Is Jeonju safe?
Very safe and unhurried. Crowds in the hanok village, summer heat and drunk groups at weekends are the only issues.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 5/5, very safe.
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2025-05-27.
- Homicide rate in South Korea: 0.5 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in South Korea: 8.6 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 112 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 119 · Tourist police 1330.
Safety in Jeonju at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Crime | Violent and petty crime are rare. Occasional bike or phone thefts, but nothing targeted at visitors. |
| At night | The hanok village is lit and quiet after 9 pm; the Nambu Night Market and bar streets stay lively on weekends. |
| Solo women | Very comfortable for solo women. Normal care in late-night bar streets. |
| Other risks | Summer heat and humidity; Winter ice on hanok lanes |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Overpriced photo-rental or hanbok shops near the village
Take care
- Weekend crowds in Hanok Village: pickpocket risk is low but exists
- Summer heat on hanok lanes
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Drugs, including cannabis, mean jail and deportation; some ADHD and sleep medicines need pre-approval.
- Jaywalking and smoking outside designated areas can bring on-the-spot fines.
How Jeonju compares in South Korea
Quick answers
Is Jeonju safe for solo female travelers?
Very comfortable for solo women. Normal care in late-night bar streets.
Is Jeonju safe at night?
The hanok village is lit and quiet after 9 pm; the Nambu Night Market and bar streets stay lively on weekends.
What is the crime rate in Jeonju?
Violent and petty crime are rare. Occasional bike or phone thefts, but nothing targeted at visitors. Nationally, South Korea records 0.5 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Jeonju?
Police 112 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 119 · Tourist police 1330.
More about Jeonju
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Jeonju Hanok Village
- Visit Korea (Korea Tourism Organization)
- Korail (KTX)
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.