travel to korea alone

South Korea Solo Travelling Guide: 20 Things To Know, Including Restaurants For Single Diners & Female-Only Hostels 

Guide to solo travelling in South Korea

Travelling alone to a foreign country requires a lot of courage and there are many things you’ll have to know before embarking on your trip. Here’s a guide to solo travelling in South Korea , so you can fully enjoy your stay in the country with less to worry about. 

1. Book accommodations in bustling areas

Although South Korea is a relatively safe country with low crime rates, safety should never be taken for granted. It’s better to be safe than sorry w hen looking for accommodation.

We recommend checking out places in the bustling areas such as Myeongdong and Hongdae. Accommodation in these areas tend to be on the slightly pricier end, but there are plenty of shopping districts and restaurants in close vicinity.

Avoid staying at places that are hidden in alleys or are too far from the train stations and bus stops as they are not the safest for tourists. 

2. Stay at female-only hostels

Females travelling solo may want to consider opting for female-only hostels. Living in a female-only hostel allows you to meet people from all walks of life, and who knows, you may even make a new female friend.

However, if you are uncomfortable sharing a room with other travellers, we strongly encourage you to opt for the next option instead.

3. When to opt for goshiwon

A goshiwon may be a wise choice if you are tight on budget and would prefer more affordable accommodation options.

A goshiwon is an off-campus dormitory and the cheapest form of accommodation available in Korea. You don’t have to be a student to rent a goshiwon room.

Note that the rooms are usually small, and oftentimes, you’ll have to share a common bathroom with other occupants. 

3. When to stay at hanok guest houses

If you’re in Korea and want to experience traditional Korean culture, definitely try staying at a hanok (traditional Korean house) guest house.

These hanok guest houses are revamped and outfitted with air-conditioning and modern toilets to let you have a comfortable stay.

Staying at a hanok guest house is also great for solo travellers who want to meet new people and learn more about different cultures too. 

4. Get a duffel bag for extra storage & convenience

Travelling alone means that no one will be there to carry your luggage. 

A duffel bag will come in handy if you are going on short trips to other cities as it serves as a great alternative to carriers.

Keep your hands free by getting a duffel bag that can be slotted into the handle of your luggage. This makes it more convenient for you to navigate around the bustling city without having to worry about accidentally leaving something behind because your hands are full.

5. Invest in a selfie stick with a tripod stand

Due to the language barrier, it can be intimidating to approach the locals to ask them to help you take photos. But fret not, when there’s a will, there’s a way. 

Investing in a selfie stick that comes with a tripod stand will be a game changer when it comes to taking photos beyond selfies. Most of these selfie sticks come with a Bluetooth shutter, which means you can snap away until you get the perfect shot without the help of strangers. 

6. Utilise lockers for your shopping bags

It can be a hassle to carry all your shopping bags while you’re busy shopping till you drop.

Locker rental services are common in Korea and you can find them at train stations near popular shopping areas, such as Hongdae and the Express Bus Terminal Underground Shopping Mall.

The rental prices of these lockers are affordable, and it can go as low as KRW2,000 (~USD1.43) for a 4-hour rental.

There are 3 locker sizes to choose from. Typically, the small compartment is more than sufficient to hold your shopping bags. But if you need more space to store your luggage, you can opt for the medium or large compartments.

Note that the lockers found at different train stations may have different sizes, so we encourage you to check the size chart carefully before making your payment.

You can make payment using your credit card or T-money card (transportation card in Korea). It’s useful to note that not all places accept cash as a form of payment.

7 . Download Papago to communicate with the locals

Travelling alone in South Korea without knowing how to speak Korean can be daunting. But it will be less so when you download Naver Papago, an AI Translator app on Apple App Store or Google Play Store .

Besides language translation, the Korean words and phrases come accompanied with romanisation to help you pronounce them correctly.

Use the conversation function to effectively communicate with the locals. The app will automatically translate whatever you’ve said into Korean, and vice versa, it helps to translate what the locals said to a language of your preference. 

Another useful function of the app would be the image translation feature, where you can translate the words on an image. This will be extremely useful when you have to order a meal from a Korean menu.

8. Take buses & trains as cheaper alternatives

It’s a no-brainer that taxis are the more expensive option when it comes to public transportation in Korea . Bus and train fares are not only cheaper, but you can also get discounted fees when you transfer between bus or train rides. 

Taxis are also difficult to flag down during peak hours. If you are in a rush, taking the bus or train save you more time because of their regular schedules . 

9. What to do when you lose your belongings

Losing your belongings in a foreign country is a nightmare, especially when you are travelling alone.

Stay calm and use this lost and found website to look for your lost belongings. If you happen to find someone else’s stuff, you can report them here as well.

Watch the video for clearer instructions and guidelines on what you should do when you lose or find something during your stay in Korea.

The Frequently Asked Questions section of the site is conveniently available in English.

10. Travelling to other cities alone

Intercity buses often stop at rest stops for approximately 15 minutes during parts of the journey for you to take a quick toilet break.

Use this time to go to the bathroom, or if you’re feeling peckish, get yourself some popular snacks such as corndogs and walnut-flavoured cakes.

Pro-tip: Take a picture of the bus plate number of your bus so that you won’t board the wrong coach; you’ll find that there are many similar-looking buses at the rest stops, which can get confusing for travellers who are not as observant. 

Also make sure that you time yourself well, with ample buffer time as the bused will not wait for you if you don’t make it back on time. 

11. SIM card versus Wi-Fi egg

If you are deciding between getting a SIM card or a Wi-Fi egg, we recommend you get the former. It is more convenient as there’s no need to charge yet another device overnight. Plus, you don’t have to worry about losing it, then having to replace it. 

Getting a SIM card with a local number is not compulsory, but we recommend that you opt for one as it will be useful when you’re making reservations or ordering food delivery. 

12. Have fun alone at a Korean coin karaoke

Going to karaoke is not only for big groups of friends. In Korea, it’s an activity enjoyed alone as a way to destress or put your bathroom singing skills to test. 

Singing at a coin noraebang (coin karaoke) is the perfect activity for solo travellers when you have time to kill or simply want to have fun.

13. 1-person meal options on delivery apps

If you are craving for a late-night snack or dessert, you can get them delivered to you by ordering via delivery apps .

Most delivery apps impose a minimum order of approximately KRW15,000 (~USD10.76) per order, but it can be difficult to hit that amount if you’re ordering just a single serving. 

So you’ll want to download a delivery app such as Yogiyo, which lets you order a 1-person serving meal without having to hit the minimum order amount. Simply look out for the category that says “1인분 주문”, which literally translates to 1-person serving order.

14. Minimum 2 pax for BBQ

Korean barbecue is a must-eat when you visit Korea. However, most of the restaurants do not accept solo diners as they tend to prioritise bigger groups of customers.

On the bright side, there are BBQ restaurants that specifically cater to solo diners; you may even get a personal table and grill when you eat at these restaurants. 

– Places to eat at, as a solo traveller –

15. fast food restaurants.

Eating alone in a foreign country can be a little overwhelming. Although most restaurants in Korea don’t mind solo diners, some places may prefer to serve bigger groups of people instead. 

The most convenient places to eat at, as a solo traveller, are none other than fast food restaurants. 

In Korea, there are many fast food restaurants to choose from. Ranging from local ones such as Mom’s Touch and No Brand Burger to famous ones such as McDonald’s and Shake Shack, the list is never-ending. 

Better still, self-ordering kiosks that have English menus are usually available at these fast food restaurants, so you won’t have to worry about the language barrier too. 

16. Korean eateries

Korean eateries are also known as “분식 식당” ( bunsik sikdang ). They sell inexpensive food such as kimbap , donkatsu (pork cutlet), tteokbokki (spicy rice cake), and fried rice. 

You can get a roll of kimbap for as low as KRW2,000 (~USD1.43) , and a bowl of ramyeon at only KRW3,000 (~USD2.15) .

The most famous bunsik sikdang in Korea would be the Kimbap Heaven eatery, which has numerous franchise outlets all over the country.

