The Ultimate Guide To Solo Female Travel in South Korea

Solo women travelers constantly ask me, “Is solo female travel in Korea safe?” I lived in South Korea for almost six years, speak the language, and have traveled extensively throughout the country.

I’m one of the very few South Korea bloggers that have a local and solo female traveler’s viewpoint. I’ve been through the good, the bad, and the ugly.

In this post, we’ll dive deep into why solo travel in Korea is a good thing and everything in between. This comprehensive guide is constantly updated to include all of my knowledge from six years of living in the Land of the Morning Calm.

I also travel to South Korea every year to update my blog about the best places for women. Keep an eye out for my Wander Woman Series: Traveling Solo in South Korea which will be published by December 2024. 

My knowledge and understanding of the country grew after I started taking Korean language learning courses. Plus, I pushed myself out of my comfort zone by staycationing in Seoul during the pandemic. 

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• What To Pack For Korea in Every Season
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Is Seoul safe for tourists?

Many solo female travelers often ask me, “Is Korea good for solo travel?” And the answer is, absolutely!

If it is your first trip solo, South Korea is one of the best Asian countries to visit. Seoul is a safe city, there are a lot of information kiosks set up around the city to help foreigners and travelers navigate around the country.

Is South Korea safe for solo female travelers?

If you take my travel tips to heart, you will find the capital city, along with the rest of South Korea is one of the safest places for solo women travelers. When it comes to safe travel, Korea has a low crime rate index of 22.66. 

Compared to my home city of Chicago which has a crime rate index of 66.04. It has one of the lowest crime rates in Asia compared to major cities across the globe. 

Should I learn Korean before traveling to Korea?

Many people in Seoul, Busan, and Jeju can speak English. The Korean government has also taken great steps to make sure all signs have an English translation.

There are many guided tours done in English. You don’t really have to learn Korean, but if you wanna get the extra side dishes from ajhumma, it doesn’t hurt to know basic phrases and Hangul.

Check out this free 90 minute cheat sheet so you can learn hangul in an afternoon. If you’re worried about the language barrier, I also recommend downloading Google Translate and using my favorite device, the Pocketalk. 

What is the best time of year to visit Korea?

The best times of year to visit the Korean peninsula are Autumn and Spring. During this time, you can catch beautiful cherry blossoms in Seoul and Buddhist temples like Jogyesa decorated for Buddha’s Birthday.

During Autumn, you can catch Amazing Fall Festivals and see Beautiful Fall Foliage around South Korea. 

What are the public restrooms like in Korea?

So I know a little while ago, people were grossed out about all the used tissue paper in the public subway restrooms. Korea has since banned this and the tissue is now flushable so you don’t have to worry about that.

Many public places like shopping malls, parks, and restaurants have restrooms you can use. If you do go into a private establishment, be sure to buy a drink or food so no one will say anything to you. 

The Good About Solo Travel in Korea 

Solo travel to Korea isn’t as scary as you think. Most places have CCTV cameras so you can leave your phone, laptop, and even purse on the table and no one will touch it or try to steal it.

This isn’t to say petty crime doesn’t happen because it does. I have had my money, tripod, and phone stolen in Korea. (But granted it was because I was living in a shit hole called Hanam City.) Despite it being rare, I do recommend you use caution. 

For the most part, I could walk around late at night in Seoul and no one would bother me. If I got cat-called, it was by foreign men.

As a woman, be aware of your surroundings. People are creepy and will follow you.

Why Travel to Korea Solo? 

The simple answer is Korea is fucking awesome.

The long answer would be because Seoul is one of the most underrated cities in Asia. Being much cheaper than Japan, you can get the most for your dollar.

There are a lot of temples to see, amazing excursions to take, and quirky things to do. Korea has a unique and proud culture, cultivated over thousands of years. It’s super cool to see the amazing contrasts of modern and traditional.

1. Good Public Transport That Is Cheap and Efficient 

Seoul is a busy city… but the best part about traveling to Korea? There is easy access from one end of the City and back for less than $5, and express trains that will take you all over the country.

