Safety

Korea's Travel Advisory Levels Explained: Levels 1-4 and the Special Advisory

How South Korea's foreign ministry travel advisory works: the four level names, the special travel advisory, whole country vs some regions, and how to check it.

한국어 · 日本語 · 简体中文

Four closed passports from different countries lying side by side. — Passport covers · Photo: Horizon206 / CC0

Published 2026-10-06

What the Korean MOFA travel advisory is

South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) publishes travel advisories by country and region. There are four levels, from Level 1 to Level 4, plus a separate special travel advisory.

This is the Korean government's system. It is useful if you are a Korean national or simply follow it, but if you hold another passport, also check your own government's travel advice.

An advisory can cover a whole country or only some regions of it, so look at where your city falls, not just the country. This post does not list current levels for any country, because they can change; check the official site before you go.

First trip abroad checklist →

The four levels at a glance

In this app the band reads "Korean MOFA travel advisory:" followed by the level number and name, such as "Level 2 (avoid non-essential travel)". A higher number means a higher level.

For what each level asks of travelers, see the explanation on the official overseas safety travel site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Level 1: exercise caution
Level 2: avoid non-essential travel
Level 3: leave the country
Level 4: travel ban

Whole country vs some regions

The scope is shown as "whole country" or "some regions". Whole country means the level applies everywhere in that country; some regions means it applies only to certain areas within it.

In a country with regional advisories, cities can sit at different levels. When the app knows your destination city's level, it shows that first as "Your destination: …" and lists advisories elsewhere in the country on a second line instead of hiding them.

If you are unsure which listed region your city belongs to, match the region names against a map.

Display format: Level 2 (avoid non-essential travel) — whole country
Display format: Level 3 (leave the country) — some regions: region names

The special travel advisory is a separate label

The special travel advisory sits apart from Levels 1-4. The app shows the words "special travel advisory" after the level, and also shows places that have only a special travel advisory and no level.

Check the official notices for which areas it covers and what it asks of travelers.

Level 3 and above: cancel or postpone wording

When a whole country is at Level 3 (leave the country), the app adds "Cancelling or postponing your visit is advised." When a whole country is at Level 4 (travel ban), it adds "Travel here is banned for Korean nationals."

When only some regions are at Level 3 or above, the app says "Visits to the listed regions should be cancelled or postponed (see Details for other areas)." Tap Details to see the other areas on the official page.

If you see this wording, review your plans and check the terms of any flights, accommodation and travel insurance you have already booked.

An airport departures board listing a long run of cancelled and delayed flights. — Airport departures board · Photo: Joi Ito from Inbamura, Japan / CC BY 2.0

How to check before you go: 0404.go.kr and the app

The reference source is 0404.go.kr, the official overseas safety travel site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Its country pages show the level and the regions it covers.

This app shows this advisory as a band on each destination screen. Countries without one show "No Korean MOFA travel advisory", and countries not yet confirmed show a note to check the official site. Each band carries the date it was checked and a Details link to the official page.

The level in the app is as of that checked date and can change afterwards, so check the official site again right before you leave and during your trip.

Two hands hold up a smartphone to photograph sparkling lights, with blurred lights in the background. — Taking a photo with a phone · Photo: Gabriel Santiago gabrielssantiago / CC0

FAQ

Can I travel to a country at Level 2 (avoid non-essential travel)?

See the official site for what each level asks of travelers. Some countries have advisories only in certain regions, so also check which region your destination city is in.

What level is the special travel advisory?

The app shows it separately from Levels 1-4, as "special travel advisory". Check the official notices for what it asks of travelers.

Is the level shown in the app still current?

The app shows the date it was checked. Levels can change, so check 0404.go.kr again just before you leave.

Does "No Korean MOFA travel advisory" mean a place is safe?

It only means there is no advisory on that country's page. Also check local safety information, official notices and your own government's travel advice.