South Korea is known for its safety, but there's one issue that often surprises foreigners: hidden cameras—also called molka. Over the past few years, illegal filming crimes have made headlines across the country. From hotel rooms to public restrooms and even Airbnb rentals, tiny hidden devices have been found in places you’d least expect.
If you're living in Korea or just visiting, this guide will help you stay safe. You’ll learn:
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How to detect hidden cameras with your phone or a simple tool
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What to do if you find one
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What the Korean law says about illegal filming
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And how to protect yourself legally and emotionally
Don’t panic—just be prepared. Let’s go through everything you need to know to protect your privacy while living smart in Korea.
Table of Contents :
- Why You Should Worry About Hidden Cameras in Korea
- How to Check for Hidden Cameras Without Tools
- Top Hidden Camera Detector Devices (with links)
- Best Free Spy Cam Detector Apps for Your Phone
- Where to Look: Common Hiding Spots in Korea
- What to Do If You Find a Hidden Camera
- How Korean Law Protects You
- If You Were Filmed: Legal & Emotional Support
- FAQ: Foreigners’ Most Common Questions
Why You Should Worry About Hidden Cameras in Korea
Hidden cameras—locally called molka—are a real problem in Korea. These tiny devices are often disguised inside air purifiers, alarm clocks, wall outlets, or even shampoo bottles. While the country is generally safe, illegal filming is an ongoing issue, especially in public restrooms, changing rooms, hotels, and rental homes.
According to police data, thousands of illegal filming cases are reported every year. Many victims are women, but men and foreign travelers are not exempt. In some cases, spy cams were discovered in Airbnb rooms, guesthouses, and even office bathrooms.
The good news? You can do a lot to protect yourself, even without any technical skills.
How to Check for Hidden Cameras Without Tools
You don’t need expensive gear to do a quick check. Here’s a simple 3-step routine you can use when entering a hotel room, bathroom, or any private space:
Step 1: Look closely at “suspicious” objects
Check wall clocks, smoke detectors, light bulbs, power outlets, air purifiers, or decorations. If you see a tiny black hole or something that looks out of place, be cautious.Step 2: Use your phone’s flashlight
Turn off the lights. Then, shine your phone’s flashlight around the room. If a lens is hidden, it may reflect light with a red or purple glow.Step 3: Scan for unknown devices
Turn on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and see if any strange device names pop up like “IPCAM” or “HiddenCam.” It could indicate a wireless camera nearby.This basic routine can be done in less than 2 minutes—and it could save you a lot of trouble.
Top Hidden Camera Detector Devices
If you want extra protection, small portable spy cam detectors are easy to buy online in Korea. They detect hidden lenses or wireless signals and are especially useful if you travel often.
Here are three popular options available on Korean sites like Coupang or Gmarket:
| Product | Price | Detection Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNWOW Detector | ₩23,000 | IR reflection | Budget option, easy for beginners |
| SPM CatchOne 5 | ₩60,000 | Wireless + GPS + mic | Advanced users, high sensitivity |
| GBED Mini Detector | ₩15,000 | IR light detection | Lightweight, travel-friendly |
Best Free Spy Cam Detector Apps for Your Phone
If you're not ready to buy a device, no worries. Your smartphone can help too. Several apps are available that use your phone’s magnetic sensor or flashlight to detect hidden cameras.
Here are a few worth trying:
Lily’s Map (릴리의지도)
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Popular in Korea
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Detects cameras using infrared and magnet sensors
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Includes a crowd-sourced map of known camera locations
FindSpy - Hidden Camera Detector
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Uses electromagnetic fields and wireless signals
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Easy to use, supports multiple languages
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Available for Android only
Hidden Camera Detector (몰카탐지기)
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Lightweight and free
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Flashlight + sensor combo detection
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Works best in dark environments
Available for Android only
💡 Tip: Dim the lights and use the app’s flashlight scan mode. If the app shows high detection near a device (like a wall clock), double-check for hidden lenses.
