Korea Issues Sexual Harassment and Violence SOS Guide for International Students in Seven Languages

South Korea’s Ministry of Education has developed a seven-language SOS guide to help international students understand and respond to sexual harassment and sexual violence.

The ministry announced the guide on April 1, 2026. It is intended to address situations in which students delay seeking help because they are unfamiliar with Korean procedures or cannot easily access information in Korean.

The guide provides practical information on recognizing misconduct, prioritizing personal safety, seeking counseling and using reporting and support channels. Students should consult the original guide for the complete situation-specific instructions and contact information.

A student who feels at risk should first move to a safer location and inform a trusted person when possible. Immediate danger or a suspected crime can be reported to the police by calling 112. Medical emergencies or rescue needs can be reported through 119.

Support may also be available through a university’s international office, student counseling center, human rights center or designated sexual harassment and violence response office. Students who are not ready to decide whether to make a formal report can still seek confidential information about available options and ask whether interpretation support is available.

Messages, emails, call records, schedules and a written account of what happened may be useful if they can be stored safely. Students should not return to an unsafe place or contact the other person solely to collect evidence.

The ministry said the multilingual guide is expected to improve access to information and strengthen prevention and response systems on campus. Universities should provide students with the actual contact details and procedures used at their institution, not simply distribute the guide.

What international students should know

• Sexual harassment or violence is not the victim’s fault, and limited Korean ability should not prevent a student from seeking help.
• Call 112 for immediate danger or police assistance and 119 for emergency medical or rescue services.
• Ask the university’s international office, counseling center or human rights office about support and interpretation.
• Preserve relevant information only when it is safe to do so.