For more info on how to use a T-Money Card in South Korea and how public transport works, check out my guide!

After you get off the Seoul subway, you can catch any intercity bus right for an additional cost of 100 won. Intercity buses are also right outside the train stations.

These are the apps I recommend downloading in South Korea. Please avoid Google Maps because it doesn’t work very well.

• Seoul Subway App
• Kakao Map
• Naver Map

2. Korea Is Cheap in General 

Solo travel to Seoul is the best because of the low cost of living compared to the United States. I can get a fancy drink in a cafe for 8,000 won ($7) and an entire Korean meal with sides for 9,000 won ($8).

Korea is tech-savvy and you can use your credit card anywhere. Seoul should be on your bucket list as a top destination for solo females. 

3. Free Wifi Everywhere

South Korea has the fastest internet in the world. There’s free wifi at cafes, shopping malls, and even the subway.

You can book an E-sim card or pick up a physical sim card at Incheon International Airport. 

4. Constant CCTV Surveillance 

There are video surveillance cameras everywhere in public places like buildings, cafes, shops, and crossroads. Rest assured, Big Brother is WATCHING.

5. Shopping Heaven

Koreans LOVE to shop. You’ll find cute stationery, clothes, and shoes for cheap.

My favorite stores for stationary and other cute trinkets include Art Box and Flying Tiger Copenhagen. I love shopping at SPAO during the holidays for their Harry Potter collaborations. 

6. There’s Lots of Help

A solo woman traveler will find Korea tourist-friendly. You’ll see people wearing red with circled I on their clothing meaning information. They usually speak different languages including English, Japanese, and Chinese. 

7. Low Crime Rate 

One of the things I enjoyed about living in Korea is the low crime rate. However, don’t let this lure you into a false sense of security.

Just because the rate of crime is low, doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. Familiarize yourself with Korea’s laws before you come just in case.

Some Tips For Helping You With Korean Law: 

• It’s legal to sound record anyone without their knowledge as long as your voice is heard.
• If something is about to go down, don’t hesitate to whip your phone out and start recording.
• If someone physically assaults you, don’t fight back. Run away as fast as you can. Korea doesn’t have self-defense laws.

What To Do on A Solo Trip to Seoul?

There’s never a dull moment in Seoul. Rest assured there’s something for everyone whether you’re into cooking classes, beauty, or taking yourself on a romantic date.

I have a completely done-for-you 5-day Seoul Itinerary if you want to take all the guesswork out of planning a trip. Most female solo travellers in Korea enjoy themselves because of the rich culture!

Best Seoul Solo Travel Activities

What are the best things to do in Korea for solo travelers? Below is a curated list of all my favorite things to do in Seoul.

I have personally done the majority of them solo. It’s one of the best things to do alone in Seoul since you don’t need a friend to go. 

Treat Yourself To A Korean Facial

• Korean Traditional Medicine Spa – Enjoy a customized spa package using natural medicinal plants to provide you with the best experience.
• Whoo Spa – Ever wondered how Koreans have beautiful glowing skin? Unlock those secrets with a facial at the Whoo Spa where celebrities go!
• Sulwhasoo Spa – Experience premium Korean herbal medicinal anti-aging care at Sulwhasoo Spa in Gangnam!
• 1899 Daechi Spa – Try their slow-aging treatments and experience the power of Korean red ginseng.

Try a Korean Temple Stay

The best way to find a Temple Stay in Korea is by searching the official Korea Temple Stay website.

Rent a Hanbok and Visit The Grand Palaces 

A must-try experience for solo travel to South Korea is immersing yourself in the local culture. I enjoy wearing hanbok in Seoul (especially at Gyeongbokgung Palace) because I always feel like a princess.

Plus the entrance fee is completely waived if you wear hanbok or use the Discover Seoul Pass. It’s the most popular attraction for foreigners visiting South Korea. For a full guide on how to rent hanbok in Korea, click here. 

