Located in East Asia, South Korea is a country that attracts many tourists because of its culture, infrastructure and population, for example. It also attracts many investors. However, because of the difficulties this nation often faces, many travellers are reluctant to go there. Is South Korea a safe country? Here are some answers!
Safety of goods and people
South Korea is a great place to live. The population is very welcoming and has a number of moral values that govern relations between individuals. It is a country with a low crime rate. This is due to the successive authoritarian and military-led regimes to which the Koreans have been subjected.
So safety is paramount. Indeed, South Korea is one of the few countries where you can walk the streets at any time of day, in any neighbourhood. Similarly, while the poverty rate is a little higher than elsewhere, it is rare to see acts of vandalism, theft or other assaults such as those that occur in the metros of many Western countries.
Road safety
As far as road safety is concerned, it's worth pointing out that the roads in big cities are very wide and the traffic very dense. This can be very dangerous for pedestrians and motorists alike. It is therefore very important to be cautious to avoid accidents, but also to be aware of the country's driving rules.
As far as motorists are concerned, South Korean law stipulates that in the event of an accident, no matter how big or small, vehicles must be immobilised until the police arrive. If you drive a hire car during your stay, be careful not to break this rule or you could find yourself in prison. Several foreigners have already paid the price.
The health situation
The health situation in South Korea was often held up as an example until the appearance of Covid-19. The country has recorded many cases, as elsewhere. That said, the figures are lower than those for Western countries such as Italy, France, Spain and the United States.
It is therefore just as risky to travel there during this pandemic period as it is in other countries. However, it is worth pointing out that South Korea's measures to overcome this pandemic have borne fruit and limited the spread of this disease. Last July, this Asian country recorded a 4ᵉ wave of contamination. With the massive production of vaccines, it is now possible to travel there. It is still recommended not to neglect barrier measures because of the risk of re-infection.
Ecological and climatic risks
South Korea is a country prone to environmental disasters. This is due to the many mountains that border the country. There are also a considerable number of factories. This is one of the reasons why some tourists are afraid to go there, especially after the latest natural disasters, such as the typhoon that destroyed entire districts.
Furthermore, heavy rainfall in South Korea can lead to landslides, mudslides and rockfalls. However, the performance of the meteorological services means that certain disasters can be anticipated and, above all, people can take shelter.
Concerning human rights
South Korea is a country where human rights in general are respected. Children enjoy their rights to education, health and so on. The same applies to adults (men and women). However, as in most very conservative countries, the issue of homosexuality is taboo.
The country does not officially recognise the rights of the rainbow community. Even if it is sometimes tolerated within families, it is not possible to display one's sexual orientation without running the risk of reprisals. However, we can count on the associations and organisations campaigning for their rights to see improvements in the years to come.
An agency service 