South Korea · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Suwon scores 89/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — very safe. Yes — Suwon is one of South Korea's safest cities for visitors. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams.
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
South Korea · Assessed 29 July 2026
89
/ 100
Safer than ~95% of countries
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
No advisory against travel
“Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights. Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East.”
Updated 2026-06-01T10:11:25Z
Full advisory →Exercise normal security precautions
“Canada's official risk level for South Korea: exercise normal security precautions.”
Updated 2026-07-29T14:31:46.2003107-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Mugging & robbery risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
LowMugging and armed robbery against visitors are extremely rare; most incidents involve petty theft in crowded transport hubs
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing occurs in busy areas such as Suwon Station and Hwaseong Fortress during peak tourist hours
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
89/100
Recent traveler reports and community forums consistently describe Suwon as calm and welcoming, with visitors noting few safety concerns beyond typical city vigilance
Yes — Suwon is one of South Korea's safest cities for visitors.
World Bank data shows Suwon scores 91/100 on its composite safety index, placing it in the top 3% globally, with homicide rates near zero and low crime perception. Governance scores are strong, though rule of law and anti-corruption lag slightly, reflecting typical urban challenges rather than targeted threats to travelers.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Suwon is exceptionally safe for travelers, with homicide rates near zero and a composite safety index of 91/100 that ranks it among the world’s safest cities. The World Bank rates its governance and rule‑of‑law scores in the mid‑70s, reflecting normal urban challenges rather than targeted violence against foreigners. Recent news from June 2026 highlights a heatwave that prompted public health alerts, while police actions in May 2026 uncovered an organized prostitution ring and a viral drug‑related video sparked warnings about synthetic substances — both incidents are isolated and do not affect visitor safety. Pickpocketing remains the most common risk, especially around Suwon Station and the popular Hwaseong Fortress during busy periods, but mugging or armed robbery against tourists is extremely rare. Travelers should use licensed taxis or reputable ride‑hailing apps and keep valuables concealed, as scams such as rigged taxi meters and forced shopping tours have surged alongside the city’s tourism boom. By following basic urban precautions — watching belongings in crowds, agreeing on prices before purchases, and staying hydrated during summer heat — visitors can enjoy Suwon’s historic sites and modern amenities with confidence.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 5 Suwon districts for visitors: 3 safer, 1 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the Suwon safety map.
SeryuavoidIndustrial outskirts with limited lighting and sparse civilian presence; avoid after dark
HwaseongcautionResidential area with occasional petty theft reports; stay alert after dark near markets
PaldalsaferCentral district with heavy police patrols and tourist foot traffic; low crime and visible security presence
GwanggyosaferModern residential and business zone; well-lit streets and active community watch programs
Jung-dongsaferHistoric area near the fortress; high foot traffic and regular patrols keep incidents rare
07 · After Dark
Mugging and armed robbery against visitors are extremely rare; most incidents involve petty theft in crowded transport hubs
After dark, be most careful around Seryu, Hwaseong. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Yes — Suwon is one of South Korea's safest cities for visitors. World Bank data shows Suwon scores 91/100 on its composite safety index, placing it in the top 3% globally, with homicide rates near zero and low crime perception. Governance scores are strong, though rule of law and anti-corruption lag slightly, reflecting typical urban challenges rather than targeted threats to travelers. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Safety is not one number, and this Suwon report does not pretend it is: the score is re-weighted for who is travelling. A woman travelling alone, a family with children and a solo backpacker face different street-level risks, so the headline score shifts and the report leads with the findings that matter for that group. Personalize this report in one click to see the 2026 score and safety briefing for your specific travellers.
Field research flags Seryu as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
Suwon ranks #1 of 9 South Korea destinations we've assessed, scoring 89/100. See the South Korea safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 10+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, FBI crime data for U.S. cities, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry the bulk of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries the rest. Full methodology.
Browse the South Korea safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: suwon.json (CC BY 4.0).
