South Korea Highlights Bali Security Concerns, Urges Citizens to Choose Destinations Carefully

The South Korean Embassy in Indonesia has urged its citizens to be more cautious when visiting Bali. The travel advisory for Bali was issued by the South Korean Embassy on Wednesday (1 April 2026) and updated on Friday (3 April 2026). “Considering the recent increase in violent crimes targeting foreigners, such as murders, sexual assaults, and sexual harassment, in popular tourist destinations in Bali, we ask South Korean nationals visiting Bali to be more careful regarding their personal safety,” the advisory stated, as quoted on Tuesday (7 April 2026). Among these are serious crimes including kidnappings, dismemberments, and sexual harassment against foreign tourists. The South Korean government also highlighted the high number of international tourists in Bali, which is not matched by a comparable increase in security oversight. Wayan stated that South Korean tourists are among the largest contributors to international visitors in Bali throughout the year. In addition to Australia and China, tourists from South Korea also rank in the top five contributors of international visitors to Bali. “If there is some information or security issues, it is reasonable for them to advise their citizens as a precaution so that their nationals remain careful, as it is the responsibility of a country’s representatives to its citizens,” Wayan explained when contacted by Kompas.com on Tuesday (7 April 2026). The Head of Tourism is currently coordinating with security authorities. So far, he added, the violent cases that have occurred are being handled by the relevant authorities. While waiting for the tourism situation in Bali to become conducive again for South Korean tourists, the Bali Tourism Office is working to attract interest from tourists from Australia, Asia, and other regions.