Going to discover South Korea , most tourists devote some time to a brief overview of cities, traffic junctions, major attractions , climate, culture and traditions . Do not forget that the mentality and the image of the inhabitants of a foreign state can be completely different. And what we have at home is the norm, it can be strictly punished. Therefore, when planning a trip to South Korea, take the time to get acquainted with the basic laws for foreign citizens.
Laws you need to know
South Korea is one of the smallest states in South-East Asia, but this does not mean that local legislation should not be respected and respected. Below are the basic laws of South Korea for tourists who before a trip are worth studying in the first place:
- Visa regime. The need to obtain a visa is facing every person who is going to study or work in South Korea, regardless of the time spent in the country. Violation of this item threatens with a large fine, deportation and long-term or lifelong ban on subsequent entry. For tourists and business trips (negotiations, conferences, etc.) visas are not needed. Without a visa for one trip in the country can be no more than 60 days once. But not more than 90 days in total for 6 calendar months, if there are several trips. If during your stay in South Korea you had serious administrative and, even more so, criminal violations, there is a high probability that you will no longer be allowed into the country.
- Civil rights. On the territory of South Korea, police have the right to detain any citizen for 48 hours without explaining the reasons. After checking the identity of the detainee or release, or formally charged, and the sentence is extended for up to 10 days. Police officers are highly respected here, but groundless arrests and charges are extremely rare, as are passport checks. Modern equipment allows any employee to solve many questions on the spot, having access to a common database.
- Law on National Security . The importation of any literature and other materials (printed, manuscript, audio, video) from the DPRK and their distribution is prohibited on the territory of South Korea. This is due to the particularly strained relations between South Korea and the North. This applies to oral agitation and sometimes even disputes about the "Juche country". Punishment - from deportation to long imprisonment. Authorities also block outlets on all sites of the northern neighbor.
- Criminal Code. Weapons, drugs, bribes, any aggression and violence are punished very severely and severely. In South Korea, these phenomena are practically absent. The base of illicit narcotic drugs is replenished regularly at the end of the necessary laboratory tests and court decisions. A weapon is considered any device that shoots, for example, onions, rocket launchers, traumatic, gas and even starting pistols. If a tourist is involved in something similar, even if it is a false opinion, he in any case falls under arrest until all the circumstances of the case are clarified. Household conflicts and disagreements try to solve quickly friendly and kindly. Especially if your opponent is a local resident, and you pushed him or rude, not to mention the more serious misconduct. But it is worthwhile to know that if he subsequently writes an application to you and the case is initiated, for the South Korean judiciary your settlement will be one of the episodes. It will not affect the closure of the case, the responsibility still has to be incurred.
- Prostitution in South Korea is prohibited by law. The punishment extends to all: the pimp, the client and the very "priestess of love." Under this article falls and photographing on the beaches and other places undressed and half-dressed Korean girls and women many times and without their explicit consent. Exceptions are studio photographers providing contractual services.
To tourists on a note
In addition to the subtleties of cultural traditions and the laws of the country, when visiting South Korea travelers should take note of the following:
- If you are lost or have difficulties, it is better to contact the policeman immediately. Most of them have a small vocabulary of English and will always help the tourist.
- The originals of passports, return tickets and other important documents, like valuables, should be stored in the hotel safe. If you are used to carrying a passport, it is better to take a copy. Passports from tourists at every corner in South Korea are not to be checked. And if you have a problem with installing your identity, it's enough copies.
- Political conversations, if this is not agitation for Pyongyang's course, are very much loved by the people of South Korea themselves. In the country there is a very strong influence of the opposition of the authorities, therefore you will hear a lot of criticism from the population about "failures" and "imperfections" yourself. South Koreans like to be interested in the opinion of visitors about their country.
- As in any state, beware of dubious establishments, unfamiliar and unfamiliar companies, do not abuse alcohol. Be friendly and polite.
- If you still get into an unpleasant situation, then you have a legal right that you will necessarily execute, require an interpreter or his replacement if you have doubts in his linguistics, and notify you to the consulate or embassy.
- Never sign anything without official explanation and translation, and keep any documents until you leave South Korea.
- Most of the country's beaches, even in the swimming season, are closed at night to avoid possible misunderstandings, since there were night landing of the North Korean landing. Tourists are not recommended to violate the boundaries of private beaches, as well as a line of fences in any territory for swimming. In South Korea, any beach in the sea has its own physical circuit, for which you can not swim. Rescuers work on the entire coast, and especially thirsty for the high seas are handed over to the police.
- As a road user who takes a car for hire, you should know that the concentration of security cameras is very high throughout the country. Penalties for your violations will be handed to you at a rental agency, hotel or customs.