How's crime in South Korea?

Question

Is the crime there low or high? Is it like Japan where they say "It's safer outside of base (US Military base) than inside"? Are there a lot of shootings and pickpocketers? I know this sounds like a stupid question but I would like to be educated.. I might move there next year.

Answer 1

Guns are outlawed here. Most police don't even carry them (instead, they carry batons). So shootings here are essentially non-existent. I hear pickpocketing can be a problem if you go into some areas of town (Seoul), but I have personally never witnessed it, or even heard about it second hand.



I find Seoul to be much safer than the US. Its a very normal thing to see people leave their things to hold a table while they order food at a restaurant or cafeteria. That would be unthinkable in the US. Girls don't even worry about walking home late at night.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Others' experiences in JinHae:

From: http://www.expatexchange.com/expat/index.cfm?frmid=241&tpcid=3331076



" Hi,



I have been living in Chinhae for the last 2 years although soon I will be moving to Malta for my next posting.



What I can say is that Chinhae is a great place to live. The town is very peaceful and in a beautiful natural setting. If you enjoy fishing or trekking you will love it here. There are plenty of public parks and amenities you can enjoy for free such as: inline skating, tennis courts, mini-golf, picnic areas, children parks. Lots of greenery. No crime. Quality of living is better than Changwon or Busan (that's my opinion).



If you have small children, there is an international school on the American navy base. There is also a bar and a library inside the base.



There is a small expariate community and an International Woman association that organizes social events, etc.



Like in most of Korea, 99% percent of the people do not speak English.

The locals are used to dealing with foreigners so it is not as bad as other places, but this is still Korea... you can expect some frustration at times.



Overall I am sure you will love the experience. "

Answer 4

Seoul, Seongnam, Goyang or anywhere close to Seoul will be safe.

Before moving to Michigan an year ago, I lived in Seongnam, a pretty big city, just a bit south from Seoul, and street crime was, well, I never saw or heard of any.

As a student, I would walk to and from cram schools after 10PM (most students in Korea do so), and I didnt see any major crime.



Daegoo, Daejeon, and other major cities, however, have been known to be a bit more prone to crime. But still, rape isnt something you see everyday.



If you are a student (middle or high school), bullying is a bit of a problem though.

Answer 5

virtually nil at least for violent crimes compared to america. 10 year old kids in Seoul get sent to errands at like 10-11 pm. Hell, I used to go on beer runs for my aunt when i was like 10 (she knew the store owner). you'll see a disproportionate amount of public drunkenness, but like I said violent crime in Korea is among the lowest in the world i believe.

Answer 6

I guess its moderate. But the emergency/police service is absolutely terrible. there is an outrage in Korea over a murder incident because of a failure of the police. :p yea

Answer 7

People in general will tell you that it's safe but I have my doubts. Just don't walk around alone at night.