Help for British nationals

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

• The attempted satellite launch by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) (North Korea) on 13 April 2012 has increased tensions in the region, especially on the Korean peninsula. We assess that there is currently no immediate increased risk or danger to those living in or travelling to the Republic of Korea. However, further provocations by DPRK or reactions by neighbouring countries including the Republic of Korea cannot be ruled out and you should continue to monitor news reports and this travel advice closely.
  
  

• In early 2011 multiple cases of H5N1 Avian Influenza were detected in the vicinity of Yeongcheon city, south eastern Gyeongsangbuk Province. If travelling to affected areas, British nationals should comply with the instructions of the local authorities including by observing any exclusion or disease control zones which may be in place. See Health.
  
  

• It is not possible to enter North Korea from South Korea, unless making an official visit to the Kaesong Industrial Complex (KIC). Visitors should note that the British Embassy in Seoul is unable to provide consular assistance while they are in the KIC, and access by the British Embassy in Pyongyang is limited.
  
  

• There is a low threat from terrorism, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• The typhoon/tropical storm season in South Korea normally runs from June to November. See  Natural Disasters.
  
  
• Many British nationals visit South Korea every year. Most visits are trouble-free. See General - Consular Assistance Statistics.  
  
  
• You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General - Insurance.
  

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.

Safety and Security - Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

See our Terrorism Abroad page.  

Safety and Security - Crime

Although the crime rate in the Republic of Korea is low, there is a higher incidence of pick pocketing, purse snatching, assault, burglary (in hotel rooms and private residences), and other crime in major metropolitan areas, such as Seoul and Busan, than elsewhere in Korea. Exercise normal safety precautions and ensure valuables are secure especially in known tourist areas, such as Itaewon and other large market areas.

Incidents of rape have been reported in popular nightlife districts of Seoul, as well as in private residences. Exercise caution when travelling alone at night and you should use only legitimate taxis or public transportation. See our rape and sexual assault abroad page.

For 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 day a week Central Interpretation Centre where foreigners can report crimes (through 112).

See our victims of crime abroad page.

Safety and Security - Political situation

Republic of Korea country profile

Safety and Security - Political situation -  Armistice Agreement

An Armistice Agreement has been in place since the end of the Korean War in 1953.

Tension on the Korean peninsula is always in flux and has been affected in the past by missile and nuclear tests by the DPRK in 2009, and the sinking of the South Korean Navy Ship Cheonan and an artillery attack against Yeonpyeong island in 2010. Further provocations by the DPRK in 2012 cannot be ruled out.

Safety and Security - Political situation - Demonstrations

Avoid demonstrations, which have occasionally turned violent. Most demonstrations, however, are peaceful and take place in the City Hall/Seoul Plaza/Cheonggyecheon Stream area of central Seoul. Follow the advice of the local authorities and monitor local media for developments.

Safety and Security - Local Travel

For Travel Advice on visits to North Korea, please clink on the following link
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/asia-oceania/korea-dpr-north-korea

You cannot travel directly to North Korea from South Korea, unless making an official visit to the Kaesong Industrial Complex.

Taxi drivers tend to speak little or no English. Have your destination written in Korean, with a map for private addresses, as it can be difficult to locate them otherwise.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Road Travel

An International Driving Permit is needed to drive in South Korea. Ensure that you also have fully comprehensive insurance.

In 2009 there were 5,838 road deaths in South Korea (source: DfT). This equates to 12.0 road deaths per 100,000 of population compared to the UK average of 3.8 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2009.

Car and motorbike drivers are presumed to be at fault in accidents involving motorcycles or pedestrians. Criminal charges and heavy penalties are common when accidents result in injury, even if guilt is not proved. Watch out for motorcycles travelling at speed on pavements.

See our driving abroad page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Air Travel

The European Commission has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the European Union. This is regularly updated. Check the European Commission website to see whether this will affect your travel. At the time of writing no South Korean airlines feature on this list.

See also DfT - Airline Security Update.

You are subject to local laws, which can be more severe than in the UK for similar offences. A serious violation may lead to a jail or a death sentence.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs can result in long jail sentences and heavy fines. This applies even to personal use of small amounts of marijuana. British nationals have been detained solely on the basis of drug tests.

Jail sentences are served in South Korea although, especially for less serious offences, foreigners may instead be deported. If you are deported you may be banned from returning to South Korea for several years.

Carry some form of identification at all times and ensure your next-of-kin details have been entered into the back of your passport.

There is no legal barrier to homosexual relationships. Younger Koreans are more liberal and gay rights organisations are gaining support. The gay scene, although relatively small, is well established and growing in visibility.

See our Your Trip page.

