Embassy of Israel in Seoul, Republic of Korea; address 11 Cheonggyecheon-ro, 03187; phone +232108500. Head of mission: Mr. Rafael Harpaz.
Head of mission: Mr. Rafael Harpaz, Ambassador (confirmed in the diplomatic list of Korea (Republic of), 31 Oct 2024)
Israel offers a diverse and vibrant tourism landscape, appealing to a range of international visitors. While it has a relatively low ranking in tourist arrivals, it has developed unique niche attractions that contribute positively to its tourism economy. With 4.3 million South Koreans traveling abroad annually, a segment of this population may find Israel an appealing destination.
Israel's safety for tourists, including those from South Korea, is a nuanced topic. According to the Global Peace Index, Israel ranks 152nd out of 160 countries, indicating a higher level of unrest compared to South Korea, which ranks 45th. In terms of crime statistics, the murder rate in Israel is 1.9 per 100,000 people, higher than South Korea's 0.5. Female murder rates are also slightly higher in Israel at 0.6 compared to 0.5 in South Korea. The Global Organized Crime Index shows that while both countries face organized crime, Israel has higher indices in several areas, indicating more challenges. For instance, Israel scores 5.5 in mafia groups compared to South Korea's 6.5, and it has a lower score for human smuggling (2.5 in Israel vs. 4.5 in South Korea). Overall, while Israel has its safety challenges, many tourists visit without incident. Travelers are advised to stay informed about current events and follow local guidance for a safe experience.