Yes, it is generally safe to walk at night in Korea, particularly in major cities like Seoul.
Safety in Seoul at Night
According to the official travel guide to Seoul:
- Most parts of Seoul are safe: You can generally walk around freely both day and night, even for women traveling alone.
- Low risk of encountering trouble: The likelihood of encountering troublesome individuals is very low, as long as basic safety precautions are followed.
- Precautions to take:
- Avoid dark alleys.
- Stay away from unlit parking lots.
Examples of Safe Areas
Generally, well-lit and populated areas in major cities are safe, including:
- Major shopping districts
- Areas near public transportation
- Tourist-centric neighborhoods
- University areas
Precautions to enhance safety:
- Stay in well-lit areas: Avoid dimly lit streets or back alleys.
- Stick to populated areas: Walking in areas with more people around is safer.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to who and what is around you.
- Inform someone of your plans: Let a friend or family member know where you are going and when you expect to be back.
- Trust your instincts: If a place or situation feels unsafe, leave.
| Area | Safety at Night |
|---|---|
| Seoul Center | Generally safe with proper precautions |
| Dark Alleys | Avoid; higher risk of issues |
| Parking Lots | Avoid, especially late at night |
In summary, while South Korea is considered a safe country, using common sense and avoiding potentially unsafe areas is always advised.
