Plan for the actual place and time
Many women travel independently in Korea, but a country's general reputation does not determine the safety of every street, venue or encounter. Check the location of your accommodation, late check-in arrangements and transport options for the time you expect to return.
Keep your phone charged and save important addresses and contacts offline. If it helps, share your plans with someone you trust. Choose a different route or transport option if a situation feels uncomfortable.
Seek help if someone threatens or follows you
Move towards a staffed or populated place if you can do so safely, and ask for help. Call 112 for police if you are threatened, followed or assaulted. Give your location and explain what is happening; ask for language assistance.
For urgent medical help, call 119. You do not need to wait until you have decided whether to make a formal complaint before seeking medical care.
Know the specialist support route
1366 is Korea's women's emergency support line. Its official service provides counselling and initial support for issues including domestic and sexual violence, stalking and digital sexual violence. It also offers online counselling options. Ask about language support and the services available for your situation.
Your embassy or consulate may help you locate local support and explain its consular assistance. “Finding my embassy in Korea” explains how to find official contacts.
Report suspected illegal filming
Illegal filming in private spaces is a serious concern. If you notice an object or device that seems suspicious, prioritise your safety and contact police. Avoid confronting a suspected offender or dismantling a device if that could put you at risk or disturb evidence.
A brief visual check cannot establish that a room is free of hidden cameras, and an ordinary fixture is not proof of a camera. You are not responsible for detecting every possible device. If an image has been shared, preserve relevant messages or links and ask police or 1366 about specialist support.
You can ask for help without having every detail
After an upsetting incident, it may be difficult to remember events in order or decide what to do. Tell the service what you know and what help you need. Keep receipts, messages or other records if it is safe to do so, but do not put yourself at risk to collect evidence.
Harassment, violence and illegal filming are the responsibility of the person committing them, regardless of what you wore, where you went or whether you had been drinking.
