Is South Korea Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

South Korea is remarkably safe for solo female travelers. With low crime rates and a society that is generally respectful, most women feel comfortable when navigating through both urban and rural areas. However, like in any foreign country, it's important to take precautions such as keeping personal belongings close and avoid dark alleys at night. Be respectful of cultural customs and the South Koreans will surely mirror that respect back. In case of emergencies, the locals and police service can be very helpful.

Safety rating

4.7 /5

Based on 64 experiences from female travelers

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4.3 /5

Based on 49 experiences from local women

South Korea is currently ranked #11 safest country for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.7 out of 5. Check the full ranking.

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How safe is South Korea?

Safety at night:Safe

South Korea is generally very safe for solo female travelers, even at night. Most areas in the city are well lit, and there's a significant police presence. Crime rates are relatively low compared to other countries. However, it is always important to remain cautious of your surroundings

Public transportation:Very safe

Public transportation in South Korea is highly efficient, punctual and considered very safe, even late at night. Buses and metros are not only reliable but also clean and well maintained. It is common for solo female travelers to use them without encountering any issue. The transportation system is also equipped with CCTVs and easy-to-understand signs in English. Therefore, whether it's day or night, public transportation in South Korea provides a safe and comfortable way to explore the country.

Street harassment:Low

South Korea is generally safe for solo female travelers. While the culture is deeply respectful and instances of street harassment are comparatively low, some areas known for nightlife may warrant caution. Do not disregard personal safety measures. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and don't be afraid to use Korean customs or language to your advantage if needed.

Petty crimes:Low

South Korea is generally a safe country for solo female travelers with regard to petty crimes. However, it's always important to stay vigilant. Petty thefts such as pickpocketing or bag-snatching can occasionally happen in crowded areas or public transport. Remember to always secure your belongings and avoid flashy displays of wealth.

Is South Korea worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 64 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4.7/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

3.4/5

Swann

France

South Korea, Group travel

I stayed in Korea for a 6 weeks research program in a korean university in Pohang (POSTECH). I had a lot of free time to discover the country and I participated to différent cultural activities offered by the program. I found Korea super safe, even alone at night ! I can recommand you to try a templestay in a bouddhist temple (I did it at Golgulsa temple for two days), it is a really immersive experience. There are also a lot of good hikes in the country, especially in Seoraksan national Park (I recommand you the Ulsanbawi rocks hike, which is really hard because there are also lot of stairs but I swear it is totally worth it !)

Posted: August 17, 2025

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Seoul, Family travel

I felt safe in Seoul, food was delicious and getting around the city with metro was really easy. Prices were moderate. It was a great experience, we did basic sightseeing with palaces and popular areas like Gangnam.

Posted: August 5, 2025

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Eleonora

Russia

South Korea, Solo travel

I was there for 3 weeks, and I was in 3 city's - Seoul, Taegu and Busan, my favorite was Seoul and Taegu, in the future I want visit more cities. I felt safe all the time, from 5am on the metro from the airport to a walk at 12am to the hotel. I can't recommend anything to visit, just go to places that's feels like was made for you. I'm a vegetarian and i have arfid, so it was kinda difficult to me find food to eat, almost all the time I spend money to eat something from the stores like 7/11 and I ate not spicy Ramen and snacks (I hate myself sometimes for this, but I live like this all my life) My budget was 2200$ and I spend all of it (not including flights and hotel reservations)😔 the transport was very convenient (but expensive, most of the money is in movement), I am honestly delighted with the metro, buses and trains, this is the best experience in my life, if only we had such beauty and culture eh I've been to 4 different hotels and haven't saved any of them, but I'll say that you can find something very good and not expensive

Posted: July 6, 2025Experienced: June, 2024

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South Korea, Family travel

I felt very safe in South Korea, people would leave their belongings on shop counters because they trusted no one would steal them. We stayed in a 4* hotel but it would have been a 5* hotel in the UK. I was Vegan at the time and a few restaurants didn't understand what that meant.

Posted: June 18, 2025Experienced: July, 2016

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Aleksandra

Russia

Seoul, Solo travel

I felt save traveling alone. Love market in Mangwon district - amazing food, good prices. Had accommodation also here - perfect place for calm stay! Recommend wowpass as debit card, t-money and esim. Also used climate card for unlimited transport in Seoul - best choice.

Posted: June 8, 2025Experienced: March, 2025

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Is South Korea safe for women?

Safety index

4.3 /5

Based on 49 local experiences

Crime index

1.7 /5

Based on 49 local experiences

Elle

Seoul

Overall its a very safe place and country. I would avoid certain areas and drunk men. Never ever take drinks in the club from strangers. In general just avoid clubbing here all together. Its not worth it. Many girls were drugged even when they came as a group. But walking on the streets in skirt of a size of a belt is chill and cool. Even at night you can walk the streets peacefully.

Posted: September 24, 2025

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