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 48 experiences from female travelers

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4.2 /5

Based on 26 experiences from local women

South Korea is currently ranked #21 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 48 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.7/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

3.3/5

Daegu, Family travel

I felt safe in this small town in South Korea , people are respective and usually unbothered about non-koreans around them.Everywhere is regulated with cctvs, which makes you feel more confident and safer. (I'm an introvert, I can't handle stares, but there I felt at ease!) Mountains and Beaches were amazing, and the food was nice. If you can't handle spicy food, you can always have an option of fast food you're familiar with.

Posted: March 18, 2025Experienced: June, 2024

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Marketa

Germany

South Korea, Solo travel

It was my first solo trip out of Europe. I was a little nervous. I prepped well but did not over done it. - I have been first few days in Seoul, flew to Jeju Island and after coming back to Seoul took a bullet train to Busan. - before the trip I have only booked the Hotel for the first days in Seoul and the flight to jeju and back but apart of that I did the rest of bookings in Korea. - The costs in general are similar to Germany. - recommend following apps: agoda, narver maps, klook, - buy a moneycard on the airport (convenience store) for bus, trains and other stores. - I never felt more secure on my trip like in Korea. I even saw plp in the restaurant leaving their bags at the table and going to restroom or leaving the bags on the park‘s benches.

Posted: February 15, 2025

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Marta

Poland

Seoul, Solo travel

Overall i felt safe. I wasnt harrased and noone was asking me weird questions. I wore fake engagement ring like during my other solo trips. I Walked alone in lat evening (around 11pm) and it was safe. I dont know how it is at night. I spent around 15-20 euro per day for food. I used visit seoul card and I can reccomend it only if you plan your trip right and use it a lot.

Posted: January 22, 2025Experienced: September, 2023

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Seoul, Solo travel

I felt very safe. I stayed in a hostel in a shared room. I loved the parks and generally walking around the old buildings. The street food was amazing. I would recommend not eating in restaurants and instead eating in the food stalls you can find everywhere. I got a korean prepaid card for public transportation and using it was so easy. You had to scan it when entering or exiting a bus and subways and they always showed your balance. So you always knew when to top up

Posted: January 22, 2025Experienced: September, 2024

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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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Is South Korea safe for women?

Safety index

4.2 /5

Based on 26 local experiences

Crime index

1.4 /5

Based on 26 local experiences

Seoul

I think Seoul is mostly safe for women tourists and travelers. I’ve never had a problem walking alone or at night. But there is still lots of sexism and misogyny here, so it’s important to be careful. There are plenty of stories of women being harassed or followed or filmed without permission.

Posted: February 28, 2025

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South Korea

I often see high level crimes in news but I don't feel unsafe that much in everyday life, even at night. Plus, unless you're a sloppy person, it's unlikely that you'll lose something when you leave it behind.

Posted: February 13, 2025

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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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Lisa

About Me

Hi, I'm Lisa. I've lived in South Korea for a few years but am now back in the US and traveling there. I've been to Japan a number of times, mainly Kyoto and Tokyo. I've also visited Taiwan and Thailand. Really want to go back, but there are places to see here first. Can't wait to get back on the road!

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Noah

South Korea

Can host for:

7 days

About me

Hello, my name is Noah I’m from Korea. But now i’m in Paris for study I love travel so much

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Upcoming visitors to South Korea

Talgoxen

About Me

I'm a 50 year old swedish woman who loves to travel. Currently, I'm in country no. 20 (SouthKorea) and I hope to squeeze in country no. 21 (Japan) before I end my 2 mounth solo trip here. I've been to all the Nordic countries, 75% of the rest of Europe, Uganda twice, Dubai, and now SouthKorea. My interests, besides travelling, are history, archaeology, art and craft, carpentry, tailoring, nature, and animals. As I'm a fostermom + have a young man renting a room in my house, it can be tricky for me to host someone in my house, but show you around in my neighbourhood or go and get a coffee and talk, that I can do.