17. Solo-diner restaurants

Solo-diner restaurants that serve 1-person set meals or bento sets will be the go-to for solo travellers to South Korea.

The set meals usually include food items such as boiled pork and braised pig trotters that commonly come in larger serving sizes.

Since these restaurants target solo diners, you can often find solo-dining capsules or bar seats that cater to people eating alone.

18. Street food

The street food scene in Korea is amazing. From snacks such as hotteok (sweet Korean pancakes) to meals such as kalguksu (knife-cut noodles), you can probably find everything you need to fulfil your cravings when you hit up a food street. 

Note that not all street food tents or carts have tables and chairs for you to sit and dine at, but you are free to stand and eat while walking around the market. 

19. Traditional markets

Going to traditional markets allows you to eat the most authentic Korean food and dine alone without feeling embarrassed.

Most of the food sold at the markets come in 1-person portions, so you can try a variety of dishes at the market too.

Find local cuisines such as bibimbap (Korean mixed rice with vegetables), and unconventional foods such as sannakji (live octopus sashimi) and yukhoe (seasoned raw beef).

Visit the Gwangjang Market for their famous kkwabaegi (twisted donuts) and   bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes). Not to be dramatic, but they are life-changing. 

20. Convenience stores

Most convenience stores in Korea have tables and seats inside or outside the premises, so you can have a quick meal there whenever you have food cravings or are feeling a little peckish. 

Recreate the iconic Mark’s Meal while you’re there, or get cup noodles and light snacks such as the triangle kimbap and fish bars. You can also find interesting prepacked Korean food such as grilled intestines at the convenience stores too. 

Solo travelling guide for those who believe the world is your oyster

If you are planning to travel alone to South Korea, bookmark this guide for easy access to the tips that will make your trip a memorable one.

For more travelling tips, also check out our South Korea public transportation guide ,  Han River Park guide ,  Mangwon guide ,  jimjilbang guide , and this list of  11 things to do in Jeju .

Cover image adapted from: Clara Quek, 순구 via Airbnb , 채구리 via Naver,   은비까비 via Naver 

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Travels with Erica

A Solo Traveller's Guide to the World

10 Things to Know Before Travelling to Seoul Alone

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Seoul is one of my favourite cities in Asia! It is an extremely underrated solo travel destination, but it shouldn’t be. The best part about travelling to Seoul alone is that it is so easy !

Anybody can have a successful solo trip to Seoul.

No matter how experienced or inexperienced a solo traveller you are!

Travelling to Seoul alone is a great starting point for any solo traveller visiting Asia for the first time. Seoul is easy to navigate, modern (but still full of history), has amazing food, and is less expensive than you may think. Seoul is 100% safe for solo travellers- even at night! I highly recommend a solo trip to Seoul for anybody even remotely considering it!

But there are definitely some things you need to be aware of before your solo trip to Seoul!

This post has you covered!

I’m going to share my top tips and tricks for travelling to Seoul alone.

These are tips I picked up during my multiple solo trips to Seoul. I definitely wish I had known some of these things before my first solo trip to Seoul!

PS- check out all my articles about South Korea here!

Table of Contents

1. Seoul is Less Expensive than You Think

When I planned my first solo trip to Seoul, I read blog after blog and heard person after person say that it is expensive to visit South Korea.

I think that narrative has to do with how close South Korea is to Japan. Korea gets lumped into Japan and thought of as an expensive country, but that isn’t the case at all!

I was shocked at how affordable Seoul is!

It is less expensive than Hong Kong, which is not what I expected when planing my trip.

You can get a restaurant meal for 10,000 won (about $9 USD), get tickets to a baseball game for the same price, and visit the most popular attraction Gyeongbokgung Palace for just 4,000 won (approximately $3.50 USD).

Pretty good prices for an East Asian country hey!

The two things that tend to be expensive are inter-city travel and hotels.

PS- learn how to travel from Seoul to Busan the easy way!

But even those aren’t unreasonably expensive.

You can find a good hotel for about $100 USD per night!

If you’re holding off travelling to Seoul alone because you want someone to split the costs with, you don’t need to!

South Korea is far more affordable than you’re led to believe.

The best part is if you’re travelling to other parts of the country, they are even more affordable!

I highly recommend you visit Gyeongju . It is one of my favourite cities in the entire country!

2. Seoul is Safe for Solo Travellers- Even at Night

Seoul is one of the safest cities in the world.

There is hardly any crime. Including petty crime!

Of course, there is still crime that happens in the city, but it is significantly less than in other countries around the world.

I’m normally very weary of being out and about when I travel alone.

I feel jumpy, on edge, and sweat more than I want to admit.

But, surprisingly, I do not feel that same level of anxiety when I’m alone in Seoul at night.

There is still some heart racing- especially if I’m walking alone down a dark street-, but it is so much less than I experience even in my home town.

Maybe it is because I know how safe it is when I’m there, how friendly the locals are, or how brightly lit and busy the main streets are.

No matter the reason, walking alone at night in Seoul is not an issue.

The city is completely safe any other time of the day as well!

Unlike some other cities around the world, you’re not a target just because you’re a solo traveller!

PS- check out the 10 things nobody tells you about solo travel.

3. Be Careful Where You Stay

Okay. This definitely contradicts my last points, but it is important you stay in the right areas.

I had the mistake of staying not quite in the right area the first time I visited Seoul (and Gyeongju and Busan for that matter), and I don’t want you to make the same mistake as me!

When you Google where to stay in Seoul, there will be a number of neighbourhoods that my fellow bloggers recommend.

My personal favourite neighbourhood to stay in is Myeong-dong btw.

Then you go to your favourite hotel website (mine is Hotels.com ) and start searching for hotels in that area.

It won’t take long to notice a pattern.

The hotels in the heart of said neighbourhood are more expensive than the hotels at the outer part of the area.

So being the frugal-minded person you are, you try to find the best deal on a hotel in a good neighbourhood.

That is what I’ve done every time I visit a new city in Korea, and it has always turned into a regret.

You see, the least expensive hotels near the popular neighbourhoods look good but oftentimes are not what they seem.

My Experience

The first time I visited Seoul, I stayed in a hotel on the outskirts of the Myeong-dong area.

The hotel looked fine from photos, and it was half the price of other hotels in the district.

Turns out there was a reason for that!

It was located down some sketchy alley, and it just had a scummy vibe to the hotel.

That particular hotel was fine. Decently clean and a nice place to sleep at night.

It could have been much worse though! My experiences in Gyeongju and Busan taught me that!

In both those cities, I stayed at hotels on the outskirts of the most popular tourist neighbourhoods, and both times the hotels turned out to be (how to put this delicately) the type of hotel you can rent by the hour.

It resulted in terrible sleeps with people being loud in the rooms above and beside me. Plus the whole vibe of the hotels deeply changed after my first night and the sounds I heard.

I don’t want to say that every inexpensive hotel on the outskirts of the popular tourist neighbourhoods is like this.

That wouldn’t be fair, and it would be wrong of me to slander businesses I haven’t actually stayed at.

But I do want to warn you that it is probably worth paying a little bit more for a hotel in the heart of the popular areas.

That way you know you’ll be comfortable and won’t feel uneasy in your hotel.

That is, of course, extremely important when travelling to Seoul alone.

4. You Need a Wifi Strategy

Almost every blog you read about South Korea and Seoul will tell you that there is free public wifi all over the place, but that hasn’t been my experience in the country.

You need a wifi plan when travelling to Seoul alone because it isn’t as easy to find reliable free wifi as the internet would allow you to believe.

I have a in-depth post about wifi in Seoul you can read here , but I’ll give you a basic run down of your wifi options right now!

Essentially, you have three options when it comes to wifi in Seoul:

• Rely on public wifi at cafés, restaurants, museums, and hotels
• Rent pocked wifi at the airport (my recommendation)
• Use your personal Skyroam Wifi device and access the internet wherever you are

If you don’t already have a Skyroam, I highly recommend you rent pocket wifi when you land in Seoul.

