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 62 experiences from female travelers

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4.3 /5

Based on 39 experiences from local women

South Korea is currently ranked #11 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

4.7 /5

based on 62 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4.7/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

3.4/5

Eleonora

Russia

South Korea, Solo travel

I was there for 3 weeks, and I was in 3 city's - Seoul, Taegu and Busan, my favorite was Seoul and Taegu, in the future I want visit more cities. I felt safe all the time, from 5am on the metro from the airport to a walk at 12am to the hotel. I can't recommend anything to visit, just go to places that's feels like was made for you. I'm a vegetarian and i have arfid, so it was kinda difficult to me find food to eat, almost all the time I spend money to eat something from the stores like 7/11 and I ate not spicy Ramen and snacks (I hate myself sometimes for this, but I live like this all my life) My budget was 2200$ and I spend all of it (not including flights and hotel reservations)😔 the transport was very convenient (but expensive, most of the money is in movement), I am honestly delighted with the metro, buses and trains, this is the best experience in my life, if only we had such beauty and culture eh I've been to 4 different hotels and haven't saved any of them, but I'll say that you can find something very good and not expensive

Posted: July 6, 2025Experienced: June, 2024

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South Korea, Family travel

I felt very safe in South Korea, people would leave their belongings on shop counters because they trusted no one would steal them. We stayed in a 4* hotel but it would have been a 5* hotel in the UK. I was Vegan at the time and a few restaurants didn't understand what that meant.

Posted: June 18, 2025Experienced: July, 2016

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Aleksandra

Russia

Seoul, Solo travel

I felt save traveling alone. Love market in Mangwon district - amazing food, good prices. Had accommodation also here - perfect place for calm stay! Recommend wowpass as debit card, t-money and esim. Also used climate card for unlimited transport in Seoul - best choice.

Posted: June 8, 2025Experienced: March, 2025

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Kari

Poland

Korea, Group travel

we did a tour of Seoul, Busan, Jeju, Gyeongju, Sokcho in 5/6 people. First of all, the communication of the place is great, you can easily get everywhere, the signs are legible and it is difficult to get lost. the food is delicious and huge portions for a low price. a lot of nature and beautiful views. we felt safe and confident on the streets, people are nice and helpful

Posted: June 4, 2025

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Seoul, Solo travel

Loved the trip honestly. I'm planning on shifting to Seoul soon and planned this trip to get familiar with the place before shifting there. Had a great experience people were nice. Everything was good overall tbh!

Posted: May 27, 2025

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Korea, Couple travel

We felt very safe in Korea. And We could go out whenever we wanted. We stayed in Seoul. It is a city that is lively 24 hours a day and you can find everything you want.

Posted: May 20, 2025

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Is South Korea safe for women?

Safety index

4.3 /5

Based on 39 local experiences

Crime index

1.6 /5

Based on 39 local experiences

Seoul

As a Black woman traveling solo in Korea, I felt genuinely safe. I never worried about having my phone out or watching my bag, even late at night. I went clubbing alone multiple times—no aggressive guys hitting on me, no one trying to take advantage. Once, I even blacked out from drinking, and instead of anything bad happening, people just helped me get to the nearest police station where I was safe and looked after. Overall, Korea felt respectful and secure, even in busy nightlife areas.

Posted: July 8, 2025

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Laura

Seongnam

Seongnam is really safe other than just drunk people on the main streets, but worries do come normally as a woman not used to this safety! It’s okay to feel worried, but there’s no reason to feel like that here!

Posted: June 30, 2025

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