The Ultimate Guide To Solo Female Travel in South Korea

Many solo women travelers constantly ask me, “Is solo female travel in Korea safe?” I lived in South Korea for almost six years; therefore, I have a local and solo female traveler’s viewpoint. I’ve been through the good, the bad, and the ugly. In this post, we’re gonna dive deep into why solo travel in Korea is a good thing and everything in between.

This guide has been updated to include all of my travel tips from almost six years of living in the Land of the Morning Calm. After I started taking Korean language learning courses, my knowledge and understanding of the country grew. Plus, I really pushed myself out of my comfort zone by staycationing in Seoul during the pandemic. 

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Get Travel Insurance 

A common question I get is what do I need to travel to South Korea? One thing I always recommend is travel insurance. Life throws curveballs. Flights get canceled. You get sick. There’s a family emergency. I highly recommend using World Nomads Travel Insurance which you can book here. With the World Nomads Travel Insurance, you can expect:

1. Trip Cancelation – This benefit helps you recover non-refundable, pre-paid trip costs when you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason, including for an unexpected sickness that keeps you from traveling.
2. Emergency Medical – If you get sick with COVID-19 or another illness, you can get diagnostic tests to confirm your case and other emergency medical benefits.
3. Medical Evacuation – If you’re in an inadequate medical facility, our plans have benefits that can arrange a transfer to a hospital capable of treating your medical needs.
4. Trip Interuption – This section helps you get reimbursed for a one-way, economy-class ticket home and any pre-paid, unused portions of your trip for a covered reason.
5. Trip Delay – If your travels are delayed at least six hours by a covered event, you could get reimbursed for meals, hotels and other basic expenses.

If this plan isn’t for you then you can check out the different travel insurance plans World Nomads has here.

How To Get Around 

The best way to get around Korea is by public transportation. You can purchase a T-Money card at any convenience store and loading it with money. You can also purchase the mobile version via Klook and get a 5,000 won top off coupon to use with your purchase.

I also recommend getting the Discover Seoul Pass so you can visit the major tourist attractions around Seoul for free or at a discounted price. It comes in increments of 24/48/72 hours. 

How To Stay Connected 

Luckily in Korea, there is wifi everywhere. Most cafes offer wifi for free and you can connect to various free spots around the city. However, if you don’t want to be reliant on that, you book an e-sim card and download it directly to your phone.

What To Pack For Korea

This is my essential packing list for Korea. For a complete guide on what to pack for Korea in every season, click here.

• Korea travel adapter – Korea uses 220V plugs. You can also purchase them at Daiso for 5,000 won.
• Unlocked phone – You can book a sim card here. Alternatively, if you don’t have an unlocked phone, you can also use this portable wifi router.
• USB power strip – This is great for charging multiple electronics at once.  
• Air Filter Mask – The air pollution in Korea is bad, but on its worst days can be just as bad as China. 
• World Nomads Travel Insurance – Accidents happen anywhere. Give yourself the peace of mind you need to travel safely and without worries.
• Toothpaste – Korean toothpaste sucks PERIODT. Bring your own from home.
• Important documents – Bring any important medical documents in case something happens. 
• International Driver’s License (IDP) – If you rent a car in Korea, you will need an IDP. You should get yours from AAA here.
• Passport – This should be a given, but please don’t forget it. Make a copy of your passport and hide it in your suitcase and leave one on your fridge at home.
• Credit/Debit Cards – There are ATMs all over Korea and most places accept credit cards.
• Medication – Don’t forget your important medicine because I guarantee it will be a nightmare for you to navigate the hospital and then go to a pharmacy to try and get it.

I highly recommend packing as light as possible so that way when you buy all of your favorite Korean products, there will be room in your suitcase. My favorite travel suitcase brand is Béis. I’m obsessed with their weekender bag, carryon, and checked luggage. Use my code for $15 off your first order and 150 points toward your new account.

How To Dress in Korea

Eastern fashion is vastly different from what we see in the West and you can find some pretty fun pieces in Hongdae. Ladies, if you’re all about skirts, mini dresses and shorts, then Korea is the place for you! In Korea, there’s a different definition of dressing conservatively for women. 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. (And no public nudity please!) Seoul’s underground subway stations post a lot of cheap clothing options so you can get the latest fashion for a bargain price!

P.s. It’s totally acceptable to wear your dirty sneakers with a cute outfit. Below are some examples of cute Korean fashion that is acceptable.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Korea good for solo travel? / Is Seoul safe for tourists?

Yes! Seoul is really great for solo travel. Around the capital city, there are a lot of information kiosks set up around the city to help foreigners and travelers navigate around the country. The crime rate is also very low in South Korea.

2. Is South Korea safe for solo female travelers?

Is South Korea a safe country? For the most part, yes! In fact, I think solo female travel to Korea is so underrated. For the most part, I’ve always felt safe while traveling to Korea. 

