Is South Korea Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Safety index
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How safe is South Korea?
Safety at night:Safe
Public transportation:Very safe
Street harassment:Low
Petty crimes:Low
Is South Korea worth visiting?
Overall rating
based on 13 experiences from female travelers
Things to do
Safety
Food
Budget-friendly
Anna
Switzerland
Seoul, Solo travel
Traveling solo for 3 weeks turns out to be a challenge to me. I sometimes feel isolated even if there are so many people around me. I booked some guided tours and explored places on my own but to me it seems like I am the only older woman traveling solo. Sometimes I can talk with locals (at least I try since a am a beginner at Korean). This week I had I dinner with another solo traveling woman and had a cheerful and inspiring evening with her which made me very happy - thank you, Mari :-)
Posted: October 4, 2024Experienced: October, 2024
Marie
Denmark
Jeju Island, Solo travel
My first stop when arriving in South Korea was Jeju island. It's a great place to start or finish your trip to South Korea. It's an easygoing island, and you can easily get around with public transportation. I felt safe anywhere I went, and it's such a nice feeling not having to worry about pickpocketing. Any hike I tried to do was not really a hike cause everything was boarded and so easy to walk, even when it was a step hill. I highly recommend Seogwipo since it's even calmer than Jeju city. The traditional market there was really good compared to the one in Jeju city. Wonang waterfalls were so worth it, don't forget a bathing suit and don't be afraid to jump on the rocks. Jeolum Natural Recreation Forest was super nice, and the footbath was heavenly.
Posted: October 4, 2024Experienced: August, 2024
Emy
Germany
Seoul, Solo travel
Seoul was fascinating in a way that I haven’t experienced before. Because it is a capital, you just realize after a while that it’s impossible to see all the places and find all the communities there. I stayed for 10 months and had the best time of my life! It felt much safer than Europe, but of course, no place (that I know of) qualifies as 100% safe. I lived in itaewon, a place with lots of tourists and night clubs, but going out at night was fun and if one place didn’t have the right energy, I could just move on to the next. My friend visited me while I lived there and she liked it as well :)
Posted: September 21, 2024Jeju Island, Family travel
An amazing place with gorgeous sightseeing of sea, mountain and cliffs. Kind people, cool air But it’s a little bit hard for you if you can’t speak Korean Bus is so convenient that you can reach almost everywhere, however, I still recommend you to rent a car, especially you wanna live in seogwipo-si, a less modern place rather than jeju-si, but it’s a better choice if you wanna experience local life in a village.
Posted: September 10, 2024South Korea, Solo travel
Korea is convenient and the food is very tasty and it is a very safe place for a woman. Be careful that the food is very spicy and have a good holiday For transportation you can use metro taxis (KakoT).
Posted: September 3, 2024
Pru
Germany
Seoul, Group travel
It was my first travel so I went with an agency. Seoul is very lively! There is always entertainment in the street. Even the shops are open until late at night. I felt really safe there. I didnt try clubs and bar.
Posted: August 24, 2024Experienced: July, 2019
Nicole
United States
Seoul, Solo travel
My experience in Seoul was incredible. I felt safe at all times even after 10pm walking alone. I took the train and bus everywhere which was really cheap. My main issue was finding places who catered to solo diners. I went to all the main tourist attractions but really loved the museums most, and also sitting in cafes and people watching!
Posted: August 22, 2024Seoul, Solo travel
Seoul was one of my favorites. I stayed at a very nice hostel, which was also a shared flat for local students. So it was very easy to connect to locals. Everyone was so friendly and as a female solo traveler I felt safe. There also have been good vegetarian and vegan options. 😊
Posted: August 12, 2024Experienced: May, 2020
Laura
Germany
Jeju Island, Solo travel
Jeju was beautiful! I stayed for 6 days and it was defi2noz enough to see it all. Beware of the heat in summer though. It's really difficult to go Sightseeing without a car in summer. There's lots of waterfalls and beautiful scenery. Trails for hiking, delicious sea food and friendly people. I felt safe traveling alone.
Posted: August 9, 2024Experienced: June, 2024
Kate
Canada
Seoul, Solo travel
Travelled here alone for 2 weeks. I stayed in Hongdae in a hostel. I walked and used the public transit system to get around. Very easy and convenient. Tourist friendly place. I felt very safe. Just went back again earlier in 2024 and had a great time too. Amazing food!
Posted: July 28, 2024Is South Korea safe for women?
Safety index
Based on 8 local experiences
Crime index
Based on 8 local experiences
Seoul
Should be cautious of hidden cameras in public ladies room and sexual harassment by glance at breast and legs of women. Must be careful to drink anything in clubs or so. Mind to take public transportation on commuting time because it would be packed and disgusting boys get closer and touch.
Posted: August 26, 2024Busan
I've only been here a few months but I feel very safe. Nothing has put me on edge or given me any reason to feel unsafe. There are cameras everywhere and the city is usually bustling in my area. It's never really dark and empty.
Posted: July 11, 2024Is South Korea safe right now?
United States Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions
Canada's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions
Australia's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions
Meet locals in South Korea
Lisa
About Me
Hi, I'm Lisa. I've lived in Gwangju for a few years. I love it here but I want to travel and see more of Korea and Asia. After a few months, I'll return to the US and travel there! I actually need to travel more in Gwangju, in Jan and Feb. Travel buddies, see you!
Speaking
Jun
About Me
I'm outgoing person and like meet people. I'm studying English these days. So I want meet some people who can exchange languages.
Speaking
Stay with locals in South Korea
Hahee
Gunsan-si
Can host for:
3 days
About me
Hi, I am Hahee, a Korean teacher. I would like to share cultural activities. I plan to visit NYC as I missed out a chance 10 years ago. It would be wonderful to see you to share travel stories.
Speaking
Lee
South Korea
Can host for:
7 days
About me
Hi, i am Yujin from South Korea. I have been travelling Europe since last 30/09/2022. It is started in France as Working holiday ! Now i am planing to work in Madrid in Spain on Dec. from the end of Oct to Nov, i am looking for place for staying in Europe ! And most important thing is that i am with my dog , so i hope you are dog lover, my dog , Angkko like hanging out with people but at first time, being quite timid :) During the staying, i can help you learn Korean culture or language. And maybe free hand poke , if you would like to !
Speaking
Upcoming visitors to South Korea
Barbara
About Me
I love to travel the world and explore the nature, try new food and meet people.
Speaking
Sabrina
About Me
I’m Sabrina. I’m French but I’ve been living in Asia for almost 20 years. I’m currently based in Hong Kong where I teach French. I love traveling, meeting new people, speaking different languages, cooking, reading, walking and yoga. Recently, I got interested in photography, and I like art too !
Speaking
Safety in South Korea
