ASK KOREAYour AI Guide to Korea
Korea Facts & Surprises · Guide 12

Why Are There CCTV Cameras Everywhere?

Over 1.4 million cameras nationwide — how CCTV supports public safety in Korea, and the laws that limit its use.

Why there are CCTV cameras everywhere in Korea — ASK KOREA infographic
01 — Overview

Quick Summary

CCTV is one of the reasons Korea is consistently ranked among the safest countries in the world. Cameras are framed as public safety infrastructure rather than surveillance, and footage use is restricted by law.

Key takeaways

  • Over 1.4 million CCTV cameras are installed across Korea.
  • Korea has one of the lowest crime rates in the world.
  • Footage is used only for safety purposes and according to the law.
  • Over 70% of Koreans feel safe walking alone at night.
  • Cameras also manage traffic flow and reduce accidents.
02 — Full Guide

The Complete Guide

Six main reasons for widespread CCTV

Cameras serve prevention, response and investigation at the same time.

  • Prevents crime and deters offenders before incidents happen
  • Enables quick response in emergencies via monitoring centres
  • Helps solve crimes and find missing people
  • Keeps public spaces safe day and night
  • Supports traffic safety and enforcement
  • Builds trust in society and peace of mind in daily life

Where the cameras are

Coverage is concentrated in shared public spaces, not private interiors.

  • Streets and alleys
  • Subways and buses
  • Parks and public areas
  • Schools and public facilities
  • Apartment complexes
  • Stores and parking lots

How visitors experience it

Most travellers notice the cameras first and then stop thinking about them.

  • Walking at night feels comfortable in most neighbourhoods
  • Lost and stolen items are more often recovered
  • Crime rates are roughly a tenth of levels in many countries
  • Public spaces feel orderly and monitored rather than intrusive

Frequently asked questions

  • Is my privacy protected? Yes — Korea's Personal Information Protection Act restricts access and retention.
  • Can I request footage? Only through police or the operating authority, and only for legitimate reasons.
  • Are cameras in private rooms? No — hidden cameras in private spaces are illegal and prosecuted.
  • Should this worry visitors? Most people find it reassuring rather than intrusive.
Pro Tips

Pro Tips

  • In an emergency call 112 (police) or 119 (fire and ambulance).
  • Report a lost item near where you lost it — nearby CCTV often helps.
  • Keep belongings secure, but you can relax more than in most countries.
  • Sources cited in the infographic: OECD 2023, Gallup Korea 2023, KNPA.
Keep reading

Related Guides

Why is Korea So Safe?

Bright streets, CCTV, fast emergency response and a strong lost-and-found culture — why visitors say Korea feels different.

Read guide

Why Are There So Many Convenience Stores?

Korea has more than 55,000 convenience stores — what they sell, which chains matter and why they anchor daily life.

Read guide

Why Is Korean Internet So Fast?

World-leading fibre, near-universal Wi-Fi and 5G — how fast Korean internet really is and how travellers get online.

Read guide
Ask AI

Ask AI About This Topic

AI Assistant

Have a question about Why Are There CCTV Cameras Everywhere??

Get instant, locally-checked answers from the ASK KOREA AI. Ask anything from specific edge cases to itinerary decisions.

Ask this question
Suggested prompt

"Explain how CCTV is used in Korea, the privacy laws around it, and what it means for visitors."

PreviousWhy Does Korea Never Sleep?

ASK KOREA Transit