• Hanboknam
• Hanbok That Day
• One Day Hanbok

Visit the N Seoul Tower

This is one of the most iconic and recognizable landmarks in Seoul. During cherry blossom and fall foliage season, the best option to enjoy the views are to go up by the Namsan Tower Cable Car. 

Wander Around Ikseondong Hanok Village

First-time visitors will definitely love all the historical sites. If you want to see a traditional Korean house called Hanok, Ikseondong Hanok Village is one of the best places to go!

It has many hanok homes that were turned into trendy restaurants, cafes, and boutiques. All the food trends are born here and a lot of people visit. 

Visit Seoul’s Many Eclectic Cafes 

Koreans love their coffee shops. South Koreans don’t hang out at each other’s homes. They usually go out to cafes and hang out.

Below are some I’ve frequented and you should check out! For a full list of all my favorite Instagrammable cafes in Seoul, click here. 

• 943 Harry Potter Cafe in Seoul 
• Dinga Cake House 
• Stylenanda Pink Pool Cafe in Hongdae 
• Stylenanda Hotel in Myeongdong
• Greenmile Cafe in Bukchon Hanok Village
• Appi Forest Cafe in Ikseondong
• Urban Cliff Cafe
• DThrone Cafe 
• Seoulism

Take a Cooking Class

Part of learning about a culture is learning about their food. Taking a cooking class in Korea is a good idea. One best ways to meet other female travellers and locals while you solo travel in Seoul.

I am a poor cook, so I find these classes super helpful when cooking my favorite Korean dishes. If it’s your first time in Korea, this is must have experience. 

• Korean Cooking Class – Learn the secrets behind making delicious local dishes from the experts.
• Korean Tea Ceremony & Kimchi Making Class – Learn the tea traditions and how to make a main side dish served on almost every Korean table.
• Makgeolli Making Class – Learn how to make this rice wine which is a Korean favorite.

Eat All The Best Korean Street Food

One of the best places for a solo traveler to try the local food is Myeongdong. They have many street food vendors and it’s the easiest to get to since it is located in central Seoul. Try tteokbokki which are spicy rice cakes.

• Myeongdong
• Namdaemun Market 
• Gwangjang Market
• Hongik University Station Exit 9

Shop Until You Drop

The sheer amount of stores in Seoul is overwhelming. Koreans love to shop.

Every Korea solo trip should have a day to shop and buy K-Beauty and souvenirs. These are my most frequented places to shop in Seoul. 

• Jamsil Lotte World Mall 
• Myeongdong
• Hongdae

Places To Go Alone At Night in Seoul

When you travel Korea alone, experience Seoul’s nightlife. It’s like nothing you’ve experienced before.

Find classy and upscale places if you go out drinking alone in Seoul.

• Park 913 Cheongdam 
• Rooftop Cloud 
• Alice in Cheongdam
• Moxy Hotel Ikseondong Rooftop
• Art Monster 
• Seoulism 
• Han River

Where are the best places to travel alone in Korea?

South Korea doesn’t revolve around the urban jungle that is Seoul. So then the question remains: Where to go in Korea as a solo female traveler?

There are so many beautiful places in the country. Here are some of my suggestions on what to do when traveling to Korea alone.

Every solo trip to South Korea should include one of these trips. I also have a complete list of the best day trips from Seoul here. 

1. Nami Island

When solo traveling Korea, you have to check out Nami Island. It was made famous by the K-Drama Winter Sonata. Since then, it has become a touristy place, especially during the changing of the seasons.

2. Boseong Green Tea Fields

Boseong is the birthplace of the commercial tea industry and the largest producer of tea in South Korea. Every year they have a festival where you can pick tea leaves, make tea, and sample green tea snacks.

3. Garden of the Morning Calm

There are so many great things to do in Korea alone. Taking a Garden of the Morning Calm tour is also a great way to make friends if you’re a solo female traveler. It’s one of my favorite attractions in Korea because it is so beautiful every single season. 

4. Gangneung

Gangneung is one of the best coastal cities in Korea. I keep returning to the east coast for the beautiful scenery.

