Consent and filming in South Korea: how to avoid trouble and who to call for help

Rules about consent and filming differ from country to country. In South Korea the smartphone is part of everyday life and filming with a camera can lead to legal trouble, so travellers should know the basics. This article draws on public sources read on 7 November 2026; it is general information, not legal advice.

Consent is for now, and for this person

Whatever the legal detail, the simplest and safest principle is the same: if the other person is drunk, asleep, frightened or in a position where refusing is hard, there is no consent. A yes once does not carry over to the next situation, and anyone can change their mind. The same goes for couples: before you travel, talk about what is on and off the table and agree a signal to stop.

Filming and sharing: where the legal lines are clear

Korea has a special act on punishing sexual crimes (성폭력범죄의 처벌 등에 관한 특례법) that contains the provisions on filming with cameras. Specific penalties and elements can change, and I could not read the current text from an official source, so no figures are given here: check the current wording on the official legislation portal (law.go.kr).

Practical habits:

• Do not film strangers in a way that shows their body or private life; in the street, avoid close-ups of people.
• Even as a couple, agree each time to film, to keep and to share; if one asks for deletion, delete.
• Do not post photos of other people to chats or social media without their permission.
• If you suspect a camera in accommodation, a bathroom or a changing room, stop using it, tell the manager and, if appropriate, call 112.

Who to call

According to the UK government's travel advice ("Getting help", read 7 November 2026), the emergency numbers are:

• 112: police
• 119: ambulance and fire

For help in other languages, the same advice lists:

• Danuri Call Centre, 1577-1366: interpreting 24/7, including three-way calls.
• Dasan Call Centre, 02-120: interpreting on weekdays 9am to 6pm, including three-way calls.
• 1330 (Korea Tourism Organisation travel hotline): help in several languages including English, with three-way calls to emergency services; the advice gives hours of 7am to midnight.

The English page of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family also presents the Danuri service (1577-1366) with portals in 13 languages. Hours and services can change: confirm before you rely on them.

Night-time safety

The UK advice notes that there have been assaults, including sexual assault, particularly around bars and nightlife areas, and recommends care if you are alone at night and using only legitimate taxis or public transport. It also advises looking after passports, cards and money in crowded areas such as Itaewon.

• Tell your companion where you are going and when you will be back.
• Keep your drink in sight and do not accept open drinks from strangers.
• If something feels wrong, leave without needing to explain.

In short

• Consent must be clear and can be withdrawn.
• Do not film or share without explicit agreement.
• Emergency: 112; interpreting: Danuri 1577-1366.

Sources (read 7 November 2026): UK FCDO, South Korea travel advice, "Getting help" (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-korea/getting-help) and "Safety and security" (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-korea/safety-and-security); Ministry of Gender Equality and Family (https://www.mogef.go.kr/eng/index.do); legislation at law.go.kr.