It is super affordable and only costs a few dollars per day!

A pocket wifi device allows you to connect to the internet no matter where you are. You don’t have to rely on free public wifi (and the effort it can take to find it!).

I love being connected to the internet all the time when I travel alone. It is freeing to know I can always connect to Google maps, message my mom, or post on social media whenever I want.

And not be limited to just when I’m at a café or someone else with public wifi.

If you don’t want to rent a pocket wifi device, then your best chances at finding public wifi that actually works is at cafés, restaurants, museums (which are normally free to enter), and hotels.

It isn’t terribly common to be able to access wifi when you’re just out and about walking around, but it can happen.

No matter what your internet preferences are, it is best to have a plan before you arrive in Seoul.

You don’t want to be like me my first solo trip to Seoul where I was expecting for there to be wifi everywhere when there actually isn’t.

You Need to be Internet Safe

I preach this in almost all of my posts, but you need to be internet safe when you travel.

Especially when you’re a solo traveller.

You will be using public wifi at some point during your solo trip to Seoul.

Yes. Even if you rent a pocket wifi device or use your Skyroam .

Eventually, your wifi device needs to be charged, and you will be using the public wifi at the hotel.

Even if a wifi network has a password, it is still a public wifi network. Anybody who knows the password can access it, and it isn’t a secure network.

You leave yourself vulnerable when using a public wifi network. Anybody else who uses that network (and wants to/knows how to) can access your online data.

And steal it.

I don’t know about you, but it sounds like a nightmare to try to cancel your credit cards because someone stole your banking information while you’re alone in Seoul.

The only way to keep your online data safe when using a public wifi network is by installing a VPN on your devices.

A VPN essentially puts a forcefield around your phone that keeps unwanted eyes from seeing and stealing your personal information.

It makes using a public wifi network just as safe as using your home wifi where you’re the only person who know the login information!

My Favourite VPN

As you can imagine, I’ve used multiple VPNs in my travel career. I cancelled every single one of them after the first year because they slowed down my phone to the point where I got so frustrated and stopped using the VPN.

That is until I found NordVPN .

It is the quickest VPN on the market and blows the competitive away speed wise.

One of my favourite features of NordVPN is that they have a strict no logs policy. This means they do not collect or share your private information!

They are based in Panama, which does not require them to collect logs like many other countries do.

Your data is 100% safe with Nord!

My other favourite feature (and one that is arguably more sexy) is the ability to cloak your location.

You can choose for it to appear like you’re in a different country than you actually are.

This means you can access that country’s Netflix library and watch shows that may not be available in your area!

There is no better way to pass the evenings when you’re alone in Seoul than watching a lot of Netflix!

All this for a very low price.

The monthly cost of a NordVPN subscription is less than the price of a Starbuck’s latte!

Plus you can connect up to six devices on the same subscription, so all your devices are covered for one low fee.

There is no excuse not to protect your online data and privacy with a VPN!

I always say that if you can afford to travel, you can afford to protect your online information!

5. Koreans Can be Blunt

I learnt this that hard way when someone in a skincare store I was wandering through was visibly horrified by my acne-riddled face and told me that it had to be fixed.

Another time, a lady commented on my weight.

I was so nervous about how blunt Koreans can be that I lost 20lbs before my next solo trip to Seoul. I met up with my Korean friend one evening for dinner, and she said “you look better than last time I saw you”.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with Koreans being blunt. It is part of their culture, and they don’t mean it in a mean way.

In fact, their compliments are often disguised as backhanded ones.

Like my friend’s comment the second time I was travelling to Seoul alone.

I’m telling you, so you know what to expect.

If you know that you may possibly encounter bluntness or a backhanded compliment, then you’re prepared when they happen.

You don’t end up taking it the wrong way and feeling bad about yourself.

Or going back to your hotel to cry like I did after my interaction with the lady in the store.

You probably won’t experience any bluntness when travelling to Seoul alone unless you’re befriending some locals or something along those lines.

So don’t let it impact your decision on whether or not to visit Seoul alone!

6. The Café Culture is Strong

I’ve never seen so many cafés as I have in Korea.

They are literally everywhere!

Seriously! You can’t walk a block without there being at least one and probably two or three cafés!

An essential activity when alone in Seoul is visiting cafés and people watching!

It is so much fun. Especially in Myeong-dong and Insadong where there is lots of stuff going on!

A lot of cafés are on the second or third story of buildings, so you get a great bird’s eye view the area.

It is the perfect way to relax and have an afternoon break.

Plus the tea, coffee, and snacks at Korean cafés are delicious!

Seoul is where my love of matcha originated!

Plus you can find some of the cutest and most unique cafés in the world.

So definitely set some time aside during your solo trip to Seoul to relax, have a cup of tea, and take in the sights and sounds of Seoul from a café.

7. Be Careful What You Wear!

This one is more for the readers who identify as female.

Sorry everyone else!

For the most part, there isn’t much of a dress code for women in Korea.

You can wear short skirts, shorts, tight clothes. Pretty much anything is okay.

And people in Seoul are stylish!

The only thing you want to avoid is bare shoulders.

No tank tops and no strappy dresses. Unless you’re wearing a sweater over them.

You won’t be asked to leave an establishment, and nobody will say anything to your face.

But you will get some weird looks.

Trust me, I wore a tank top on my first solo trip to Seoul, and you definitely notice people staring. And it isn’t because I was white. It was because of my bare shoulders!

Again, nothing will happen if you choose to show your shoulders, but you will definitely feel like the odd one out!

8. Street Food is Your Best Food

Seoul has some of the best street food around, and you don’t want to miss out on it!

Plus it means you don’t have to eat at a restaurant alone. I know a lot of new solo travellers are very nervous about eating alone, and this takes that worry away.

There is street food all over Seoul! Even in quiet side streets you wouldn’t expect have a vendor or two.

The best places for tourists to find street food is at Myeong-dong or Insadong. They are popular tourist areas, and street vendors know that is the place to set up shop!

You can find pretty much any type of street food in Seoul!

There are traditional Korean foods, ice cream s’mores, potato spirals, porridge, and so much more.

There are literally streets lined with street vendors, and you can find anything you’re craving (for the most part).

One area where the street food lacks is in vegetarian options. 🙁

You can still find plenty of vegetarian options, but you have to look a little harder! Also, if there is a sauce be sure to ask the vendor if there is fish in the sauce. That is quite common.

Oh. Did I mention that the street food is quite affordable too!

You can get a number of different items and have it cost less than a sit-down restaurant meal.

I love that street food allows you to try a number of different items and experience different traditional dishes without committing to a large portion of it.

Pick an evening and dedicate to exploring Myeong-dong and trying all the street food.

It will be one of the highlights of your solo trip to Seoul!

9. Have a Plan for Myeong-dong

Speaking of Myeong-dong, you need to have a plan before you arrive.

There is temptations everywhere, and before you know it, you’ll have blown your budget and have to buy an extra suitcase for your flight home because you have so many skincare products!

You have nobody with you to reign in your spending, and things can get out of hand quickly because there are so many temptations!

That is why you need a plan before you visit the shopping district.

Even if you’re not a skincare lover.

It will suck you in!

Set a budget or have a list of items you are going to purchase before heading to Myeong-dong.

It is one of the best tips for planning a solo trip to Seoul I can give you!

Having restraint is easier said than done in such a busy and exciting area!

10. Koreans are Friendly but Reserved

But, Erica, you said Koreans are blunt!

Yes, yes I did, and it is true.

Koreans are both friendly and reserved but can also be blunt.

For the most part, Koreans won’t approach you and strike up a conversation. You will mostly be left alone to do your own thing.

If you choose to strike up a conversation with someone, they will likely be reserved and friendly to you.

Your attempts at conversations probably won’t go beyond small talk, but that’s okay!

If you’re lost or need assistance in any way, the locals are more than happy to help you!

There are even tourist booths set up in the major tourist locations where volunteers answer questions and help tourists when they are lost.

Expect all your interactions with the locals to be friendly!

