It starts with a weird feeling in the pit of your stomach. Maybe you're walking through the neon-soaked streets of Myeongdong or navigating the quiet alleys of Yeonnam-dong, and you realize the footsteps behind you have been there for three blocks too many. You cross the street; they cross too. You stop to look at a menu; they linger by a streetlight. I'm in Korea and this guy won't stop following me is a terrifying thought to have, especially in a country famously branded as one of the safest in the world.
The cognitive dissonance is real. South Korea consistently ranks high on global safety indexes. You see people leaving $1,500 MacBooks on cafe tables to go to the bathroom. You see five-year-olds riding the subway alone. But "safe" doesn't mean "perfect." Stalking, "digital crimes," and unwanted solicitation are real issues that travelers, particularly women, face. If you feel like you're being followed right now, or you're planning a trip and want to be prepared, let's get into the grit of how to handle this.
Why Someone Might Be Following You in Seoul
It’s not always what you think, but it’s always worth taking seriously. In Korea, there are a few specific "types" of followers that frequent tourist hotspots and residential areas alike.
First, there are the "cults." If you’ve spent any time in Hongdae or Gangnam, you’ve likely been approached by two polite, well-dressed people asking if you "have a bright energy" or if you want to learn about "traditional Korean culture." These are often members of religious groups like Daesun Jinrihoe. While they usually stop after a firm "no," some can be persistent, following you for several blocks trying to convince you to go to a "ceremony" that ends in them asking for money.
Then, there is the more sinister reality of stuttering or actual stalking. South Korea has been grappling with a surge in stalking cases and "spy cam" (molka) crimes over the last decade. The government passed the Stalking Punishment Act in 2021 to address this, but enforcement and cultural shifts are still catching up. Sometimes, it’s a "pick-up artist" who thinks persistence is romantic. Other times, it’s a genuine safety threat.
Honestly, the "why" matters less than your immediate safety. If your gut says something is wrong, believe it.
Immediate Steps if You Feel Followed
Don't go back to your Airbnb or hotel immediately. That’s the golden rule. If you lead them to your front door, they now know exactly where you sleep.
💡 You might also like: Why Molly Butler Lodge & Restaurant is Still the Heart of Greer After a Century
Instead, head for a "Safe Haven." Korea has a unique system called Safety Housing for Women and designated "Safe Stores." Look for 24-hour convenience stores like GS25, CU, or 7-Eleven. Many of these have a "Cornerstone" sticker or a yellow sign indicating they are part of a safety network that has a direct line to the police. Walk in, go to the counter, and stay there.
Use the "Emergency" Features on Your Phone
If you have a Korean SIM card, or even if you don't, you need to know how to trigger help. On iPhones, rapidly pressing the side button five times initiates an emergency call and sends your location to your emergency contacts. On Android, it’s usually the power button.
The 112 App
The Korean National Police Agency has an app called 112 SOS. It allows you to report emergencies silently. If you can’t speak because the person is too close, you can send a "silent report." The police can track your GPS location through the app.
Understanding the Legal Landscape: The Stalking Punishment Act
It’s helpful to know what the law says so you can be confident when talking to the police. Under the 2021 law, stalking is defined as approaching, following, or blocking the path of another person against their will, causing anxiety or fear.
Penalties are no joke. Someone convicted of stalking can face up to three years in prison or a 30 million KRW (roughly $22,000 USD) fine. If they have a weapon, that jumps to five years.
When you tell someone "No," and they continue to follow you, they are breaking the law. You aren't being "dramatic" or "misunderstanding the culture." You are witnessing a crime.
📖 Related: 3000 Yen to USD: What Your Money Actually Buys in Japan Today
Dealing with "Cult" Recruiters
Let’s circle back to those "bright energy" people because they are the most common source of the I'm in Korea and this guy won't stop following me experience. They often target foreigners because they assume you don't know the deal.
- Be Blunt: A polite "No thank you" in English might not work. A firm, loud "Anieyo!" (No) or "Gaseyo!" (Go away) usually does.
