Asia and Oceania

Korea (Republic of)
Still current at: 26 November 2009 Updated: 23 November 2009

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary (removal of references to underground nuclear test in North Korea and funeral of Roh Moo hyun), the Armistice Agreement section (toning down of rhetoric). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel advice for this country

Local laws and customs

English is not widely spoken in South Korea.

You are subject to local laws, which can be more severe than in the UK for similar offences. A serious violation may lead to a jail or a death sentence.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs can result in long jail sentences and heavy fines. This applies even to personal use of small amounts of marijuana. British nationals have been detained solely on the basis of drug tests.

Any jail sentence would be served in South Korea. Often, usually where less serious offences are concerned, convicted foreigners may instead be deported. The same may apply to foreigners convicted of offences not involving a prison sentence. If you are deported you may be banned from returning to South Korea for several years.

You should carry some form of identification at all times and ensure your next-of-kin details have been entered into the back of your passport.

There is no legal barrier to homosexual relationships, but some prejudice exists among the older generation. Younger Koreans are more liberal and gay rights organisations are gaining support. The gay scene, although relatively small, is well established and growing in visibility.

For more general information for different types of travellers see our Your Trip page.