Yay! We love that as a solo traveller.

Solo Travel Myths

Are you ready for your solo trip to Seoul yet?!

I truly believe travelling to Seoul alone is one of the best decisions you can make! It is such an amazing city with a mix of modern and traditional wrapped into one bustling city.

I hope these tips and tricks help you plan your solo trip to Seoul and convinced you that it is a great destination for solo travellers.

Seoul is such an easy city to get around. The transportation system is a breeze, and you can walk to a lot of the major tourist attractions.

Plus now you know that the rumour that Seoul is an expensive city is false! You won’t break the budget when travelling to Seoul alone, so you don’t need to worry about saving up thousands of dollars for your trip.

And the food is to die for!

So what are you waiting for? Seoul is waiting for you to explore it!

Related Posts

• How to Travel from Seoul to Gwangju (The Easy Way!)
• How to Travel from Busan to Seoul (The Easy Way!)
• How to Travel from Seoul to Daejeon (The Easy Way!)

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South Korea Solo Travel Tips

If you plan to visit South Korea but don’t have a travel companion, don’t hesitate to do so! As someone who has traveled solo to more than 20 countries, Korea is one of the safest countries I’ve been to. And my trip was so much fun!

So, if it’s your first solo trip to Korea, here is what you should know before visiting. 

Is South Korea safe for solo travelers?

Yes. I felt completely safe while traveling in Korea. As long as you have common senses and do not try to get into trouble, you’ll be fine. 

South Korea is safe and has excellent transportation, so there’s no reason not to travel alone there. 

How many days should you visit South Korea on your solo trip?

Wait, this question is a bit difficult, right?

You should determine the purpose of this trip and your budget.

If you plan to go sightseeing and shopping, a few days is enough. However, if you’d like to explore and have many cultural experiences in Korea, you must stay for days.

If you are going for the first time, you should spend around a week sightseeing and exploring Seoul. Then, on your next trip, expand your vacation further. For example, I recommend exploring Busan or Jeju Island .

Or you can rely on the situation to arrange a short trip but still allocate a reasonable time and destination, all okay.

Is it costly to travel solo to South Korea?

I don’t think so. You can travel to South Korea on a budget.

For example, if you rent Hanbok in Seoul , you can get free entrance to 5 palaces. Also, there are many attractions where you can enter for free.

About shopping, there are so many discounts! For example, I walked around Myeong dong in Seoul and got tons of free samples. 

Also, you can take advantage of booking tickets for transportation and attractions on Klook . You’ll get discounts and can use the code conveniently and fast.

How to exchange money in South Korea

South Korea uses coins and banknotes, including 1 won, 5 won, 10 won, 50 won, 100 won, and 500 won. Banknotes are distinguished by different colors, including 1,000 won, 5,000 won, 10,000 won, 50,000 won.

You can bring USD to Korea and exchange it for won at the airport bank.

Some notes when changing money are as follows:

• If you do not want to change money at the airport, you can go to Myeongdong to exchange. This area has many Korean currency exchange banks with the best rates.
• Many services here accept cash and international cards. However, you should also prepare some cash to spend on travel, shopping at small shops.
• When traveling, you should not bring more than 7,000 USD converted into other foreign currencies if more will be declared to the Customs.

Getting around South Korea

This is a popular means of transportation in Korea, and you can travel anywhere by bus.

There are two types of buses: inner-city buses and high-speed buses. Bus fares range from 1,250 won to 2,300 won for suburban routes.

It’s more convenient to get around by taxi, but it is quite expensive. Taxis in Korea have different colors, with gray or black cabs are usually cheaper.

Taxi is more expensive from midnight to 4 pm, so don’t forget to ask for a price before getting on a cab at night. 

Solo dining in South Korea

In my observation, Koreans love cooking with chili powder! Many dishes have powders, and one serving is a lot, equal to 2 servings in other countries. 

Eating out alone in South Korea can be difficult for solo travelers. Particularly, if you want to try Korean barbecue, ask someone to go with you since they don’t sell to 1 person. You can order a 2-people portion, but it would be a waste. 

So, make some friends and invite them to join! 

Price : Each dish ranges from 5,000 won ~ 10,000 won, depending on the item.

Tips to solo travel to South Korea

In brief, here is what you should remember before visiting South Korea

• Apply for a visa and book your flight tickets
• Buy a 4G sim card to stay connected
• Prepare cash
• Download travel apps
• Join tours to meet people and get around easier

Ha is an avid traveler and writer with a background in marketing & hospitality. She's lived in a few countries and traveled to more than 30. When she's not traveling or writing, Ha loves trying new recipes.

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Thanks for these tips! Cant wait to go to Korea

Your blog is very informative and helpful. Traveling alone is one of the best experiences. Challenging but you will discover something different about yourself.

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Solo Travel in Seoul, South Korea: The Ultimate Guide

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Ever wondered what it’s like to solo travel in Seoul? South Korea isn’t the typical destination that comes to mind for solo travelers. Before I went there, I read that it’s not the best place to venture out alone.

However, South Korea, with its vibrant capital, Seoul, offered a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity, deeply rooted in its rich cultural history.

This combination intrigued me. So, in September 2023 I set out to see if South Korea truly deserved its reputation as an unconventional choice for solo travel.

In this article, we’ll not only uncover the hidden beauty of solo travel in South Korea but also provide you with the insights you need to navigate Seoul on your own.

Ready to learn what to expect as a solo traveler in South Korea?

Let’s dive in.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below may contain affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase.

Is Seoul safe for a solo female traveler?

Seoul is definitely safe for a solo female traveler. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.

It’s generally considered safe to walk alone in the evening as a woman in Seoul. I think this is great, yet I would still not try my own luck walking alone at night time. Make sure that you know the way if you are wandering alone at night.

And choose to walk on the main roads where more people are walking instead of small alleyways. Have offline maps downloaded from maps.me and have your phone charged.

There are another couple of things to keep in mind when traveling alone in Seoul. One of them is to not drink too much when you go clubbing here. Especially if you’re a girl.

It’s not uncommon to be grabbed by your wrists in certain clubs while going out here. Also be aware of your drink, because of drink spiking. This may not sound very nice, but it’s good to be realistic and know what to be aware of.

Like in every part of the world, be aware of your surroundings.

The best places to stay as a solo traveler in Seoul

So, where should you stay during solo travel in Seoul? If you want to have the chance to meet new people while traveling solo in South Korea, it’s best to stay in a hostel. As a woman, the safest option is to stay in a female-only hostel.

Garosugil Homestay – Female Only

If you’re a solo female traveler and prefer to stay in a women only accommodation, then this is a great choice. Garosugil Homestay is situated in the Gangnam district.

The interior is very beautiful and clean and the owner is kind. Click here to view its prices and availability.

Hostel Haru, Seoul

Another great option is to stay in Hostel Haru . This hostel is mixed, however you can book a private bedroom, so you still have your own privacy. If you prefer to stay in a hostel room (mixed or female only), then that’s also possible.

The location in the centre of Seoul is excellent and you have great evening views from the lounge. Definitely check out this hostel here .

Hotel RU136

If you want to stay in a luxurious hotel with a gigantic bath and a lot of privacy, then choose to stay at Hotel RU136 . Here you’ll find a more extensive review of this place.

It’s very affordable compared to how luxurious it feels. The hotel is situated in a more local area with two subway stations located nearby. View its rates and availability over here .

Tips for solo travel in South Korea

Here are some tips for your solo travels in this interesting country. They help you set the right expectations for your travels here.

Have the right apps on your phone

You should download a couple of essential apps when traveling here . These will come in really handy and will make your solo travels here a lot easier.

The walking routes on Google Maps don’t work that well here, so it’s necessary to download either KakaoMaps or NaverMaps. These apps make getting around in Seoul a lot easier.

Also make sure that your phone is always charged. You don’t want to be lost in a place where you don’t know the way nor the language.

South Korea isn’t a good destination for your first solo trip

If you don’t have any travel experience, I wouldn’t recommend going on your first solo trip to South Korea. I think this would be too challenging, also because of the language barrier and cultural differences.

