Is Seoul Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Seoul is generally safe for solo female travelers. The crime rate is relatively low and the locals are highly respectful. The city is also very clean and public transportation is reliable. It's common to see women walking alone late at night. However, like anywhere, it's always important to stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Safety rating

Travel and Meet new People

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet new people, find travel buddies and stay with local women for free through hospitality exchange.
Download from App StoreDownload from Google Play
Get the Travel Ladies App

How safe is Seoul?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Safe

Seoul, exhibits a high level of safety at night. The city is well-lit and the morning hours are lively with people, so even late into the night the roads aren't completely deserted. Public transports like buses, taxis, and subways are available at night. Still, like any other city, it's always recommended to stick to main roads, avoid dimly lit or deserted alleys. It's also wise to stay mindful of your belongings and your surroundings.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Very safe

Public transportation in Seoul is excellent and remarkably safe. The city offers an extensive subway system, bus routes, and taxis. The subway system is very efficient, clean and the signs are available in multiple languages, including English. Buses are accessible and taxis are affordable. It's common to see women using these systems at all hours of the day or night. All vehicles are equipped with security cameras and emergency call buttons. Remember to keep your belongings close to you and be aware of your surroundings as you would in any other big city.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

Seoul is generally a safe city for solo female travelers. Street harassment is quite low compared to many other major cities across the globe. The locals are usually polite and respectful, and instances of open hostility or unwanted attention are uncommon. Despite this, it's always advisable to stay alert and follow common safety precautions, particularly during late hours.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

Seoul is considered quite safe with regard to petty crimes. Although pickpocketing and bag-snatching can occasionally occur in crowded areas such as markets or public transportation, these instances are relatively rare. As in any large city, maintaining awareness of your surroundings and keeping personal belongings secure can further minimize such risks. The local police are generally responsive and many officers speak English. Security cameras, or CCTV, are also staples throughout the city, contributing to a lower crime rate.

Is Seoul worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 28 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

3.2/5
Emy

Emy

Germany

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
favorite_border 3
mode_comment 0
Pru

Pru

Germany

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Nicole

Nicole

United States

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Kate

Kate

Canada

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Vicki

Vicki

United Kingdom

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Hasnaa

Hasnaa

Morocco

Family travel

My experience was nice but I felt like I missed a lot of things as I couldn’t enjoy to the fullest being with my family (night life) But I was also glad because I was young and dumb. I sometimes went by myself to meet “friends” but you should not trust Korean men you met online easily. Some where clingy to the point it was creepy and wanted me to go to some places with them, some also tried to make me drunk on purpose even though I didn’t want to, which was very suspicious. Korea was safe overall, they have CCTV almost everywhere but always be careful.

Posted: April 9, 2024
favorite_border 3
mode_comment 0
Catarina

Catarina

Portugal

Couple travel

I love love love love Seoul :) Is the reason I am creating this account because I want to come back, and unfortunately, none of my friends would join me :( As you see from my pictures, my favourite thing about it is FOOD and drinking ;). But I fell in love with everything; I felt like a local there because there are no “ tourists “ kind of scams, and it is not a touristic city. But I loved it, I felt like I was living there, visiting every corner of the city, restaurants, nightlife, shops, museums, and art galleries. And the vibe is extremely unique; I have been to more than 25 countries and this is my favorite by far :)

Posted: April 4, 2024
favorite_border 2
mode_comment 0

Is Seoul safe for women?

Safety index

3.5 /5

Based on 5 local experiences

Crime index

1.2 /5

Based on 5 local experiences

Safe , much safer than any other cities But always be careful And make sure not to walk around alone not sober on the street located in the corner (just like in any other cities) Stay in crowded street !

Posted: December 16, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Meet locals in Seoul

Qian

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!

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Jun

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

mode_comment 0

Stay with locals in Seoul

Katnis

Katnis

Seoul

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi! I used to travel several times by couchsurfing before Corona. I miss the vibe of that friendly community and would like to pass the kindness and passion to others. Welcome, and let's share a good time together.

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Ezra

Ezra

Seoul

Can host for:

3 days

About me

hi, i’m gia, i actually moved here not so long ago, around 6 months. i’m an artist and model, i do bunch of stuff and i’m just starting to travel!

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Upcoming visitors to Seoul

Sara

Sara

About Me

I'm 32, divorced for a few years now aaaand finally said fuck it. So here I am looking to start a solo travel journey, but definitely nervous about it.

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Bella

Bella

About Me

Hello

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Safety in South Korea