Pickpocketing in South Korea: how to avoid it

How it works

Someone takes belongings from your pocket or bag without you noticing. Pickpocketing is not very common in Seoul. No particular technique or location is identified.

Warning signs

Someone appears to be reaching towards your pocket or bag.
Your bag has been opened without your knowledge.

How to avoid it

Keep your phone and wallet in a secure pocket or closed bag.
Keep your bag close and its openings within view.
Check that you have your belongings before leaving a place.

If it happens to you

Move somewhere safe, check what is missing, freeze affected cards and report the theft to police. Do not chase or confront a suspected thief.

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.

Questions

What is the pickpocketing scam in South Korea?

Someone takes belongings from your pocket or bag without you noticing. Pickpocketing is not very common in Seoul. No particular technique or location is identified.

How can I spot it early?

Someone appears to be reaching towards your pocket or bag. Your bag has been opened without your knowledge.

How do I avoid pickpocketing in South Korea?

Keep your phone and wallet in a secure pocket or closed bag. Keep your bag close and its openings within view. Check that you have your belongings before leaving a place.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Move somewhere safe, check what is missing, freeze affected cards and report the theft to police. Do not chase or confront a suspected thief.

Where in South Korea does this happen?

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.

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.