A better destination would be Thailand or Bali, countries where English is far more widely spoken and where getting around is very easy.

Like always, don’t drink too much

You’re an easy target in a foreign country, especially when drunk. So remember to not drink too much. This is a general safety tip during solo travel .

Also be careful of your drink, drugging is not uncommon in Korea, especially during the night in party places such as vibrant Hongdae .

Don’t expect to meet loads of new people

To set your expectations straight: Don’t expect to meet lots of new people during your travels here. I’m not sure if I’ve ever witnessed a country with so few tourists as South Korea.

A Korean guy I met told me that it’s pretty unfamiliar to see European people traveling in South Korea, especially on their own.

Another Korean local sitting next to me in the plane was also shocked that I was visiting the country on my own. Apparently it’s very uncommon! Still, I think it’s a great destination, also for solo travelers.

However, do keep in mind that there might be instances where you’ll be alone. It’s not like traveling solo in Vietnam or Thailand, where you’ll see lots of tourists and meet lots of new people.

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit Seoul alone, however it’s a good thing to keep in mind!

Seoul is fantastic, but it’s not the easiest place to meet new people. Personally, I’ve even tried Bumble Bff here, yet without success.

Normally I meet new people quite easily, wherever I go. In Seoul things were different and I’ve read many stories about people feeling the same way.

So my advice to you is this: If you’re going to travel solo in Seoul, be prepared to be alone. Stay in a hostel to try to meet new people during your travels here!

Be flexible

You can have it all planned out, but some things will still work out differently than expected. Especially in a big city like Seoul.

Before getting here, I found a coffee shop online near to my hotel. I imagined myself drinking coffee there every morning. It was a really romanticized picture I had in my head. 

My first morning in Seoul I walked to this coffeeshop, but to my surprise it wasn’t open at all. But Google had told me so? I looked for other hidden entrances, but without success. The cafe had been closed.

This sums it up for me. You can plan all you want, but in the end not everything will work out the way you think it will. And that’s not a bad thing at all. It opens up new doors and opportunities for you to explore. 

In conclusion

Solo traveling in Seoul isn’t the most common thing to do. However, it’s definitely worth doing!

There are so many things to do here. You can try street food at Gwangjang Food Market , shop at the busy Myeongdong Street , go up to the impressive Namsan Seoul Tower and much more.

Do keep in mind that it’s not the best place to meet new people. If you want to visit a country where it’s very easy to meet new travelers, opt for a destination such as Thailand instead.

However, if you don’t mind venturing out on your own and you’re interested in learning about a new culture, then definitely solo travel in Seoul, South Korea. There’s delicious food, incredible historic landmarks and many serene cafes .

Even in Seoul itself, you can easily entertain yourself for weeks and you still won’t have seen everything that this capital city has to offer.

Away with Danae

See more South Korea travel content here:

• The Best Ways To Get Around Seoul, South Korea
• Essential Apps To Download in South Korea
• Bukchon Hanok Village: Is It Really Worth Visiting?
• Dongmyo Flea Market: The Best Thrifting Spot in Seoul
• Suseongdong Valley: A Hidden Gem in Seoul
• 7 Reasons Why Seoul Is Truly Worth Visiting

Danae is the founder of Away with Danae. She is 25 years old, has traveled to over 40 countries and has a background in migration law and consular affairs. Danae aims to help you discover the lesser known gems of the world. She specifically focuses on authentic travel experiences in Europe and Asia.

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5 Essential Apps To Download in South Korea As a Foreigner

17 Tips On How To Stay Safe While Traveling Solo

Namsan Seoul Tower: The Ultimate Guide To This Iconic Landmark

The 9 Best Countries for Solo Female Travel

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Solo Travel in South Korea: Best Places & Tips!

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Whether you travel South Korea solo or with others, it’s one of those amazing countries you HAVE to visit in your life. The culture is so distinct; it’s like nowhere else! I wouldn’t say it’s the easiest place in the world for solo female travel but it’s certainly not the hardest. It’s absolutely doable so, if you’re fascinated by the idea of visiting this incredible country, don’t let being alone stop you!

South Korea is a place of contrast. If you love exciting cities, Seoul is going to blow your mind! But if you like quaint, quiet places where you can explore the history without flashing lights and booming music, there are still destinations that will delight you. So, plan your Korea itinerary carefully!

SOUTH KOREA ESSENTIALS Accommodation: Booking.com /   Hostelworld Activities:  GetYourGuide / Viator Getting there: air ( Skyscanner )   Getting around: Train ( Trip.com ) / bus Pre-book a Tmoney transport card Pre-book private airport to hotel transfer Stay connected: portable WI-Fi (pick up on arrival)/ Airalo e-SIM (download in advance) Travel insurance:   True Traveller  (European travellers) /   Hey Mundo  (other nationalities) /   Safety Wing  (digital nomads)

In this guide, I’m going to share my top tips, safety advice and WHERE to travel alone in Korea.. .

Is South Korea good for solo travel?

Yes, I had a blast travelling alone in South Korea because it’s safe and easy to navigate (thanks to the good public transport) plus there are great hostels and organised activities to meet others. I would say there are easier places for solo travel because the language and alphabet can be confusing, plus certain things can be expensive for one. However, these small things shouldn’t get in the way of what has all the makings of an amazing trip. So, I’d say, yes, South Korea is a good place to travel solo as long as you can get past certain minor issues.

Is South Korea safe for solo female travel travellers?

YES, South Korea is safe for solo travellers including women. It has incredibly low crime rates; Numbeo even rated South Korea the safest country in the world ! Solo female travellers in Korea will be happy to know that walking around at night is safe. Seoul in particular never sleeps and, even at 2am, you’ll see locals going for coffee, bubble tea and barbeques… You always feel safe in Seoul because places are busy and brightly lit throughout the night. In many countries, you have to take Uber at night to stay safe, but not in South Korea! Also, public transport is so efficient that you basically never have to use taxis which is great for the budget of a solo traveller.

Raed next: solo female travel safety tips

Is South Korea ok for first time solo travellers?

South Korea is fine for first-time solo travellers. I even met one in my dorm room. She was having a ball! However, I suspect that, statistically, few people come for the first solo travel experience in South Korea. I’d say there are easier places for solo travel in Asia , for example Thailand and Vietnam where it’s easier to get by with English, more affordable and more sociable with more of a backpacking culture and clear route. However, if there’s something specific about South Korean culture that entices you, there’s no reason not to take a first solo trip to Korea.

Good things about solo travel in South Korea

• Positive safety rating – knowing there’s almost no crime really sets your mind at ease and reduces any logistical worries about getting around, especially at night
• Lots of hostels – especially in Seoul there are great hostels where you can meet other travellers to explore with (if that’s important to you)
• Efficient public transport – from the metro and buses in Seoul to cross-country trains that are spotless and almost always on time, it’s easy to navigate intercity and intercountry travel.

Bad things about solo travel in South Korea

• Not the most openly friendly culture – locals tend to stick together with people they already know so it’s unlikely you’ll be invited out with them. Generally, people here are a little more reserved than some places
• Some meals are hard to have for one – Korean barbeques and dak galbi meals are delicious but served for groups. In Seoul, I found a few places that would let me have a BBQ for one but there was always a solo surcharge
• Not the cheapest place to travel alone – if you want to get a private room rather than stay in hostels, you’ll need to stretch the purse strings. The cost of travel in South Korea is closer to other East Asian countries like Japan than cheaper Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Vietnam.

Where to begin

My top tip? Start in Seoul! I’m a big city lover and I adore street food, live music and street art. Seoul was actually the LAST place I visited as I started in Busan (as I’d just finished travelling solo in Taiwan and the flights were cheaper into Busan). While I liked all the other places I visited, it was Seoul I went mad for… So I think my obsession with Korea would have developed quicker if I’d begun there! Also, Seoul has the best hostels and opportunities to meet other travellers. So this is a nice way to start your solo female travels in Korea, and perhaps you’ll make friends to meet up with in other cities if your itineraries match. With so much to see and do, plus great nightlife, it’s also the place that will probably drain your energy the most. So it’s best to go first while you’re still feeling fresh at the beginning of your trip.

