With recent government advice for South Korea, global travel insurance experts, World Nomads, share their practical and actionable advice.
Photo © Getty Images / Mongkol Chuewong
London (January 31, 2025): With more than half a million Google searches for “South Korea” in the past month, the destination is continuing to grow in popularity among UK travellers—thanks to its K-drama landmarks, UNESCO heritage sites, and Michelin-starred street food—the recent UK government travel advice highlighting risks of civil unrest is a timely reminder for visitors to stay vigilant. Whilst most demonstrations in South Korea are typically peaceful and well-managed, the current climate may increase risks for travellers.
Global travel insurance experts, World Nomads, have provided practical, actionable advice for navigating these situations safely.
1. Stay Informed and Plan Ahead
Make sure that you’re familiar with the latest news about the political situation in South Korea. Key areas to currently monitor include:
- Gwanghwamun and the Constitutional Court (Anguk)
- Seoul Western District Court (Gongdeok)
- National Assembly (Yeouido)
Make sure you install the South Korean Emergency Ready App, which provides real-time updates on civil emergencies, including protests and drills.
It’s also good to be prepared for drills or emergency scenarios; South Korea conducts civil emergency drills throughout the year. These involve sirens, halting traffic, and directing people to safety zones. Participation isn’t mandatory but always follow instructions from officials.
2. Avoid Protest Zones
Avoid large public gatherings, especially near the hotspots mentioned above. Protests can escalate quickly, even if they begin peacefully. Follow these guidelines:
- Steer clear of demonstrations: If you hear of a protest, avoid the area entirely.
- Don’t participate: It’s illegal for foreign nationals to participate in political activities in South Korea.
- Follow local advice: Listen to local authorities or hotel management for updates.
3. Practice Safety During Unrest
If you inadvertently find yourself near or in a protest, follow these steps:
- Stay on the edges of the crowd where it is safer.
- Avoid confrontations and stay calm—do not run or appear hostile.
- If violence erupts, seek shelter in a nearby building or safe area.
- If you find yourself in a crowd crush, create a space for yourself by grasping your wrists and bracing your elbows away from your sides; bend over slightly – this should allow you breathing room.
- Stay away from police or security force actions.
4. Secure Your Accommodation
During periods of unrest, remain in your hotel or other accommodations:
- Avoid windows: Stay away from windows and draw curtains to protect against potential glass shattering.
- Move to an inner room: If protests or gunfire are nearby, an inside room offers better protection.
- Stay in touch with your embassy and follow their guidance.
5. Keep Insurance and Emergency Contacts Handy
Travel insurance is essential, particularly during volatile times. Ensure your policy covers civil unrest. Have your embassy’s contact information on hand and inform family or friends of your whereabouts.
South Korea remains a welcoming and fascinating destination for travellers, but heightened tensions call for extra vigilance. By staying informed and prepared, you can enjoy your trip while prioritising your safety.
Jono Frankham, World Nomads General Manager for the UK market commented:
"Encouragingly, we’re seeing demand for travel to South Korea approach pre-COVID levels, with quotes increasing as a proportion of the broader Asia market and our total book. Notably, January 2025 is on track to be the strongest start to the year since 2020 in terms of policy sales, signaling that travelers aren’t just considering a trip to South Korea - they’re actively making plans and taking steps to protect them.
“At World Nomads, we continuously monitor claims data to ensure we provide accurate and timely advice to our travellers. We can reassure visitors to South Korea that despite recent political turbulence, our claims data indicates no surge in incidents directly related to the unrest. The number of claims originating from South Korea over the past six months by World Nomads customers is in single figures, underlining its reputation as a safe and reliable travel destination.
“South Korea remains an enriching destination for those who adhere to local guidance and exercise common travel precautions. As always, we encourage travellers to stay informed, respect local advisories, and secure a suitable travel insurance policy fit for their planned activities."
Before you buy a travel insurance policy, check your government travel warnings and health advice – there may be no travel insurance cover for locations with a government travel ban or health advice against travel.
ABOUT WORLD NOMADS
Since 2002, World Nomads has been protecting, connecting and inspiring adventurous and independent travelers by offering specialized travel insurance and safety advice.
Our travel insurance products cover travelers from more than 100 countries. World Nomads focuses on what we believe is important to travelers: emergency medical and evacuation costs, baggage cover, trip cancellation, trip delay and trip interruption costs. We offer cover for more than 250 adventure sports and activities, plus tech and gear. We believe travelers have the responsibility to give back, and through our Footprints program, customers can add a small donation to the price of their plan to help fund a community development project with one of World Nomads’ global nonprofit and charity partners.
We are part of a suite of global specialist travel insurers owned by nib Group, Australia’s third-largest provider of travel insurance and a leading global distributor of travel insurance through nib Travel. nib Group also provides health and medical insurance to more than 1.6 million Australian and New Zealand residents and more than 200,000 international students and workers in Australia.
Media Contacts:
World Nomads
Graham Lynch, World Nomads, UK & Europe
+353 876 831 784