Gangnueng has a wonderful mix of cafe life, traditional architecture, and great food. While you’re there, stay at the Seamarq Hotel because of the freaking amazing infinity pool.

5. Jeju Island

There’s so many parts of the country you have to visit! I recommend going to the Hawaii of Korea.

Jeju is very laid back with blue skies and beautiful beaches. It’s an ideal destination for solo female travellers.

Jeju Island is great for a 3-Day getaway so check out my post for more information! 

• Meet Real Life Mermaids The Jeju Haenyeo
• The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Jeju
• The Most Instagrammable Places in Jeju

6. Jeonju

Jeonju is where traditional meets modernity. You can get lost in the Hanok village for hours, rent a hanbok and experience delicious food.

I have a post on everything you need to know about visiting Jeonju. If you’re not confident in navigating Seoul Station or the bus stations, book a Jeonju Tour From Seoul. 

7. Gyeongju

Gyeongju was once the capital of the Silla Dynasty. It’s the most traditional city in Korea and you can see how people lived during the Joseon Dynasty. Most of the attractions are within walking or biking distance.

This photo was taken and Bulguksa. I recommend taking this Gyeongju guided tour so you can see everything.

8. Busan 

Busan is the perfect place for a relaxed beach holiday. It’s also the third biggest city in Korea.

The people are much nicer and the vibe is super laid back. It’s a really awesome city if a beach town is your vibe.

• The Most Instagrammable Places in Busan 
• The Most Instagram Worthy Cafes in Busan
• The Perfect 4 Day Busan Itinerary 

9. Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

On this excursion, tour guides will help you set foot in North Korea. If you book this guided tour you can go to the JSA which is where President Moon Jae in and Dictator Kim Jeong Eun shook hands. 

Eating Alone in Korea

Koreans do not like to eat alone. Restaurants cater toward meals split for two or groups of friends.

It sucks because you may want to try certain Korean dishes or Korean barbecue, but the restaurant will not serve you because you’re alone. However, I do have some recommendations for food you can eat alone.

• Insadong GeuJip (Korean food)
• Fried chicken and beer
• Any Korean convenience store
• Street food in Myeongdong
• Noryangjin Cup Bap Street
• Hongdae DupBul 
• PLANT Cafe (Vegan Food)

The Ugly Truth About Korea

Is South Korea safe for female travelers? While I enjoyed living in Korea and I did find it safe for the most part, there are some things you have to be aware of.

Korea is a deeply patriarchal country with some ass backwards ways of thinking. My goal is to keep my expat sisters and traveling sisters safe.

Clubbing Culture in Korea

Now the question I shall answer… Is Seoul safe at night?

Because let’s be real, who doesn’t love going out to boogie every once in awhile? The clubbing culture in Korea is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced where the party goes all night long.

However, when alcohol is involved and you were born female, you need to be extra cautious. Locals can tell if you’re a tourist and its an easy way to put a target on your back.

Just remember there are shitty people in every country. Korea is no exception. 

The Burning Sun Scandal involved some of the biggest names in the Korean entertainment industry being ringleaders for sexual assault rings. Club staff who drugged women for VIP customers.

They slipped a date rape drug into their drinks known as 물뽕 mool-bbong which causes grogginess and significant memory loss.

In my experience, this isn’t the only club I know of in Korea doing shady shit. Since Korea is still deeply rooted in patriarchy, if you’re out drinking, dressed amazing, and in a club, it means you want to have sex.

Therefore, if a man grabs you or does something to you, it’s automatically your fault. The bouncers and the police don’t give a flying fuck. 

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying this happens everywhere in Korea and I’ve had good experiences at many bars and clubs. Consider this your warning to act vigilantly. 

Itaewon

Itaewon is a great place for the enormous food selection and cool hangouts like rooftop bars. In addition, many foreigners live in the HBC and have opened amazing businesses with food from around the world.

Itaewon isn’t the same as it used to be ever since the deadly Halloween stampede. 

