A safer night out: drinks, belongings & smoking

What should I do about theft, harassment or a suspected spiked drink?

Keep your drink and belongings in view. If something feels wrong, move to a safer place and ask for help promptly.

Carry only what you need and keep your phone, payment cards and original ID secure. Stay in touch with someone you trust and use a venue locker where suitable. Avoid leaving a drink unattended or accepting an opened drink from someone you do not trust.

Unwanted touching is not something you have to accept as part of nightlife. Tell staff, move away and seek assistance. If you feel unusually unwell, disoriented or suspect your drink was tampered with, do not dismiss it as ordinary drunkenness: get urgent help and stay with someone you trust.

In Korea, call 112 for the police or 119 for an ambulance or fire emergency. A person who is unconscious or cannot be awakened needs immediate help; do not leave them alone or assume they can sleep it off. Keep relevant messages, receipts and details for reporting an incident.

Is smoking allowed inside clubs?

Do not assume it is permitted. Follow the venue’s signs and use a designated smoking area only where allowed.

Community reports describe different levels of smoke exposure, but seeing people smoke is not proof that smoking is authorised. Rules depend on the premises and the designated area, and staff can direct you to the appropriate place.

If smoke is a concern, ask about the main room and ventilation before booking. The briefing’s broad claims about which neighbourhoods allow indoor smoking are too inconsistent to use as a reliable rule.