deaths and moderate, isolated damage. During the monsoon and the typhoon seasons, heavy rains and flooding sometimes occur in South Korea. See general information about natural disaster preparedness at the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website.

South Korea 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

Critical Infrastructure Concerns

Infrastructure is highly developed, due in part to the desire to continue economic growth. As a result, there are safety issues that stem from minimal enforcement of regulations, minimal consequences for violators, and a tendency to value economic progress over safety. The 2014 Sewol Ferry disaster and collapse of a ventilation grate that led to the death of 16 people at a music concert, shifted public perception to support the need for stricter enforcement of safety standards.

Economic Espionage/Intellectual Property Thefts

South Korea has made significant strides in terms of its protection of intellectual property rights in certain respects. It cooperates aggressively with U.S. law enforcement to pursue criminal investigations and to seize counterfeit goods, including luxury items. In 2013, Korean police working with U.S. federal agents seized over U.S. $66 million worth of counterfeit items, including clothing and leather goods. Industrial espionage, however, remains a high-profile concern.

Privacy Concerns

There have been dozens of high-profile incidents of privacy/data leaks involving consumers and organizations in Korea. In 2019, point-of-sale terminals became the focus for many hackers, with each hack yielding hundreds or thousands of sellable accounts. One researcher found information for more than one million Korean credit accounts had been posted in one location on the dark web during the Summer of 2019 alone. Review OSAC’s reports, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud and Taking Credit.

Personal Identity Concerns

Consensual same-sex sexual activity is not criminalized in South Korea. South Korea is a conservative country regarding LGBTI+ issues. However, there are an increasing number of clubs, festivals, and NGOs advocating for LGBTI+ issues. The ROK National Human Rights Commission Act prohibits discrimination against individuals because of their sexual orientation, but there are no laws specifying punishment for persons found to have discriminated on this basis. Same-sex marriages are not recognized, but Korean law allows Korean citizens to change their legal gender identity. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers.

Korean law mandates access to transportation, communication, and public buildings. Crosswalks typically have audio and visual signals. Older buildings and streets are less accessible than modern ones. Metro cars and buses in Seoul offer priority seating for the disabled, and most metro stations have elevators. Metro platforms include information written in Korean Braille. Contact individual bus companies and subway associations for specific information. Foreign residents are eligible for disability assistance from local ward offices; assistance varies by ward. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

South Korea 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

Drug-related Crimes

Narcotics production/abuse is not a major problem. However, reports indicate that an undetermined quantity of narcotics is smuggled through South Korea to Japan and other countries. In response, the government has taken significant steps to counter drug transshipment. Reporting reflects that in Seoul, most drug-related offenses occur in the Gangnam and Yongsan Districts, involving drugs usually distributed through nightclubs.

Government restrictions on marijuana and marijuana products are strict. Authorities will immediately deport travelers who possess any form of marijuana, to include prescribed medicine legal in other countries.

Kidnapping Threat

Kidnappings are rare in Korea, but they do occur. KNPA does not categorize a specific crime for kidnapping, as in western countries, and instead includes kidnappings into a statistical category of “illegal detention,” or persons being held against their own will. KNPA crime statistics for this category in 2018 reflect a total of 1,207 such incidents.

North Korean-derived Insecurity

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) and South Korea technically remain in a state of war. There is peace on the Korean peninsula because of the armistice agreement that has endured since 1953; in the past two decades, the number and type of political, economic, and social interactions between the Koreas have increased. Nonetheless, bilateral tensions remain moderately high and have escalated to limited military confrontations in the past.

In the last decade, provocations from the North have included ballistic missile tests, nuclear tests, and attacks on South Korea-held territory. Tensions cooled in 2017 after North Korea was invited to participate in the Winter Olympic games held in South Korea, where the North marched with their Southern counterparts in the opening ceremony under one flag. This was followed by an invitation to the U.S. President to meet for negotiations on North Korea’s nuclear program. North Korea announced that it would suspend nuclear and missile testing and shut down the site where its six previous nuclear tests were conducted. A second summit regarding North Korea's nuclear program occurred in 2019 , but ended abruptly without an agreement. Further talks have failed to materialize.

South Korea 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

Police Response

Many street crimes involving tourists and foreigners have decreased in recent years due to the presence of the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) tourist police, which is responsible for patrolling major tourist areas in Seoul and whose officers are fluent in English, Japanese, and Mandarin. Police treat detained or arrested foreigners with respect. Upon arresting a foreigner, police will notify the KNPA Foreign Affairs Division, which will assume responsibility for the investigation. If the crime is a misdemeanor, the police will generally release the individual on his/her own recognizance after confirming the individual’s ties to Korea through verification of the subject’s address, telephone number, and employment.

The emergency line for foreigners in South Korea is 112. Officers with English-speaking capability are on duty 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. Download the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.

Police/Security Agencies

Under the Ministry of Public Administration and Security, the KNPA is the national police force for South Korea. With 147,550 officers (117,000 regular police officers, 26,000 auxiliary police, and 4,000 administration clerks), the KNPA is responsible for criminal investigations, public/cyber safety/security, traffic affairs, counterterrorism, riot control, dignitary protection, and various other law enforcement responsibilities. The KNPA Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit is the premier civilian authority charged with counterterrorism operations and responsible for serving high-risk arrest warrants, hostage rescue, and other acceptable high threat missions. The KNPA SWAT teams are equipped with the latest equipment/ technologies and appear to be well-organized and trained. The KNPA has also invested heavily in police education and training to include having an established Korean National Police University, Police Human Resources Development Institute, Central Police Academy, and Police Investigation Academy. Through these police-affiliated institutions, police officers are provided with knowledge/information related to investigations, counterterrorism, and enforcement of Korean laws.