- Don't Engage: They are trained to find "hooks" in your conversation. If you say you're a student, they’ll talk about education. If you say you're sad, they’ll talk about healing.
- Keep Walking: Do not slow down. Do not feel the need to be "Korean-level polite." Your safety and comfort come before their feelings.
Navigating the Police System (112)
If the person persists, call 112.
"But I don't speak Korean!"
That's okay. The 112 emergency line has interpreters. When you call, say "English" or "Interpretation" clearly. They will patch in a third-party translator who can relay your location and the description of the person to the dispatcher.
If you are near a subway station, find the station office. The staff there are trained for these situations and can hold you in a secure area until a taxi or police officer arrives.
The Role of CCTV in Korea
One thing that should give you a bit of peace: South Korea is one of the most surveilled countries on earth. Almost every square inch of public space in Seoul is covered by high-definition CCTV.
👉 See also: The Eloise Room at The Plaza: What Most People Get Wrong
If someone follows you, the police can track their entire movement through the city by jumping from camera to camera. This is incredibly effective. If you report an incident, try to note the exact time and the specific shops you walked past. This makes it much easier for officers to pull the footage.
Safety Apps You Should Install Right Now
Before you even leave your hotel, download these. They are literal lifesavers.
- KakaoMap / Naver Map: Google Maps is notoriously bad in Korea. Use Naver or Kakao to find the nearest police station (Gyeong-chal-seo) or substation (Pa-chul-so).
- Emergency Ready App: This is the official government app for foreign residents and tourists. It provides information on emergency centers and has a direct dial for 119 (medical/fire) and 112 (police).
- 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: This is a 24/7 service run by the Korea Tourism Organization. You can call or chat with them on KakaoTalk. They provide translation and can help you explain a situation to a local.
Trusting Your Intuition
There is a cultural concept in Korea called Nunchi, which is the art of sensing others' vibes or "reading the room." Use your Nunchi.
If you feel like the guy following you is just a lost tourist, that's one thing. But if the "vibes" are off, don't talk yourself out of it. We often worry about being "rude" in a foreign country. Forget that. If someone is making you feel unsafe, you owe them zero politeness.
What to do if you're in a taxi
If you've hopped in a taxi to escape, use the "share trip" feature on KakaoTaxi. This sends your real-time location and the taxi's license plate to a friend. If you just hailed a cab on the street, take a photo of the driver's license (usually on the dashboard) or the license plate and send it to someone.
The "Fake Call" Tactic
It’s a classic for a reason. Get on your phone. Pretend you are meeting a large group of male friends or your "husband" just around the corner. Say it loudly. "Hey, I see you! I'm right by the Starbucks, I'll be there in 30 seconds!"
Practical Next Steps for Your Safety
Safety isn't just about what you do in the moment; it's about the systems you set up beforehand.
- Pin your "Home" base: Make sure you have the exact address of your accommodation written in Korean on your phone and on a piece of paper. If you're stressed, you might forget how to say it.
- Identify the nearest "Safe Store": Check the convenience stores near your Airbnb. See if they have the "Safety Bell" or "Safe Haven" stickers.
- Set up Emergency SOS: Go into your phone settings right now. Set up your emergency contacts and ensure the "press power button 5 times" feature is active.
- Keep your phone charged: A dead phone is a major vulnerability. Carry a power bank. In Korea, you can often rent these at convenience stores or subway stations if you're in a pinch.
- Memorize "Help": "Doum-i pil-yo-hae-yo" (I need help) or simply "Dowa-juseyo!" (Please help me!).
Korea is a magnificent country with a population that is generally incredibly helpful and kind. However, predators and creeps exist everywhere. By knowing the local resources—like the 112 app, the 24-hour "Safe Stores," and the reality of the Stalking Punishment Act—you take the power back. You aren't a helpless traveler; you're an informed one. Stay aware, stay loud if you have to, and never apologize for prioritizing your own safety.