Entry Requirements - Visas

Holders of British Citizen passports can enter South Korea for tourist purposes for up to 90 days without a visa. You must also have an onward or return ticket.

Visas are required for all other purposes. It is illegal to work on a tourist visa in South Korea, whether as a teacher or in any other capacity. If you wish to work contact the nearest South Korean Diplomatic Mission before you travel for information on obtaining the appropriate documentation. In addition, research the educational establishment or company where you intend to work as thoroughly as possible. If you are considering a teaching job in South Korea. See General - Employment below.

Holders of all other types of British passport should contact the nearest South Korean Diplomatic Mission before travelling for information about visa requirements - Embassy of the Republic of Korea, London.

Entry Requirements - Passport validity

You must hold a valid passport to enter South Korea. Your passport must normally be valid for a minimum period of three months from the date of entry into South Korea.

Entry Requirements - Biometric registration

With a few limited exceptions, from 1 January 2012, all foreign passport holders including British nationals entering South Korea should expect to be photographed and electronically finger printed at their port of entry. Those refusing to submit biometric information may be denied entry to the country. Further information may be sought from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in London.

Entry Requirements - Customs declarations

British nationals travelling to South Korea may wish to consult the website of the Korea Customs Service for information on restricted or prohibited items that may not be brought into the country. If you are in any doubt as to the legality of any items - including medications (prescription or otherwise) - in your possession, you are advised to declare these at the relevant customs channel upon your entry. Further information may be sought from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in London.

Entry Requirements - British males of Korean origin

If you are a British male of Korean origin, whose name appears on the Korean family register, you should be aware that you may be liable for military service, even if travelling on your British passport.

Entry Requirements - Travelling with children

For information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the nearest South Korean Diplomatic Mission - Embassy of the Republic of Korea, London.

Contact your GP around eight weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Country specific information and advice is published by the National Travel Health Network and Centre, and useful information about healthcare abroad, including a country-by-country guide of reciprocal health care agreements with the UK, is available from NHS Choices.

Medical and dental care in South Korea is usually of a good standard but can be expensive: staff do not often speak English. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

In the 2010 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 9,500 adults aged 15 or over in South Korea were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at less than 0.1% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. Exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. See our HIV and AIDS page.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 119 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Our Travel Health pages offer further advice on how to stay healthy when overseas.

Natural Disasters - Typhoons

Travellers to South Korea should be aware that typhoon season normally runs from June to November. Pay particular attention to local weather and travel information and consult the Korean Meteorological Administration website, which has information in English.  

See our Tropical Cyclones page for more detailed information about what to do if you are caught up in a typhoon.

General - Insurance

You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before departure. Ensure that your insurance covers the costs of medical repatriation if you need complex hospital treatment. Check for any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. See our Travel Insurance page.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then see our When Things Go Wrong page.

General - Mobile phones

Mobile telephones purchased outside South Korea will not normally work in the country. For those visiting South Korea phones can be rented at the airport on arrival.

General - Registering with the British Embassy

If you are staying for more than two weeks, we encourage you to register with the Consular Section of the British Embassy. You can also find contingency guidance information on the Consular Services Section of the British Embassy website.

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

General - Money

The local currency is the South Korean Won. It is almost impossible to change Scottish or Northern Irish bank notes. Credit cards are not always accepted outside major cities. ATMs, whilst widely available do not always accept foreign cards. ATM’s with a sign saying 'Global' will normally accept foreign cards.

General - Employment

If you are considering a teaching job in South Korea, be aware that it is not possible to obtain a visa to teach English in South Korea without a three-year university degree – a TEFL qualification alone is insufficient. If you are found to have obtained a teaching visa by submitting fraudulent documents, even if unknowingly produced by a third party, you will be detained and deported. You should also be aware that complaints are frequently received from British nationals teaching English in South Korea about problems arising from living or working conditions that do not meet expectations, complications and over obtaining the correct visas and residence permits. There have also been complaints of breach of contract, confiscation of passports, and of payment being withheld also of inadequate or no medical insurance. Check that all terms and conditions of employment are clearly stated before accepting an offer and signing a contract. Where possible ask to speak to other teachers from the educational establishment when you plan to work before accepting any offer. Written contracts are not necessarily considered binding documents and verbal agreements often take precedence. It is illegal to work in South Korea on a tourist visa. For those in possession of a work visa all employment changes must be authorised by Korean Immigration.

General - Consular Assistance Statistics

Around one hundred thousand British nationals visit South Korea every year. Most visits are trouble-free. 17 British nationals required consular assistance in the Republic of Korea in the period 01 April 2010 - 31 March 2011 for the following types of incident; five deaths and five hospitalisations.