Best places to travel alone in South Korea

Here’s where not to miss!

Seoul (the capital)

WHERE and HOW do I even begin to describe this varied, wonderland of a city?

I think the thing I most love about Seoul is how it blends history and modernity. Yes, you can visit historic palaces dating back centuries, but across the road will be a funky modern art gallery. And don’t get me started on all the quirky cafes! Also, Seoul is a fantastic destination for all budgets. There’s fine dining and fancy bars but there’s also world-class street food and amazing local markets. So, whether you’re fascinated by flashy skyscrapers or hundred-year-old teahouses, you’ll fill your Seoul itinerary , no problem! As a solo traveller, I always vibe with places with loads to see and do. Especially if you’re a beginner solo traveller, you may feel restless in smaller towns. In Seoul, you’ll never get bored or need someone else to distract you.

Some top things to do in Seoul include:

• Gyeongbokgung Palace – the most impressive of Seoul’s five palaces is known for the changing of the guard at 10am or 2pm (closed Tuesdays)
• Bukchon Hanok Village – this cluster of traditional hanok houses dating from the Joseon Dynasty is ripe for photoshoots and scenic walks. Local and foreign tourists alike dress in traditional hanbok outfits to take photos!
• Bukhansan National Park – a great place to go hiking! Solo female travellers in Korea may want to join a hiking group
• Ihwa Mural Village – this colourful mural village is well worth a wander
• Food markets – I was excited to see the Netflix Street Food lady at Gwangjang and try her knife-cut noodles. Don’t miss other Seoul street food markets like Namdaemun and Tongin
• Seoul City Walls – there are several walks you can do along these walls from the Joseon Dynasty period, all offering spectacular city views
• Day trip to the DMZ – the buffer zone separating South and North Korea is a fascinating place to learn about the tragic history of the Korean War that split the country in two. You need to go as part of a DMZ tour
• Museums – don’t miss the National Folk Museum of Korea, the Museum of Korean Contemporary History and the Modern and Contemporary Art Museum
• Cheonggyecheon Stream – escape the bustling city beside this peaceful river walk.

Seoul neighbourhoods:

• Gangnam – see the Instagrammable Starfield Library and historical Bongeunsa Temple and pose with the gold hand statue dedicated to the Gangnam Style dance
• Insa-dong – this historic hood is known for traditional teahouses; Old Shin shouldn’t be missed!
• Myeongdong – the beauty district is worth a wander especially since many stores give out freebies to entice you in. Stay for the nighttime street food market!
• Hongdae – Seoul’s vibey hipster hood filled with boutiques and quirky cafes. I liked staying here at Bunk Hostel .

Getting around Seoul: the subway is clean, efficient and affordable with 20 lines. There’s also an expansive bus network. Make sure to get a Tmoney card to save money and avoid queuing. If you get the Discover Seoul Pass , you can ride around on the Yellow Bus and the Seoul City Tour Bus connecting all the main tourist attractions. Getting to Seoul from the airport(s):

• Incheon International Airport – get the AREX Express train (from T1 and T2 direct to Seoul Station), the All Stop Train (from T2, making 13 subway stops to Seoul Station) or the Incheon Airport Bus. 
• Gimpo Airport – get the AREX All Stop Train (20 mins) for 1,450 won or the 6021 bus (45 mins) for 7,000 won.

Busan is the second biggest city in the country. With 3 million people to Seoul’s 10 million, it’s still a big city but there’s not half the amount to do or a fraction of the quirky and exciting vibe that I loved about Seoul… But that’s not a reason not to visit. It’s still a cool city that I enjoyed visiting as a solo traveller. If you find 5 days enough in Seoul, I suggest 3 days in Busan.

Read next: 3 day Busan itinerary

Things to do in Busan

• Gamcheon Culture Village  – the highlight of Busan for me was this colourful village, once a wartime ghetto and now an exciting cultural project with cafes and galleries
• Nampo district – climb Busan Tower and visit Gukje Market, Jagalchi Fish Market, Biff Square and  Gwanbokro Cultural & Fashion Street
• Igidae Coastal Walk  – easily reached by bus, this coastal walk is easy with great city views
• Haeundae and Gwangalli Beach – these city beaches give a seaside vibe to otherwise urban Busan
• Haedong Yonggung – this temple by the sea is a 1.5-hour public transport journey from the city but it’s worth a taking mini Busan day trip for the sunset views!
• Spa Land in Shinsegae Centum City – tick a jjimjilbang (nude spa) experience off your South Korea bucket list !

Where to stay as a solo traveller in Busan: I would highly recommend Seomyeon firstly because it’s a good transport hub, connecting Lines 1 and 2 (orange and green), allowing you to get anywhere in Busan quickly. Also, it’s brightly lit and vibey at night making it safe to walk around but also fun and atmospheric to visit. Just find a quiet place to stay not on the main walking street! I can vouch for Blue Backpackers . For a more social option, try Kimchee Guesthouse . Also, this neighbourhood has plenty of tasty street food should you want a cheap, casual dinner for one. Getting to Busan: although you can get a 2-hour train straight from Seoul (or a cheaper 4-hour bus), I recommend stopping at the places below in between the two big cities since they’re at other ends of the country. Get to and from Gyeongju or Daegu in 1 hour and Jeonju in 3 hours. Getting around Busan: the metro is smaller than Seoul’s (there are four lines to Seoul’s 20) and it’s easy to navigate. Use your Tmoney card from Seoul. There are also city buses.

This quaint little city is an aesthetic dream! There are no hostels so it’s not the absolute BEST place for solo travel in South Korea if you’re a budget backpacker. However, if you’ve been busy exploring Seoul and Busan, you may enjoy the downtime. Also, Jeonju is a fantastic place for a hanok stay experience so, since there are no hostels, it’s a great excuse to book your own hanok! These traditional houses are built facing the water with mountains behind. I stayed at Happiness Hanok House which was affordable at $20 a night for a private room. You sleep in a bed made up on the floor and each room has a TV with all the fun Korean channels… Including one all about dogs! Grab a bubble tea or ice cream and have a solo TV night (after all the repetitive hostel conversations, sometimes this is exactly what I need!). Things to do in Jeonju :

• Eat the best bibimbap of your life at  Family House – mine came with 12 sides!
• Tour Jeonju Hanok Village at the heart of town and visit the caligraphy or sake museums
• Browse and eat at Nambu Market – I had some delish fried chicken here
• Spot cute murals at Jaman Mural Village
• Take a peaceful walk along Jeonjuchan river banks
• Try makgeoli – traditional milky alcohol from this city.

You can see all these attractions in less than a day so 2 nights is more than enough in Jeonju! Getting to Jeonju: the train from Seoul takes 2 hours and the cheaper bus takes 3 hours.

Coming back to how diverse a country South Korea is, I loved visiting the historic capital of Gyeongju (although I did not learn how to pronounce or spell it!). Ruled by the Silla Dynasty from the 1st-7th centuries, the city is full of cultural relics. A must for history buffs! Things to do in Gyeongju:

• Daereungwon Tumuli Park – here, manmade hill tombs are filled with gold and jewels buried with the elite rulers and often their (then) live servants!
• Donggung Palace and   Wolji Pond – walk around this peaceful historic site created during the reign of King Munm (674 AD)
• Cheomseongdae Tower – the oldest astronomical observatory in Asia
• Bulguksa Temple (reached by bus) with a hike up to Seokguram Grotto
• Gyeongju National Museum to learn about the Silla Dynasty
• Try ssambap , a dining style with lots of small plates wrapped in leaves. This is another Korean meal made for sharing so try to buddy up with people you meet at your hostel, if possible! This is what I did and three of us devoured an absolute feast.

