Cambodia’s Tourism Crisis: How Rising Crime Is Impacting South Korean Visitors to Southeast Asia, Including Thailand and the Philippines, What To Know Before Planning Your South-East Asia Trip

Published on November 23, 2025

In recent months, South Korean tourists have begun shying away from popular Southeast Asian destinations like Cambodia, the Philippines, and Thailand, with safety becoming a primary concern. Widespread media reports about job scams, abductions, and violent crimes in the region, especially in Cambodia, have left many South Koreans second-guessing their travel plans. The shift in traveller sentiment has been significant, affecting everything from business trips to vacations.

The fear is not unfounded. Cambodia in particular has seen a sharp decline in arrivals, with reports of a tragic incident involving a South Korean university student who was reportedly murdered by a local criminal gang. Such events have severely impacted the trust South Koreans once had in Southeast Asia as a holiday destination. This has led to a dramatic fall in the number of South Korean tourists, leaving a massive hole in the region’s tourism sector. The domino effect has been felt not just in Cambodia but also in nearby nations like the Philippines and Thailand, where South Korean visits have plummeted.

A Sudden Shift in Tourist Trends: Southeast Asia No Longer Feels Safe

South Korea’s tourist departure numbers have experienced a noticeable decline in recent months, especially in October. According to recent data, Southeast Asian destinations saw a dip of 7.25% in departures from South Korea. Of all the countries in the region, Cambodia faced the steepest drop. Specifically, the number of South Korean visitors to Cambodia fell by 15.4%, from 13,727 in September to just 11,613 in October. This sharp decline has left travel agents and tourism bodies scrambling to understand the full extent of the crisis.

This shift in travel behaviour is largely due to safety concerns that have been exacerbated by high-profile crime reports. South Korean media outlets have been reporting extensively on incidents such as job scams, where South Korean nationals have been lured to Cambodia with promises of high-paying jobs, only to find themselves exploited, held against their will, or worse, harmed. These stories have intensified fears, leading many would-be travellers to cancel their plans, some opting to forgo their bookings altogether despite non-refundable cancellation fees.

The Fallout: Cambodia’s Tourism Sector Takes the Hardest Hit

Cambodia’s tourism sector is feeling the sting more than any other Southeast Asian country. With a massive decrease in South Korean visitors, the country is witnessing significant economic losses. Cambodia had long been a favourite for budget travellers and cultural tourists, drawn to its famous sites like Angkor Wat and Siem Reap, but the recent crimes have tarnished its image.

The impact is now visible on the ground. Travel agencies in South Korea report a significant uptick in cancellations for trips to Cambodia, with some even seeing 10 to 20% of their bookings wiped out for the next few months. According to some tourism professionals, it’s not just about cancelled trips; the overall anxiety surrounding Southeast Asia has led to a dip in future bookings as well.

A Ripple Effect: The Philippines and Thailand Also Feel the Impact

Though Cambodia may be the epicenter of South Korean travel anxiety, other Southeast Asian destinations have not remained unscathed. The Philippines, another favourite among South Korean travellers, saw a decrease of 18.9% in South Korean arrivals in October. Similarly, Thailand experienced a drop of 5%. These numbers, while less severe than Cambodia’s, still reflect a broader unease.

The reluctance to travel to Southeast Asia is not just confined to Cambodia. For instance, many South Korean tourists are now questioning trips to Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam, fearing they might encounter similar issues. The lingering fear of crime, kidnappings, and scams seems to be spreading across the entire region, further dampening tourists’ enthusiasm.

What Should South Korean Tourists Do?

So, what should South Korean travellers do to ensure their safety while planning future trips? Travel experts recommend several strategies to mitigate the risks of visiting Southeast Asia amid rising concerns:

1. Do Thorough Research: Always check the latest travel advisories issued by both the South Korean government and international bodies. Knowing which areas are considered safe and which are not can help avoid dangerous regions.
2. Opt for Reputable Tour Agencies: Choose tour operators who have a strong reputation for safety and responsibility. Be sure that they are familiar with the local landscape and safety protocols.
3. Avoid Risky Areas: Stick to well-traveled tourist destinations where there are more security measures in place. Avoid places known for illegal activities, scams, or high rates of criminal activity.
4. Travel Insurance: Always purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers emergencies, cancellations, and unexpected events. This will help provide some peace of mind should something go wrong.
5. Keep Emergency Contacts: It’s important to have local emergency contacts saved in case of an emergency. This should include the local embassy or consulate and trusted local contacts who can assist in case of unforeseen events.

Beyond the Numbers: Why Is This Trend Worrying?

The broader concern is that this shift in travel sentiment could have long-lasting effects on Southeast Asia’s tourism economy. Countries like Cambodia, the Philippines, and Thailand depend heavily on international visitors, particularly from South Korea. South Korea is one of the largest markets for Southeast Asian tourism, and any significant drop in arrivals from this region could have devastating consequences for local economies, especially those that are heavily reliant on tourism dollars.

At the same time, this evolving trend highlights the importance of tourism safety. Governments across Southeast Asia must act swiftly to address the rising concerns of international tourists, or risk further alienating valuable markets.

The Road Ahead: Southeast Asia’s Path to Recovery

For Southeast Asia to regain its reputation as a safe and attractive travel destination, it will need to implement stronger safeguards against crime and exploitation. This includes improving law enforcement, ensuring tourist protection, and collaborating with international agencies to root out criminal organisations targeting unsuspecting visitors.

The question now is whether these countries can restore the confidence of South Korean tourists in time. Until then, many travellers from South Korea may look elsewhere for safer travel alternatives, while others might choose to stay closer to home, where safety is less of a concern.