The Supreme Prosecutors’ Office (SPO) consists of both prosecutors and investigators, and unlike prosecutorial services in most developed countries, SPO possesses investigative authority usually exercised by police. SPO representatives can detain/arrest subjects and execute warrants. Issues occur between KNPA and SPO since they have overlapping jurisdictions—investigative powers—and there remain calls for the government to devolve some authority from SPO to KNPA.

The National Intelligence Service (NIS) is the domestic and foreign intelligence service, but it also has a quasi-law enforcement function in that it is responsible for counter-terrorism activities and security planning for major international events (through its Threat Information Integration Center).

The Presidential Security Service (PSS) is independent from other agencies, administered from the Blue House, and responsible for the protection of the president, the Blue House and other presidential sites, and of the U.S. president and secretary of state when in South Korea. Of note, other U.S. cabinet officials that qualify are protected by the Dignitary Close Protection unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency (SMPA). South Korea 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

Medical Emergencies

For medical emergencies, call 119. Republic of Korea has very good emergency response capability. Ambulances are staffed by emergency medical technicians, but these staff do not necessarily have the same level of training as those in the U.S. The ambulances are small but well equipped. The National Emergency Services system will direct patients to the closest appropriate level facility. Foreigners may also call 1339 (in Seoul) and 02-1339 (outside of Seoul) to speak to an English-speaking doctor for assistance 24 hours a day with medical emergencies.

Hospitals are generally well-equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic equipment. High- quality general and specialty dental care is available in Seoul. Western-style medical facilities are available in the major urban areas of Seoul, Busan, Daegu, and other large cities. Not all doctors and staff in major urban areas are proficient in English; most clinics in rural areas do not have English-speaking doctors. Pharmacies are first-rate, and travelers can obtain most prescribed medications, except for psychotropic medicine, with a prescription.

Find contact information for English-speaking medical services in various cities on the U.S. Embassy website.

Seoul has air pollution levels similar to many large U.S. cities. Moderate air pollution levels are not continuous, but episodic and seasonal. Photochemical pollution or smog results from the action of sunlight on motor vehicle exhaust, producing ozone. This type of pollution predominates in the summer. In the winter, particulate and sulfur oxides, which result from coal-fired heating and industrial processes, predominate. Overall levels of winter pollution have decreased significantly in Seoul in the last ten years, due to the switch to natural gas for heating and industry. However, summertime smog has increased due to the increased number of vehicles. Air quality in Seoul is monitored, and accurate readings are readily available online, along with recommendations based upon the quality level.

Korea experiences a spring weather phenomenon called Hwangsa, or "yellow sand." This phenomenon usually occurs in April and May. The yellow sand comes from the Gobi Desert region in China. During dry spring weather, the desert dust rides on a strong ascending atmospheric air current and blows eastward crossing the Yellow Sea before finally arriving in Korea. This annual deposit of dust contains traces of cadmium, copper, lead, and other harmful metallic particles, not to mention sulfur dioxide. The dust raises the particulate density in the air to three times its usual level. The sand in metropolitan Seoul usually persists for a few hours in the morning. In addition to darkening the sky and leaving a fine layer of dust on everything, this sand irritates the eyes and can pose a health risk for people with respiratory problems.

South Korea 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

Travelers should consider obtaining temporary medical insurance prior to departing the United States. Some Korean hospitals accept some American medical insurance, but only a limited number have direct- billing procedures worked out with American insurers. Most require foreigners to pay for treatment then seek reimbursement through their insurance company. Hospitals, including emergency rooms, also will not usually admit foreigners as patients without payment up front (meaning, either one must have insurance that the hospital will accept or one would likely be required to make a deposit or put up a guarantee in order to be admitted). The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Department’s webpage on insurance overseas.

Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance

Food sanitation in Korea is usually up to U.S. standards, but take caution when eating at small street vendors. Local city water is safe for drinking, though most local people drink bottled, boiled, or specially treated purified water. When in doubt, bottled or otherwise packaged beverages are usually safe to drink.

Review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Traveling with Medication, I’m Drinking What in My Water?, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad. The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for South Korea. OSAC Country Council Information

The Seoul OSAC Country Council is active and meets once every four months. For any inquiries, contact OSAC’s Asia-Pacific Team.

U.S. Embassy Contact Information

188 Sejong-daero, -gu, Seoul Monday-Friday: 0800 to 1700 Website: https://kr.usembassy.gov/ Embassy Operator: +82-2-397-4114 Emergency calls after normal business hours: +82-2-397-4114 American Citizen Services: +82-2-397-4040

Other U.S. Diplomatic Posts in South Korea

Consulate General Busan, 993 Jungang-daero, Yangjeong 2(i)-dong, Busanjin-gu. +82 2-397-4114.

Helpful Information

Before you travel, consider the following resources:

• OSAC Risk Matrix • OSAC Travelers Toolkit • State Department Traveler’s Checklist • Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)