I suggest two days in Gyeongju because Bulguksa Temple, a bus ride away, and the National Museum (which can be visited on the way back to the city) take the best part of one day. You’ll want another day to leisurely sightsee at the other historic sights in the city. Where to stay in Gyeongju : as a smaller city, there isn’t a wide range of hostels available for solo travellers in Korea. Han Jin (with beds from $17 a night) is your best bet. Getting to Gyeongju: it’s just a 30-minute KTX train ride from Busan to Singyeongju Station which is a 30-minute bus ride into the town. The bus from Busan is cheaper and takes 1 hour, arriving into the bus terminal closer to Gyeongju town. Given the similar travel time and price, this is a better budget option.

Daegu likely won’t be the most exciting city of your South Korea trip so don’t worry if you don’t have time. However, if you do, it’s worth a visit for its great hikes. You can easily get a bus to Palgong Mountain where you can sightsee at Gatbawi Stone Buddha at Seonbonsa Temple then do some nature walks. Closer to the city with a gorgeous viewing deck, Apsan Park is another place to hike and sightsee. I’d suggest two days in this city for both activities. During the Apsan day (which is ideally visited at sunset for the best views), you can also explore the city and eat yummy Korean food. Where to stay in Daegu: there’s only one hostel, Empathy Guesthouse , but it has great reviews and prices start from $13 a night. They have a female dorm. Getting to Daegu: it’s 1 hour from Busan and 2 hours from Gyeongju, located in the south of the country.

Need help with your Korea solo travel itinerary? Use my 2 week South Korea itinerary – I can promise it’s suitable for those travelling alone because it’s based on my experiences doing exactly that!

More challenging places to travel alone in South Korea – but don’t rule them out!

Okay, I often include this section in my solo blogs, however most places on South Korea’s mainland are appropriate for solo travel because almost everywhere is well-connected. However, there’s one place where I struggled but managed to make it work. This was…

Jeju Island

Jeju Island is undeniably a fantastic destination but it’s not the best for solo travellers in Korea mainly because it’s best explored by car which is never a viable budget option for one person. There’s public transport but it isn’t great (especially if you want to do and see a lot). I wrote a guide to exploring Jeju Island without a car ; the jist is to stay in Jeju City which is the transport hub of the island, as well as the place with the best budget accommodation including hostels. The one I stayed at seems to have closed down but Slow Citi and Ttottot Backpackers have fantastic reviews. Even though it requires loosening the purse strings a little, I recommend organised tours for getting the best of Jeju Island. These are well organised with set tours of the East Coast and West Coast (click to see and book the tours) reducing your daily travel time. I did both on two consecutive days, departing and returning to Jeju City. Both GetYourGuide and Viator are competitively priced with lots of options for South Korea excursions.

Highlights of Jeju Island:

• Enjoy the beaches – my favourite was Hyupjae Beach (west coast). I was also amazed by Gwangchigi black sand beach (east coast).
• Meet the Haeyyeo women divers (east coast) and learn about their unique profession, now protected by UNESCO!
• Wander the endless tea fields at   O’Sulloc Tea Museum (west coast) and try all kinds of matcha goodies
• Visit Cheonjiyeon Waterfall (west coast)
• Wander through eerie Manjanggul Lava Tubes (east coast).

Getting to Jeju Island: although there’s a long ferry from Busan, the most popular way to visit is by flight. It’s one of the world’s most popular flight routes with 100 flights a day in peak periods! Use Skyscanner to compare prices. From the airport to Jeju City, you can get a taxi or bus; the drive is around 15 minutes.

Getting to South Korea

Most travellers fly into Seoul ; there are two international airports but Incheon has far more overseas flights. You can fly direct between Seoul and China, the Philippines, Vietnam , Japan, Malaysia and Thailand (click the pink text for solo travel guides to these places). If you’re coming from outside these Asian countries, a change is usually required. Busan also has an international airport. Coming from Taiwan, I got a cheap flight from Taipei to Busan so started my solo South Korea trip here.

Getting around South Korea

Solo travellers in South Korea will be pleased to know you never need to hire a car because there are great public transport connections, namely buses and trains. Trains in Korea are a great option: efficient, clean, fast and safe for solo travellers. There are two main types not including intercity trains: the KTX (express train) and regular trains . The latter are cheaper so it depends on the length of your trip and tolerance for long rides. But few journies are too long on this relatively small island. You can use Trip.com to book your Korea trains (click the flag icon to change the site from Korean to English).

Buses are difficult to book online with a foreign bank card but luckily they don’t often book up in advance. I took plenty and always managed to show up and buy a ticket at the station. Often, they’re slower but cheaper than trains; ideal for budget travellers. But you won’t feel the compromise: they’re clean, comfy and efficient!

Getting around cities

Both Seoul and Busan have great metro networks, the only difference is that Seoul’s is much bigger with 20 lines to Busan’s four. Both cities have an expansive bus network. Although you can pay for buses with cash and buy individual metro tickets each time you travel, I highly recommend getting a Tmoney card which you can top up and use to tap and pay for both bus and metro. Smaller cities like Daegu, Jeonuu and Gyeongju are very walkable. However, certain attractions (like Palgong Mountain and Apsan Park in Daegu and Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju) require a bus ride, usually paid for in cash.

Getting from airports

• Incheon International Airport  – the AREX Express train and the All Stop Train both arrive into Seoul Station (the latter also making extra stops) or there’s the Incheon Airport Bus for a cheaper option
• Gimpo Airport  – get the AREX All Stop Train (20 mins) or the cheaper 6021 bus (45 mins)
• Busan Airport – ride the light rail transit to Sasang or Daejeo Stations connecting to Metro Lines 2 and 3 respectively.

Cost of solo Korea travel

Undeniably, South Korea is a lot more expensive than travelling solo in Thailand , Vietnam or Malaysia!

Read next: is South Korea travel expensive?

Here are some average prices to help you plan your trip… Bunk in a hostel: 30,000 KRW ($20/£17). Budget private room: prices start from 50,000 KRW ($40/£30). Street food meal: from 2,000 KRW, just a couple of dollars! Restaurant meal: prices start from 7,000 KRW ($5/£4). An intercountry train ride: from 8,000-35,000 KRW ($6-25) on regular trains and double on the speedy KRX.

Tips for budget travel:

• Eat street food – Seoul has SO many affordable street food markets! Smaller cities and towns don’t have as much.
• Stay in hostels – these are great in South Korea; very clean and friendly. Again, the best options are in Seoul.
• Use free Wi-Fi in metro stations rather than getting a SIM card (more about these to come).
• Get a Tmoney card to get cheaper metro tickets.

Best season to visit Korea alone

Spring (April to June ): this is a good time to visit before it gets too hot and the monsoon arrives. Average daily temperatures are around 18 degrees. Summer (June to August) is the hottest season (up to 35°C and humid) AND monsoon season so it’s one of the worst times to visit. Autumn (September to November) is another great time to visit with pleasant temperatures of around 20°C and beautiful fall colours. Winter (December to March): although the snow can be atmospheric and winter sports can be practised, the average traveller will want to avoid the freezing winter temperatures (lows of -20°C have been recorded)!

How to make friends and meet people

• Stay in hostels – some of my faves are Bunk in Seoul and Kimchee Guesthouse in Busan. Hostelworld have a new social feature where you can chat with other guests before arrival.
• Take group tours for example guided city walks, hiking trips and cooking classes (this Seoul cooking class looks fun with great reviews). The DMZ is well worth visiting and can only be done as part of a tour so this doubles up as a way to meet other travellers. I like Viator and GetYourGuide for Korea tours and activities.
• Try Facebook groups like Girls Love Travel to see if other women are travelling alone in Korea at the same time as you.
• Many more! Read my guide to making friends while travelling alone .