2. Where are the best places for traveling alone in South Korea?

I think the best places for solo travelers in Korea are Busan and Jeju. Both places have a lot of tourism and are more foreigner friendly compared to more rural places in Korea.

3. What is the best time of year to visit Korea?

Spring is a great time to visit the Korean peninsula. During this time, you can catch beautiful cherry blossoms in Seoul, Buddhist temples like Jogyesa decorated for Buddha’s Birthday, and many amazing spring Korean festivals. 

4. What are the best things to do in Korea?

When in Korea, you definitely have to visit Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, and the Secret Garden. While in Korea, try renting a hanbok as well and taking stunning photos at the palaces.

I recommend heading up to Bukchon Hanok Village to see a traditional Korean house. N Seoul Tower is also the best option for first-time visitors to Seoul. 

5. Should I learn Korean before going to Korea?

A lot of 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. I also recommend downloading Google Translate and using my favorite device, the Pocketalk. 

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 in them, click here. 

• 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.
• 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.

The Good About Solo Travel in Korea

Solo travel to Korea isn’t as scary as you think. I can personally attest to the fact I can leave my phone, laptop, and even purse on the table and no one will touch it or try to steal it. Now, 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.) So despite it being rare, I do recommend you use some caution.

For the most part, I can also walk around late at night in Seoul and no one will bother me. If I got cat called, it was by foreign men. But again, as a woman, be aware of your surroundings. People are creepy and will follow you. However, I think it does speak volumes about how I’ve even seen young kids running around at night and no one bats an eye. To me, it seems like the community really looks out for the children.

Why Travel to Korea Solo?

The simple answer is because 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. You also get to experience how Korea raised itself up after the Korean war with the amazing contrasts of modern and traditional.

1. Public Transport is Cheap and Efficient

Seoul is a very busy city… but the best part about traveling Korea? The easy access from one end of the city and back for less than $5. After you get off the Seoul subway, you can catch any of the intercity buses right after for an additional cost of 100 won.

Many times, a bus stop will also be 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 he low cost of living compared to the United States. I can get a fancy drink in a cafe for 7,000 won ($6) and an entire Korean meal with sides for 9,000 won ($8).

Korea is pretty tech savvy so most places take credit card. Seoul should definitely be on your bucket list as a top destination for solo females. 

3. Free Wifi Everywhere

South Korea has some of the fastest internet in the world. In fact, when I moved back to the States and browsing through social media, I was honestly like, “Why the heck is my phone loading so SLOW?” There’s free wifi at cafes, at shopping malls, and even the subway. 

4. Constant CCTV Surveillance

If you ever needed an additional feeling of security, well here it is. Of course, feel free to still throw caution to dark streets and freaky people. There are video surveillance cameras almost everywhere in public places like buildings, cafes, shops, and crossroads. Rest assured, big brother is WATCHING.

5. Shopping Heaven

Koreans absolutely LOVE to shop. You’ll find all sorts of cute stationary, clothes and shoes for really cheap. My favorite stores for stationary and other cute trinkets include Art Box and Flying Tiger Copenhagen. I also love shopping at SPAO during the holidays for their Harry Potter collaborations.

6. There’s Lots of Help

A solo woman traveler can rejoice because Korea is really making itself tourist friendly. You’ll see people wearing red with circled I on their clothing meaning information. They usually speak a multitude of 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 false pretenses. Just because the rate of crime is low, doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. I would highly suggest reading up on some of Korea’s laws before you come just in case you find yourself in a sticky situation.

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, and rest assured there’s something for everyone whether you’re into cooking classes, beauty or taking yourself on a romantic date. I can guarantee you’ll really enjoy your time as female solo traveler in Korea. South Korea has such a rich culture and amazing food!

 My Favorite Seoul Solo Travel Activities

Below is a curated list of all my favorite things to do in Seoul. I have personally done the majority of them solo (because I march to the beat of my own drum) and loved them all. 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

• 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 a 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.
• Korean Traditional Medicine Spa – Enjoy a customized spa package using natural medicinal plants to provide you with the best experience.

Rent a Hanbok and Visit The Grand Palaces

A must have experience for solo travel to South Korea is immersing yourself in the local culture. I truly 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
• MOA Hanbok
• One Day Hanbok

Visit Seoul’s Many Eclectic Cafes

Koreans love their coffee shops. Since South Koreans don’t have a culture to 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 totally 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
• Mamma Mia Dosan
• 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 myself 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 traveller to try the local food is in Myeongdong. They have many street food vendors and it’s the easiest to get to since its located at the center of Seoul. One of the first things I recommend trying is 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 will honestly be overwhelming. Koreans love to shop. Every Korea solo trip should have a day to shop and buy K-Beauty and souvenirs. In fact, I always found something cute to purchase every time I was out. However, 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, you may want to go out and experience the Seoul nightlife. I myself love a good draft beer or cocktail. If I do go out drinking alone in Seoul, I always go to more classy and upscale places. Most of the people in there are pretty self-absorbed so they don’t pay attention to me. And I love it when people mind their own damn business.

