Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Erict887]

I've been living in Incheon for the last 4 months and I was just wondering about what other expats thought about this. I read today on Dave's about a girl who was followed home and molested. I've never felt uncomfortable (safety wise) in Korea. But then yesterday, some guy smoking a cigarette really gave me a stern look. I know Koreans usually stare. Its not too bothersome but their friendly stares (or just curious stares). But this guy was staring at me hatefully. I don't know. Any other stories or thoughts?

Also, I was wondering about how much of the news is actually true here. I'm from the US. I'm used to my share of bad news on the TV everyday. But the news on TV doesn't even compare to the horrific stories on American tv. (I would vote guns being the top reason) But anyway, it seems to me that the crimes that happen in Korea probably aren't reported like they are in the US. Maybe because of national pride? or they don't want to spread fear? Korea has a very collective mindset which has its good and bad points so any stories really do affect people personally, not like in America.

[mm]

Yes, i think it is safe. I walk down dark, potentially rape alleys and come out the other end unharmed.

I have, however, caught two different men on two separate occasions, masturbating on the hill behind my house. My friend, who was with me, said they were just peeing. But I think she is in denial. I am not a man, but I don't think you lower your pants to your ankles and stroke it over and over again when you are just peeing.

[pkang0202]

Yes, Korea is safe. However, that doesn't mean you don't use common sense here.

A little caution, and a little self awareness should be enough to live safely here.

[cj1976]

It might be safe for adult males, but for children it's a different matter.
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2010/08/117_70679.html

[discostu333]

Simple answer is; Don't take any chances you wouldn't do back home. Korea is a safe country as long as you look after yourself.

As for the 'stern stares', has it really taken you that long too notice them? I get them every day. They don't really bother me, I either stare back and smile or just ignore them completely. The way I see it is if someone isn't physically or verbally attacking me then why should it bother me?

[itaewonguy]

much safer than where you are from..

[Css]

yes

[jammo]

give them a stern look back.

i thought this was going to be another 'are we going to get nuked' thread

[fugitive chicken]

Safer than the States? Yes. But Incheon, Seoul and the other satellite cities are still cities with crime and often do go unreported because they are deemed "family disputes" in which outsiders (including cops) don't get involved. I once witnessed a rape in the hall outside my apartment. Of the 15 some apartments in my hall, no one called the police and I didn't know how to at the time. After a while the wife came out and yelled at the man and comforted the poor girl.

I would say take the same precautions you would at home and you will be fine. It happens, but just avoid the red light alleys and being alone with middle age men and you will be fine!

[BoholDiver]

For men: Quite safe unless you look for trouble.

For young women: Not so safe.

For kids: Not so safe.


As far as for accidents, totally not safe. Traffic is awful. Construction zones are open with people walking through them. People weld on the same sidewalk with children walking by.

[Louis VI]

It is very safe yet very unsafe: crimes against persons is low especially toward foreigners (despite xenophobia) and safety practices aren't followed much in all walks of Korean life, most dangerously on the road.

[peppermint]

[Vix]

[Steelrails]

Safe in some ways dangerous in others. No matter where you go death is around the corner on 4 wheels or in the case of kids/women the wrong guy at the wrong place at the wrong time.

But yeah I would not want to drive a scooter here.

[djsmnc]