Is South Korea Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Safety rating
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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 48 experiences from female travelers
Things to do
Safety
Food
Budget-friendly
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
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
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, 2023Seoul, 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
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, 2024Is South Korea safe for women?
Safety index
Based on 26 local experiences
Crime index
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, 2025South 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, 2025Meet locals in South Korea
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!
Speaking
JY
About Me
I'm a new solo traveler, really excited to go to Japan and travel overseas alone for the first time! I lived abroad of Korea over a decade while moving around countries, so I love meeting new people! I worked in the education field here in Korea but I'm kinda burnt out, maybe I want to find a new way of living? Not sure with my life but solo traveling is going to be one new path for me!
Speaking
Stay with locals in South Korea
Patricia
Seoul
Can host for:
5 days
About me
Hello! My name is Patricia, I am from Romania, but I have lived in Korea since 2019. I am a student at Yonsei University, studying Business Administration. I am a student, so my budget is pretty tight. That's why I would love to do hosting exchange. I have 3 cats. All of them adopted 🩷. Very lovely and friendly.
Speaking
Upcoming visitors to South Korea
Ljiljana
About Me
I prefer deep talk to small talk I believe in conspiracy theories I own the cutest dog on this planet My place has a comfy couch I believe myself to be kind and caring
Speaking
Dana
About Me
35, single, Travel Nurse. Somewhat anxious/quiet/introverted until I get comfortable around new people.
Speaking
Safety in South Korea
