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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.

South Korea is currently ranked #15 safest country for solo female travellers. Check the full ranking.

Safety rating

4.7 /5

Based on 13 travel experiences

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.6 /5

Based on 8 local experiences

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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 safe to travel?

4.7 /5

Based on 13 experiences

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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Vicki

United Kingdom

Seoul, Family travel

Our trip to Seoul, South Korea was enjoyable. We made it just in time for the cherry blossoms. There is a variety of activities to do from a range of budgets. The cultural facilities such as museums, palaces, and temples were either free or exceptionally affordable. The hanbok rentals were fairly priced and allows you to get into the palace free of charge when one is worn. Please note renting a hanbok is more than getting paying to enter the palace. Overall we did feel safe. We visited various areas of Seoul and even did a nature hike up one of the mountains. Gyeongbokgung Palace was a lovely visit and Myeongdong market was extremely busy but fun. The gangnam area in the evenings has adult entertainment fliers spread across the floor so you will see inappropriate fliers whilst walking. Unfortunately, for my experience being plus size (Trousers: US size 9/UK size 12) was not the greatest. I had an underground shop employee in Gangnam be extremely rude to me and didn't let me try on clothing (a cardigan). I left holding back tears and cried in the hotel room while my husband comforted me. I have never been treated so terribly. I also had multiple locals remark on my weight and how I would look better if I lost some weight. Unfortunately this is a cultural thing and it was not my first trip to Korea but was my 1st trip at my current size.

Posted: June 25, 2024Experienced: March, 2024

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Seoul, Solo travel

Safe, clean and cheap. Every meal can be under 10usd each person. But some traditional cuisine serves only large size, single person cannot order it. Activities are interesting. There are several exhibitions in the city and some ancient buildings. People can rent traditional dress nearby. U can also reserve a K-pop makeup service and experience a new, beautiful, gorgeous face of yourself 😍. Taking a ride to countryside for 2hour, you can enjoy snowfall or skiing.

Posted: June 14, 2024

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Seoul, Solo travel

If I were to visit South Korea again, it definitely wouldn’t be Seoul but instead probably Jeju or a beach city like Busan. Seoul is cool for a day, but anything more than that is redundant. It’s a mountain town, so the views are very cool. The food is amazing. I felt very safe walking around at night in the center of the city. However, unless you’re big into Korean pop culture like k-pop and k-dramas, you should make Seoul only a stop on your South Korea itinerary. Amazing café’s though! Super Instagramable. :p

Posted: June 10, 2024

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Is South Korea safe for women?

Safety rating

3.6 /5

Based on 8 experiences

Crime rates rating

1.3 /5

Based on 8 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, 2024

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Busan

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, 2024

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Is South Korea safe right now?

Before your visit to South Korea, it's essential to check travel advisories for South Korea, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.

🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The United States government advises exercising normal precautions in South Korea. Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: July 24, 2023

🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Canadian government advises to take normal security precautions in South Korea. Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: September 3, 2024

🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Australian government advises exercising normal safety precautions in South Korea. Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: July 9, 2024

Is South Korea worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 13 experiences

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

Things to do: 5/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5

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lou-is

Taiwan

South Korea, Solo travel

When I lived in hostels in Seoul city, I got to know a lot of people and felt very happy. I also enjoyed the local food, as Korea is considered to have the healthiest diet in the world. Wearing traditional clothes in the palace was an interesting experience. Overall, living in Korea was quite enriching.

Posted: April 20, 2024Experienced: March, 2024

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Meet locals in South Korea

Meet local women in South Korea who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.

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

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Neveah

About Me

Hello. Im looking for people to visit places with.

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Stay with locals in South Korea

Stay with local women in South Korea who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Hospitality exchange is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.

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

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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 !