East Asia
LGBTQ+ travel in South Korea
LegalLegal status
Is South Korea LGBTQ+ friendly?
Conservative society; most LGBTQ+ people aren't out at work. Seoul has scenes in Itaewon and Jongno and a summer Queer Culture Festival.
LGBTQ+ laws
| Status | |
|---|---|
| Same-sex relationships legal | Yes |
| Same-sex marriage | No |
| Civil unions or partnerships | No |
| Legal gender change | Yes |
| Anti-discrimination law | Partial |
LGBTQ+ friendliness by place in South Korea
| Place | Rating |
|---|---|
| Seoul | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Busan | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Jeju | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Gyeongju | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Seogwipo | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Incheon | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Jeonju | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Sokcho | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Gangneung | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Daegu | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Yeosu | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
LGBTQ+ friendly by place
Sources
- ILGA World database
- US State Department travel advisory
- K-ETA (Ministry of Justice)
- Korea e-Arrival Card
- Korea Visa Portal
- Speedtest Global Index: South Korea
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.