Incidents Involving South Korean Nationals Surge in Ten Advisory Countries
Data released by South Korea's foreign ministry and police show a sharp rise in accidents and incidents affecting Korean citizens in ten countries with travel advisories in 2025.
According to figures supplied to Rep. Kim Joon-hwan, the foreign ministry and National Police Agency recorded 4,016 accidents and incidents involving South Korean nationals across ten countries that have received the most travel advisories from Seoul. The tally represents a significant increase from the prior year. Cases of losing contact climbed to 617, kidnapping and confinement more than doubled to 553, and suspected missing persons rose to 188.
China accounted for the largest share of incidents, with 1,580 cases, while Cambodia saw a rise of 569 cases, bringing its total to 917. In response, Cambodian authorities established a specialized police unit, the Korea desk, last November, which has rescued eight South Koreans and arrested 107 individuals in joint anti-scam operations.
Why it matters
The surge highlights growing safety risks for South Korean travelers and may prompt stricter advisories or diplomatic actions.
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