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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.

Safety index

4.7 /5

Based on 13 experiences from female travelers

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.6 /5

Based on 8 experiences from local women

South Korea is currently ranked #14 safest country for solo female travelers. 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

4.7 /5

based on 13 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.7/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

3.2/5

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

3.6 /5

Based on 8 local experiences

Crime index

1.3 /5

Based on 8 local 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

Check the full travel advisory.

🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

Check the full travel advisory.

🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

Check the full travel advisory.

Meet locals in South Korea

Ülker

About Me

I'm originally from Azerbaijan but I was raised in Turkey. I have a bachelor's degree on English literature and master's degree on Philosophy. I'm a teacher and translator. I have 3 cats. I like reading, writing, drawing, watching thrillers and definitely I'm a tea addict. I have been hitchhiking with my backpack to see new cities in Turkey for years.

Speaking

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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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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.

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 !

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to South Korea

Sara

About Me

Hey 🌻 My name is Sara and I come from Italy 🇮🇹 I moved to Belgium almost 1 year ago now, and since then I started travelling and exploring different cities in Europe. My big goal is to travel to Asia before the end of 2024 ✨️