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 44 experiences from female travelers

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.8 /5

Based on 10 experiences from local women

South Korea is currently ranked #19 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

4.6 /5

based on 44 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4.7/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

3.3/5

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

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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, 2024

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Jeju 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, 2024

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South 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

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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

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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, 2024

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Seoul, 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

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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

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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, 2024

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South Korea, Solo travel

I felt very safe! All in all the food was amazing, I got to experience Korean culture and visit a Buddhist temple. It was a pleasure to stay with someone Korean because I learned so much about the language and food

Posted: July 6, 2024

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Is South Korea safe for women?

Safety index

3.8 /5

Based on 10 local experiences

Crime index

1.2 /5

Based on 10 local experiences

Daejeon

I born in Daejeon. Daejeon is located center of south korea. Transport is convenience. There's a famous bread shop name is 성심당. Their cakes are so famous. Daejeon is nice city I think. Ppl are kind!!

Posted: October 30, 2024

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Suwon

It's near Seoul. Actually nothing much to travel in here🥲 Hmmm but if you really wanna visit Suwon, I would recommend you to go 화성행궁. There's a pond so beautiful. It's a kind of historical place. Vibe is kinda different from Seoul!

Posted: October 30, 2024

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Meet locals in South Korea

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.

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Qian

About Me

Hi! I'm Qian, I'm doing my exchange semester here i Seoul, I'm from Spain. I'm just an adventurous girl who likes adrenaline. I'm down for any spontaneous plan, also being clumsy is part of my daily life. see y'all!

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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.