Where Are the Most Dangerous Cities in South Korea?

Quick Summary

• Jeju has the highest crime rate per capita in South Korea.
• Sinan County, Mokpo is notorious for the modern slavery case of disabled people on salt farms.
• Stick to well-lit areas if you’re in Seoul, Incheon, and Busan.

1. Jeju City

While being a beautiful island, Jeju City has the highest crime rate in South Korea, with 40.2 cases per 1,000 people according to the Korean National Police Agency‘s statistics.

Jeju records about 400 more murder and sexual assault cases than the national average every year.

To be fair, the crime rate per capita (based on the number of residents) may appear higher considering the fact that Jeju has more than 10 million tourists per year.

I’ve been to Jeju so many times throughout my life, but it never felt dangerous to me.

2. Ansan

Ansan, particularly the area around Wongok-dong, is known for high crime rates.

I’ve heard that the area has become safer than before.

According to Ansan City data, most crimes occur around Jungang Station and Hanyang University at Ansan Station.

I wouldn’t walk around the city by myself, but I had one of the best lamb skewers in Ansan.

3. Seogwipo (Jeju Island)

Although Seogwipo is a popular tourist destination, it ranks high in terms of sexual crimes.

More than 70% of the violent crimes in the city are sex-related, with 95 out of 128 cases being sexual assault or harassment.

Seogwipo has not recorded any homicides though​.

Again, I’ve been to Jeju numerous times and never felt unsafe.

4. Mokpo

As a port city, Mokpo sees frequent visits from outsiders, which increases the potential for criminal activity.

The city’s industrial base also attracts a transient workforce, contributing to its relatively high crime rate​.

There was a notorious case in Sinan County as detailed in the article, “A Living Hell for Slaves on Remote South Korean Island Salt Farms” on CBS News.

There are 1,025 islands in Sinan County alone, and I personally wouldn’t go there.

5. Seoul

While Seoul is generally safe, the districts of Jung-gu and Jongno-gu experience higher crime rates.

In contrast, residential areas like Nowon-gu reported fewer crimes​.

Living in Seoul felt safe to me as long as I stayed on well-lit streets and neighborhoods.

6. Pocheon

Pocheon has seen a rise in violent crime, with reports of two murders, four attempted murders, and three robberies.

Sexual crimes, including rape and harassment, also occur frequently, making the area more dangerous​.

I’ve never been here, but it wouldn’t be on my travel list.

7. Guri

Guri is not known for violent crimes like murder but has a high number of sexual offenses.

With 136 total cases, including 83 sexual harassment incidents, Guri remains a concern for residents​.

8. Yeoju

Yeoju also has a high sexual crime rate.

With 14 cases of rape and 45 cases of forced molestation, more than 50% of violent crimes were sexual offenses in Yeoju.

Additionally, two murders were reported, which seems worrisome, considering the city’s small population​.

9. Bucheon

Bucheon’s older neighborhoods, particularly in the Wonmi-gu district, have higher rates of violent crime.

Its proximity to Seoul and the presence of industrial areas have led to a higher occurrence of serious offenses, especially around densely populated zones​.

Bucheon felt safe to me when I visited during the day.

10. Incheon

Unofficially nicknamed the “devildom of Korea”, Incheon, especially Jung-gu, Michuhol-gu, Namdong-gu, and Bupyeong-gu, have higher crime rates.

I went to a university in Incheon, so I lived there for four years. One day in bright daylight, I was walking back home after a class. A guy started following me. I thought I was just paranoid, but I took a detour just in case, circling the block. He kept tailing me around the block, which was alarming. I ran back to the campus.

I also saw many flashers (as we call “Burberry Man” in Korean as in a trench coat man) on and around the campus.

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South Korea is generally safe, but it never hurts to be mindful.

I understand that experiences vary depending on a person, time, and location.

But when you visit, stick to well-lit, populated areas and avoid less-developed districts at night.