You best believe when the sun sets my ass has already vacated the premises. The only time I’ve been stared down, cat-called, and made to feel uncomfortable is by foreigners in Itaewon.

Hongdae

This is where all the broke college kids, young people, and English teachers fresh out of college go. There’s cheap drinking, tons of bars, hofs, and clubs.

The atmosphere is also really cool with all the bright lights and street performances. You’ll find wild parties, people getting sloppy, and sometimes a fight or two.

Gangnam

Gangnam is ritzy and upscale. I like drinking in Gangnam because a lot of my favorite bars are in the area.

Remember how earlier I told you shady shit goes on at the clubs? Gangnam is where a lot of the seedy behavior happens.

We’re talking dirty cops, drugs, and sexual assault. Don’t let the price tag fool you. There’s still a dumpster fire hidden under all the glamor.

However, if you are a K-pop fan and want to run into a celeb or two, you’ll definitely see them on occasion in Gangnam at the ritzy bars or clubs.

Pub Crawls

One of the biggest news stories about the horrors of drinking alone revolved around a fellow JET alum. She was gang raped by three men in South Korea after she was slipped a 물뽕 mool-bbong.

After begging a taxi driver to take her home, her assailants took her to Hooker Hill (Itaewon) and did the unspeakable. Police didn’t take her seriously, treated her abhorrently and even wrote an open letter victim blaming her.

If you do choose to go out pub crawling, it’s a great place to meet tourists, expats, and locals.

Non-Existent Sex Education

I was a middle school teacher in South Korea for almost six years. The sex education in South Korea is ABYSMAL.

My middle school students were not well-educated very well on STIs, abortion, contraception, and reproduction.

Refusing To Wear Condoms/ Stealthing

Another big problem in Korea is that men have been known to remove condoms without their partner’s knowledge. Stealthing is a form of rape.

And the worst part? It is not a crime in Korea.

Many ignorant men don’t want to use condoms. They also don’t regularly take STI tests (because it’s shameful).

If you want to go out and have sex, then you do you. There’s no judgement and I’m all for living your best life.

Just make sure the guy you choose to take home with you uses contraception and carry your own just in case. And if he STILL refuses…

Well, put your draws back on and walk the hell out of there because you don’t deserve that. 

Beware Molka

Molka is an expression used for hidden cameras. These cameras are placed anywhere from hotel rooms, dressing rooms, bathrooms in subway stations, and cafes.

In hotel rooms, they’re then hidden in wall sockets, smoke alarm detectors, hair dryers, toilet seats, and satellite boxes. The footage is then live-streamed online to paying customers.

Since porn is illegal in Korea, the way people get their fix is by filming women without their consent. In fact, it’s starting to become a huge problem in Korea.

Here’s how to keep yourself safe from Molka:

• Listen for a slight buzzing sound.
• Investigate smoke detectors and other electronics.
• Check for unusually long or strange wifi names, it could indicate it belongs to a hidden camera.
• Carry around a small ice pick or safety pin to break the camera lens.
• Buy a spy cam detector off Amazon.
• Use a piece of red cellophane and put it over the flash of your camera. Turn on the flash and scan the room. When the red light hits a spy cam, you’ll see a glimmer of light.

According to most crime statistics in Korea, 60% most hidden cam porn is filmed by a significant other or spouse. If you do choose to take someone to the love motel, be aware that this person could also be secretly filming you too.

The Patriarchy is Real

According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Korea ranks pretty low in terms of a developed country’s equality for men and women. Sadly, the gender inequality is ranked at one of the highest in the world.

Some men will expect you to put out if they take you out on really nice dates. Korean society is a man’s paradise and they see women as below them in many aspects.

Please don’t take this as me saying all men in Korea are trash. However, some men were raised to view sex as a monetary transaction.

Is Korea Safe For Women?

Korea is safe as long as you take precautions to protect yourself. Keep valuables like your laptop and non-necessary credit cards in the safe at your hostel or hotel.

Take the money you really need out. If you accidentally leave your wallet or purse somewhere, rest assured 9/10 it will be right where you left it and no one will take it. 