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

Beautiful Places to Visit in Korea

The whole world 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?

Here are some of my suggestions on what to do when traveling to Korea alone. Every solo trip to South Korea should definitely 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. You can take a tour to Nami Island here. It’s a great day trip from Seoul.

2. Boseong Green Tea Fields

You should also check out the Damyang Bamboo Forest nearby. 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 go pick tea leaves, make tea, and sample green tea snacks. You can book a Boseong Green Tea Tour here.

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 in 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 a beautiful island paradise and I guarantee you will have a good time no matter how long you stay. 

• The Perfect Three Day Jeju Itinerary
• 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. Sometimes traveling Korea alone is difficult due to the language barrier. If you take a tour, it’s hassle free. Try this Jeonju Tour from Seoul and time length including day trips and three day tours.

7. Gyeongju

Gyeongju was once the capital of the Silla Dynasty. It’s the most traditional city in Korea. Most of the attractions are within walking or biking distance. This photo was taken and Bulguksa. I recommend taking this Gyeongju 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.

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

Eating Alone in Korea

I noticed many Koreans do not like to eat alone. Many restaurants cater toward meals split for two or groups of friends. It sucks because you may want to try certain Korean dishes, 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)
• 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. South 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. The more we know, the easier it is to protect ourselves.

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 in my life. The party goes all night long. But when alcohol is involved and you were born female, you need to be extra cautious.

This goes without saying, don’t act a fool at the the bar or club. 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.

Some past news headlines in Korea have covered sexual assault and prostitution rings at clubs in Seoul. These disturbing allegations revolve around 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 or 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 here and have opened amazing businesses with food from around the world.

During the day, Itaewon isn’t so bad. Itaewon at night is a different story.

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 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. Wild parties happen take place and I have seen some drunken brawling and weirdos every now and again.

Gangnam

Gangnam is more ritzy and upscale. I personally like drinking in Gangnam because a lot of my favorite bars are in the area. It may be because of my age or I have simply outgrown the club scene, but I refuse to go clubbing in Gangnam anymore.

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 prostitution rings. Moral of the story? Don’t let the price tag fool you. There’s still a dumpster fire hidden under all the glamor.

However, if you are a Kpop 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.

After the incident, police didn’t take her seriously, treated her abhorrently and even wrote an open letter victim blaming her. This sent a message loud and clear that if you’re a woman and you’re drinking, then whatever happens to you is automatically your fault and not your attacker’s.

If you do choose to go out pub crawling, it’s a great place to meet tourists, expats, and locals. But again, it’s just me personally but I don’t go out drinking with a bunch of people I don’t know.

I know a lot of this is scary, but it’s the truth. You have to know these things for when you travel alone in Korea. I beg you to please be aware of your surroundings and do your best to protect yourself.

Non-Existent Sex Education

I am a woman and also a teacher. I have come hand in hand with how terrible sex education is here in South Korea. My middle school students were not well-educated very well on STIs, abortion, contraception, and reproduction. Personally, I blame the falling birth rate because they want to make more little Koreans to replace the deficit.

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. It is defined when people agree to have sex with a condom and then someone either lies about putting a condom on or removes it without the other person’s permission. And the worst part? It is not a crime in Korea. There’s nothing you can do. You’re fucked.

I’m going to have a real moment of truth with ya’ll because it has happened to me. Unfortunately, I’m not the only one this has happened to. I’ve never felt so disgusting in my life. So please be careful and make sure your partner has their condom on. Truly, I do not wish this on anyone else.

In addition, I have come across many ignorant men who don’t want to use condoms. They inspect their junk to see if they’re clean and that’s it. They don’t take STI tests (because it’s shameful) and if they have no signs, they automatically assume they’re clean.

If you’re not horrified by now, I don’t know what’s going to terrify you.

So ladies, I implore you. 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. If he bitches and says condoms are uncomfortable and he doesn’t like to wear them, proceed to throw the whole man away.

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. They’re not. I’ve met my fair share of incredible kind and nice men. 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.

What you can expect from Koreans and Korea in general is the culture of thinking of the masses and not the individual. I personally thinking watching out for your neighbor and being considerate of others is one of the many beautiful things about Korean culture. When in Korea, do as the Koreans do.

I’ve seen children in Korea go about running errands themselves like buying things at the convenience store, riding public transport, and even being out until their curfew at 9pm. Because of constant CCTV surveillance, no one hurts them.

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.

Do us all a favor and 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 know about the K-wave and WILL take advantage of your naivety. If you’re coming to Korea just for your oppa, then don’t even book your plane ticket.

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. If you think you’re not gonna make friends while solo traveling, think again. I have met the coolest most down to earth ladies in my travels. And I guarantee you will too.

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 safe for foreign women? Is south Korea safe for females? Put the Land of the Morning Calm high on your list of solo female travel destinations. I think it’s one of the best places for a single woman to travel. Korea’s vibrant culture and delicious food will definitely draw you in. Seoul is an incredible destination for solo vacations for females.

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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