South Korea

Overall country Risk Rating: 

 

AA - Stable state, there is a low HSE risk. Worksite risk is deemed to be low. The number of road traffic accidents is above the european average. The country scores 43/175 on the corruption perceptions index with a score of 0.42 on corruption control.(Point estimates range from -2.5 to 2.5. Higher values correspond to better governance outcomes).

Genvisec advises that all travel can continue to South Korea.

 

Crime

 

Although the crime rate in the Republic of Korea is low, pick pocketing, purse snatching, assault, burglary (in hotel rooms and private residences), and other crime occur, particularly in major towns and cities. Take normal safety precautions and make sure valuables are secure especially in tourist areas, like Itaewon and other large markets.

 

Incidents of rape have been reported in popular nightlife districts of Seoul, as well as in private residences. Take care when travelling alone at night and only use legitimate taxis or public transport.

 

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, 7 day a week central interpretation centre where foreigners can report crimes telephone: 112).

 

Political situation

 

Since the end of the Korean War in 1953, the Korean peninsula has been divided by a de-militarised zone (DMZ) separating the DPRK and the Republic of Korea. Peace has been maintained under an Armistice Agreement.

 

The level of tension on the Korean peninsula can change with little notice. It increased after the sinking of the South Korean Navy Ship Cheonan and an artillery attack against Yeonpyeong Island in 2010, when DPRK carried out two missile tests in 2012, after a nuclear test in 2013 and during regular South Korean-US military exercises.

 

Civil emergency exercises

 

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. Shelters in Seoul are marked with a special symbol. Participation by foreign nationals in the exercises is not obligatory but you should familiarise yourself with the procedures and check local announcements for further exercises.

 

Road travel

 

You’ll need an International Driving Permit to drive in South Korea. Make sure you have fully comprehensive insurance.

 

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.

 

Taxi drivers tend to speak little or no English. Have your destination written in Korean, if possible with a map.

 

In 2012 there were 5,392 road deaths in South Korea (source: Department for Transport). This equates to 10.8 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the EU average of 2.8 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2012.

 

Mobile telephones

 

Older (non-3G) phones bought outside South Korea will not normally work in the country, and fitting foreign phones with local SIMs (e.g. to avoid roaming fees) is not usually possible.

 

Local laws and customs

A serious violation of local laws may lead to a jail or death sentence.

 

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

 

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

 

Homosexual relationships are not illegal. 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.

 

Money

The local currency is the South Korean Won.  Credit cards are not always accepted outside major cities. ATMs are widely available, but do not always accept foreign cards. Those with a sign saying ‘Global’ will normally accept foreign cards.

 

Health

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

 

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.

 

In spring there’s a risk of tick-borne disease across Korea. The national Disease Control and Prevention Centre advise all people taking part in leisure activities on grass to wear long sleeved shirts/tops and trousers.

 

Typhoons

 

The typhoon season normally runs from June to November. You should monitor the progress of approaching storms on the Korean Meteorological Administration website and follow any advice given by the local authorities.  

 

Visas

 

If you have a EU Citizen passport you can enter South Korea as a tourist for up to 90 days without a visa. You must also have an onward or return ticket. It’s illegal to work on a tourist visa, whether as a teacher or in any other capacity.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 3 months from the date of entry into South Korea.

 

The South Korean authorities have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from South Korea.

 

Customs declarations

 

Check 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 about the legality of any items - including medications -you should declare them on entry.

 

Foreign males of Korean origin

 

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

 

Employment an English teacher.

 

To get a visa to teach English in South Korea you must have a 3-year university degree. A TEFL qualification alone is not sufficient. If you are found to have obtained a teaching visa by deception, you will be detained and deported. Foreign nationals teaching English in South Korea have sometimes found living and working conditions to be below expectations, and have encountered difficulties getting the correct visas and residence permits. There have also been complaints of breach of contract, confiscation of passports, payment being withheld and inadequate or no medical insurance. Check all terms and conditions of your employment carefully and if possible speak to other teachers from the place where you plan to work before accepting any offer. For those in possession of a work visa all employment changes must be authorised by Korean Immigration.