Be aware of molka, the attitudes around women drinking, and the attitude towards sex with women is in Korea. Having a low crime rate in Korea doesn’t mean Korea is free from it. There are plenty of crimes that happen each and every day.

Korea has a collectivist culture. I personally think watching out for your neighbor and being considerate of others is one of the many beautiful things about Korean culture.

I’ve seen children run errands, ride public transportation, and even walk to school alone.

A Message to the Koreaboos

I hate I even have to write this, but here it is. If you think Korean dramas and Korean pop music videos are an accurate representation of Korean culture as a whole…

GTFO OF HERE RIGHT NOW. 

Sit your happy ass in your home country and don’t even bother coming. Korea is a country just like any others with problems and seedy underbelly. This is not your fairy tale land.

There are assholes who WILL take advantage of your naivety.

Did You Ever Feel Alone in Korea?

Honestly, no. I am someone who has always marched to the beat of my own drum.

Having hobbies like photography and videography helped me make a lot of friends. In fact, a lot of friends I made with similar hobbies are still my friends to this day.

I have met the coolest most down to earth ladies in my travels. And I guarantee you will too. 

How To Dress in Korea 

Eastern fashion is different from what we see in the West. Ladies, if you’re all about skirts, mini dresses and shorts, then Korea is the place for you!

Shoulders and showing backs are a big no-no, but recently I have seen Korean women who give zero fucks walk around wearing what they damn well please. #queen

That being said, it’s all about dressing up and wearing cute clothes. Seoul’s underground subway stations post a lot of cheap clothing options so you can get the latest fashion for a bargain price!

What To Pack For Korea 

Having experienced all of Korea’s seasons, I know how to dress and what to pack. I have detailed guides with outfit inspo, what the weather is like, and the best things to pack.

I’m obsessed with the Béis weekender bag, carry-on, and checked luggage. Use my code for $15 off your first order and 150 points toward your new account.

• What To Wear and Pack For Korea in Spring
• What to Wear and Pack For Korea in Summer
• What To Wear and Pack For Korea in Autumn
• What To Wear and Pack for Korea in Winter

Where To Stay in Korea 

Most travelers stay in Seoul when they first land in Korea. Depending on what your vibe is and what you find most comfortable is where to stay in Seoul. Below, I will give five of the most popular areas in Seoul. For a detailed guide on the best Seoul neighborhoods and where to stay, click here. 

• Gangnam – Located on the east side of Seoul. This is a more high end area of Seoul so expect the accommodations to be a bit pricier.
• Hongdae – Located on the west side of Seoul. You’ll have access to cheap clubs, shopping, cafes, clubs, cheap hostels, and restaurants.
• Itaewon – It’s known for its popping food scene featuring dishes from all over the world. 
• Jamsil – Located in east Seoul. Here you’ll have access to top attractions like Seoul Sky, Lotte World, and Seokchon Lake.
• Myeongdong – This is for the shopaholics. If you love street food and cute trinkets, then you have to stay here.

Still Scared About South Korea Solo Travel?

Did you know there are tons of Facebook groups out there that are dedicated to helping solo female travelers? I know traveling alone and to Korea can be scary… Especially if you’ve never done it before.

• The Solo Female Traveler Network
• Free Travel Accommodation – The Solo Female Travel Network
• Travel Meetups – The Solo Female Traveler Network
• Go Wonder Solo Female Travelers
• Over 40 – The Solo Female Traveler Network

I hope you check out these solo female travel groups and connect with some seriously awesome kick ass ladies who have traversed the Earth.

Final Thoughts

So to answer your question, is solo female travel to Korea a safe country for solo female travelers?

Put the Land of the Morning Calm high on your list of solo female travel destinations because it is such a beautiful country. I think it’s one of the best places for a single woman to travel and I guarantee you’ll have a great time!

Korea’s vibrant culture and delicious food will definitely draw you in.

This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through one of my links, at no additional cost to you, I make a small commission to keep Gina Bear’s Blog running.

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