Where to Look: Common Hiding Spots in Korea
Hidden cameras are often disguised as ordinary objects. Here’s where to check in common situations:
Hotels / Airbnbs
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Opposite the bed (TV, smoke detector, wall outlet)
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Inside clocks or framed pictures
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Behind mirrors or lamps
Public Bathrooms
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Inside toilet seats or bidets
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In air vents, coat hooks, or trash bins
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Ceiling corners or lighting fixtures
Gyms & Changing Rooms
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Inside lockers
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Behind air vents or in light covers
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Near benches or mirrors
Cars (Rentals or Taxis)
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Dashboard or rearview mirror
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Fake air fresheners or USB ports
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Bluetooth devices that aren’t yours
⚠️ Remember: Don’t just look for devices—look for tiny holes, unusual blinking lights, or reflections under flashlight.
What to Do If You Find a Hidden Camera
Found something suspicious? Stay calm. Follow these steps:
DO NOT:
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Touch or remove the device
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Post about it on social media
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Argue with hotel staff right away
DO THIS INSTEAD:
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Take photos or videos of the device in place
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Include wide shots showing its location
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Call 112 (Korean emergency police line)
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Say: “I found a hidden camera in my hotel room. I'm at [location]. Please send help.”
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Keep the room as it is until police arrive
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Don't let hotel staff touch the device
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Show your ID to officers and explain calmly
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Your tourist visa or ARC card is enough
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You can also report the business later to local authorities or consumer protection websites if needed.
How Korean Law Protects You
In Korea, hidden camera filming is considered a serious crime under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes.
Here’s what the law says:
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Just filming is a crime (even without distribution)
→ Up to 7 years in prison or ₩50 million fine -
Sharing or uploading the footage
→ Same penalty, sometimes more if it’s for profit -
Just having the files (even if you didn’t film)
→ Still punishable -
Even trying to hide a camera (without actual filming)
→ Can be punished as a “crime attempt”
Korean police take these cases seriously, especially if foreigners are involved. You don’t need to worry about legal language—just call 112 and describe the situation. An English-speaking officer can assist you.
If You Were Filmed: Legal & Emotional Support
If you believe you were filmed or your privacy was invaded, here’s what to do next:
Legal options
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Visit the nearest police station and file a formal complaint
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Consider contacting a lawyer for help with compensation
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Civil lawsuits for emotional damage (yes, even foreigners can file)
Support services in English
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Digital Sex Crime Victim Support Center
Offers video removal help, counseling, and legal aid
Website: NCDSCR -
Call 1366 (24/7 Women’s Safety Hotline)
Language options available via interpreters
Mental health support
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Korea’s Mental Health Center for Foreigners offers free or low-cost counseling
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Search for your city + “mental health center” or ask your local community center
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💡 Don’t try to handle everything alone. These resources exist to support residents, students, workers, and tourists alike.
FAQ: Real Questions from Foreign Residents in Korea
Q1. Can I bring a hidden camera detector through airport customs in Korea?
Yes. Small handheld devices are legal and allowed in carry-on or checked luggage.
Q2. What’s the fastest way to test my hotel room after check-in?
Use your phone flashlight in a dark room to scan for lens reflections—it takes under 2 minutes.
Q3. Can I ask hotel staff to inspect the room for hidden cameras?
Yes, and it’s becoming more common. If they refuse, you can request to change rooms.
Q4. Are there any trusted hotels that guarantee no spy cams?
There’s no official list, but large international chains usually follow stricter safety protocols. Airbnb “superhosts” with many verified reviews are also safer.
Q5. What if I don’t speak Korean—how can I report a crime easily?
Call 112, then say “I need English help”. The operator will connect you to an interpreter immediately.
Living or traveling in Korea can be an amazing experience—and for most people, it truly is. While hidden cameras (molka) have been a growing social concern in recent years, they’re not something you need to fear every day. These cases are relatively rare, but knowing how to spot the signs and take action is just a smart way to stay prepared.
So don’t panic—just stay aware. With a quick room scan, a simple app, or a compact detector, you can protect your privacy and peace of mind.
And if you ever find something suspicious, don’t stay silent. Follow the steps, report it, and know that Korean law is on your side—even if you’re a visitor.
Stay safe—and live smart, wherever you are.
