If you're a foreign visitor in Hongdae: how Korea's law handles unwanted street approaches ("beon-tta")

If you're a foreign visitor — especially a woman — heading to Hongdae (홍대), Korea's main university-and-nightlife district, here's a piece of context Korean newspapers have started discussing openly: a long-running street culture called "beon-tta" (번따, short for 번호 따기, "getting a number") is increasingly being directed at international travelers, and the responses online have been blunt.

The Donga Ilbo (a major Korean daily) reported on May 1, 2026 that the practice has spread from its traditional venues (clubs, bars) to bookstores, cosmetics shops, hiking trails, and notably the area around Hongik University Station Exit 9 — where international tourists tend to gather. The article quoted observed approaches like:

"Are you here alone?"
"Want to be friends?"

The article notes that some men have continued approaches even after explicit refusals, and verbal abuse and physical incidents have been reported. International visitors have shared accounts on Reddit and other platforms, often tagging them as "things to be aware of when traveling to Korea."

What Korean law actually says

• A single polite approach is not illegal. Asking for a phone number once and accepting refusal is not a crime in Korea, the same as anywhere else.
• Repeated approaches after refusal can become illegal. Korea's Stalking Punishment Act (스토킹처벌법, in force since 2021) defines stalking as repeated approaches, contact, or following despite the recipient's refusal. Penalties: up to 3 years imprisonment or a fine of up to ₩30 million; aggravated cases (with weapons or causing serious distress) up to 5 years.
• Physical contact or grabbing without consent can additionally constitute assault (폭행) or sexual harassment under criminal law.
• Verbal abuse can fall under insult (모욕) or intimidation depending on circumstance.

What this means for visitors

The Korean police and prosecutors have actively enforced the Stalking Act, including in cases where men insist on continuing contact after a clear refusal. International tourists have the same legal protections as Korean residents.

If it happens to you

• Say "no" clearly. A simple "No, thank you" or in Korean "안 돼요" (an dwae-yo, "no/not okay") or "싫어요" (sireo-yo, "I don't want to") is enough to establish refusal.
• Walk away — keep moving. Don't feel obligated to explain, soften, or stay polite. Korean culture does not require you to engage with strangers.
• If they continue, document. Take a photo or short video discreetly. Note the time and exact location. This is direct evidence under the Stalking Act.
• Move to a populated area. Hongdae has constant foot traffic — staying near groups, restaurants, or shops is safer than being followed into a quiet alley.
• Call for help.
  • Police emergency: 112 (English/Japanese/Chinese translation available)
  • Tourism hotline (24/7): 1330
  • You can call 112 even for harassment that hasn't escalated to physical contact — police do respond to stalking-related complaints.
• Use ride apps for late nights. Kakao T or Uber in your hotel area, especially after midnight.

Why we covered this

This is a single-source story (Donga Ilbo, May 1, 2026), but it's a major Korean daily and the article cited specific patterns observed by police, legal commentary, and international community reactions. We're flagging it here because:

• Hongdae is one of the most-visited foreign tourist areas in Seoul.
• Many international visitors are unaware that Korean law specifically criminalizes repeat unwanted approaches (stalking).
• The practical guidance is simple and applicable.

We will update this article if Korean authorities issue specific guidance for foreign visitors, or if more outlets report on the issue. If you've experienced this firsthand and want to share, contact kjt756@gmail.com.

Hongdae remains one of Seoul's most exciting neighborhoods — vibrant, creative, and largely safe. The vast majority of Koreans you meet will treat you with respect. This article is about handling the exceptions confidently, with Korean law clearly on your side.