Scam in South KoreaOn the street
Fake monks asking for donations in South Korea
How it works
People dressed as Buddhist monks ask for donations in return for blessings. They do not belong to a Buddhist order and keep the money.
Warning signs
- A person dressed as a monk approaches you on the street for money.
- A blessing is offered in exchange for a donation.
How to avoid it
- Decline street requests for money in exchange for blessings.
- If you want to donate, use a donation box inside a temple.
- Keep walking if someone pressures you.
If it happens to you
Stop giving money and leave calmly. If you are threatened or prevented from leaving, seek police help.
- Move to a safe place. Avoid arguments or physical confrontation. If you are threatened or cannot leave, call police on 112.
- Write down what happened while you remember it. Save receipts, messages, payment records and any booking details.
- Record useful details safely, such as the vehicle number or business name. For a suspected taxi rip-off in Seoul, photograph the driver's ID above the glove box if safe.
- If a card or phone is missing, contact your card issuer and secure affected accounts. Ask about disputing any payment you did not authorise.
- Report the incident to police. Ask for an interpreter if needed and keep any report reference. Report a taxi complaint to the taxi company too.
- Contact your insurer if you may claim for a loss. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate for replacement advice.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/korea2023Monk Scam in SeoulThe author reports a fake monk soliciting money at Gwanghwamun Plaza, while commenters describe bracelets or talismans followed by donation demands around Seoul landmarks.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/koreatravel2025Scams to look out forA contributor describes a purported monk trying to give their mother a bracelet, which they suspected would be followed by a donation request.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the fake monks asking for donations scam in South Korea?
People dressed as Buddhist monks ask for donations in return for blessings. They do not belong to a Buddhist order and keep the money.
How can I spot it early?
A person dressed as a monk approaches you on the street for money. A blessing is offered in exchange for a donation.
How do I avoid fake monks asking for donations in South Korea?
Decline street requests for money in exchange for blessings. If you want to donate, use a donation box inside a temple. Keep walking if someone pressures you.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Stop giving money and leave calmly. If you are threatened or prevented from leaving, seek police help.
Where in South Korea does this happen?
Streets around Jogyesa temple It has been reported in Seoul.
How common is this scam in South Korea?
Occasional. South Korea is generally very safe, and tourist scams are occasional rather than widespread. Watch for taxi overcharging, unlicensed taxis, fake monks asking for money, and friendly invitations to ceremonies that end with a payment demand. Pickpocketing is not very common in Seoul, but keep your belongings secure.
Are there similar scams in South Korea?
Yes: cultural invitations with a surprise payment demand.
Who can I report it to?
Police: call 112 for a police emergency. For non-emergency police enquiries, call 110. You can also visit a district police station. Police have interpreters on call. Taxi company: report the journey details, receipt and vehicle information. For a suspected rip-off in Seoul, include a photograph of the driver's ID above the glove box if you obtained one safely. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or a trusted contact number to freeze a missing card, report unfamiliar payments and ask about a dispute. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is lost or stolen. Use its official contact details. Travel insurer: contact your insurer through your policy's claims channel. Keep police report details, receipts and evidence of the loss.
What number do I call in an emergency in South Korea?
Police emergency: 112, Non-emergency police enquiries: 110, Fire and ambulance: 119.
Reviewed by @snuck