Must-do experiences

Things to tick off your South Korea bucket list include…

• Visiting the DMZ from Seoul – this is so important to learn about key events in contemporary Korean history
• Experience a jjimjilbang (nude spa) – once you get over the initial feelings of awkwardness, you’ll hopefully find these a mix of liberating and relaxing. Spa Land in Busan is a popular opinion.
• Shop for beauty products in Myeongdong – not just because many stores give you free samples to tempt you in! Korean beauty culture is iconic and this is the place to experience it.
• Find the Netflix Street Food lady in Gwangjang market – and try her famous knife-cut noodles with kimchi
• Meet the Haenyeo women on Jeju Island – up to 80 years in age, these women make their livelihood by deep-diving for shellfish without any diving apparatus. Since young people no longer want to take on the trade, it’s protected by UNESCO.
• Do some hiking – I was amazed by how well-connected the hikes are to cities by public transport. For a look into Korean nature, don’t overlook the hike opportunities. The Igidae Coastal Walk   trail near Busan is easy with great views.
• Have any kind of K-pop experience – from attending a show to a dance lesson, experience the genre that has taken the world by storm!
• Stay in a temple – for an unusual accommodation option, templestay experiences based on Buddhist principles often include guided meditation, veggie meals and more. Perfect for reflection while travelling alone in Korea. Geumsunsa and Golgulsa are popular options.
• Enjoy the teahouses and coffee culture – from elegant historic teahouses to cool coffee shops with themes such as 3D, poop and cat/racoon/sheep.

Do you need travel insurance for visiting South Korea?

Of course! It may be very safe but that doesn’t mean you couldn’t get sick or have an accident. I recommend  True Traveller which I use myself. I pay around £30 (€40) a month when getting a year’s plan. They cover pre-existing health conditions and will cover you if you’re already travelling and/or don’t yet have your flight home booked. The claim process is really easy; I’ve claimed twice and they’ve paid out within days. Click to get a quote . True Traveller is just for European residents (including the UK) so, for other nationalities, I recommend  Hey Mundo  and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest   Safety Wing .

Best Korean foods to try

I became obsessed with Korean food during my trip! These are the best Korean dishes to try in my humble, hungry opinion…

• Kimchi – fermented foods are great for you; in fact, many Koreans attribute their great eyesight to this spicy cabbage condiment
• Bibimbap – this yummy mixed rice dish usually comes with meat, veggies, a fried egg and gochujang (hot pepper paste)
• Gimbap – veggie rice rolls are a popular snack and street food dish
• Haemul pajeon  – squid pancakes with green onion
• Bingsu – this shaved ice dish is a tasty dessert, although solo travellers in Korea may be defeated because portions are huge!
• Korean fried chicken – yum! Cool modern restaurants serve it with beer under the name chimaek
• Tteokbokki – rice cakes, fish cakes and boiled eggs are served in hot chilli sauce. This dish is an acquired taste due to the usual textures and fiery flavour but one I came to love!
• Korean BBQs – providing you can get a restaurant to serve you a meal for one without too heavy a surcharge. Alternatively, get a group together in a hostel. Similarly, dak galbi is a shared meal comprising chicken, cheese, veggies, rice cakes and gochujang on a hot plate in the middle of a table.

Getting a SIM card

I learned the hard way that most shops won’t sell you a SIM without a residency card. I asked the staff at my first hostel on check-in and was told the best place to get a SIM is at the airport… Not the news I wanted since I’d just come from there and didn’t have plans to go back ’til leaving the country!   So be organised and sort your solution before arriving by reserving a SIM card to collect at the airport  (any Seoul airport, Busan airport and now a new city collection point of Myeongdong). There are packages available depending on the amount of data and days you require. Alternatively, rent a pocket Wi-Fi device and share data with other devices such as your laptop. However, one thing to note is that there’s free Wi-Fi in all the metro stations. It’s easy to pop into one even if you’re not catching a train. So, you may not need your own internet connection at all, especially since solo female travel in Korea is very safe meaning you don’t need to stay connected for security reasons.

Update – there’s a great new option in the e-SIM world. Airalo is the world’s first eSIM network covering 200+ countries and regions. It allows you to purchase a package online and use mobile data as soon as you arrive. A real game-changer! Browse their Korea SIM packages .

Tips for solo Korea travel

• Get a Tmoney card – this saves you time compared to buying a single metro ticket every time you travel AND money on every ticket. It’s a no-brainer
• Google Maps doesn’t fully work – you’ll notice this as soon as you try to use it. Try Kakao maps instead. NaverMap is another one for figuring out bus travel
• Lockers are common in bus stations and busy shopping areas if you don’t want to lug around all your stuff, or whatever purchases you’ve splurged on
• Papago is a useful language translation app that’ll help you with menus and conversations with locals.

Read next: 30 South Korea travel tips and 101 solo female travel tips

Can you drink the tap water in South Korea? Yes, you can safely drink the tap water. What is the currency in South Korea? It’s the South Korean won (KRW) and, at the time of writing, $1 = 1,337 KRW. Do people speak English in South Korea? Those who work in tourism (such as hotel staff and tour guides) speak English and so do many young people. However, your average older person on the street won’t. So brush up on the basics and download a translation app. Do I need a visa to visit South Korea? For me with a UK passport, I could enter visa-free for 90 days. Be sure to check in advance based on your nationality.

Thanks for reading!

More solo travel guides…

Guides to solo travel in Europe :

• Where to go for solo female travel in Europe
• Solo travel to Lisbon
• Solo female travel in Albania
• Complete guide to solo travel in Croatia
• Solo female Italy travel
• Is it safe to travel to Romania solo?

Solo travel in the Americas:

• Solo female travel in New York
• Is Cuba safe for solo female travel?
• Mexico solo female travel guide
• How to take a fantastic solo trip to Mexico City
• Solo female travel in Belize
• Guatemala solo travel guide

Guides to solo female travel in Southeast Asia :

• Solo female travel in Bali
• Where to travel solo in Vietnam
• Solo Malaysia travel
• Thailand solo travel guide
• Taiwan solo female travel guide
• How to stay safe as a solo traveller in India

VISITING SOUTH KOREA? These are my trusted resources: Getting around by air – I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going. Buses – buses are comfy and efficient. It’s tricky for foreigners to book online so it’s best to turn up on the day. Trains – use Trip.com , partner of Korail (the official railway network of Korea) to book your tickets in advance. The website accepts international payment options, unlike Korean rail websites. Click the three stripes in the top right corner then the flag to change it to English. Driving in Korea – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals. Hiring a car will be especially useful on Jeju Island. For hotels in Korea, I use Booking.com – they also have self-catering apartments. You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld . To save money on accommodation , I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. Browse South Korea tours and activities on GetYourGuide . I also check Viator and Klook in case they have a better price. For food tours with passionate local chefs and foodies, check out EatWith . To stay connected, buy an e-SIM with Airalo and use data as normal. Browse their Korea SIM packages . Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and tips!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

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Gina Bear's Blog

Solo Female Travel | Latina Traveler

The Ultimate Guide To Solo Female Travel in South Korea

Many solo women travelers constantly ask me, “Is solo female travel in Korea safe?” I lived in South Korea for almost six years; therefore, I have a local and solo female traveler’s viewpoint. I’ve been through the good, the bad, and the ugly. In this post, we’re gonna dive deep into why solo travel in Korea is a good thing and everything in between.

This guide has been updated to include all of my travel tips from almost six years of living in the Land of the Morning Calm. After I started taking  Korean language learning courses , my knowledge and understanding of the country grew. Plus, I really pushed myself out of my comfort zone by staycationing in Seoul during the pandemic. 

Table of Contents

Blog Posts You Might Like

• The Ultimate Guide To Spring in Korea
• The Ultimate Guide to Summer in Korea
• The Ultimate Guide to Autumn in Korea
• The Ultimate Guide to Winter in Korea

Get Travel Insurance 

A common question I get is what do I need to travel to South Korea? One thing I always recommend is travel insurance. Life throws curveballs. Flights get canceled. You get sick. There’s a family emergency.  I highly recommend using World Nomads Travel Insurance which you can book here.   With the World Nomads Travel Insurance, you can expect:

• Trip Cancelation  – This benefit helps you recover non-refundable, pre-paid trip costs when you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason, including for an unexpected sickness that keeps you from traveling.
• Emergency Medical  – If you get sick with COVID-19 or another illness, you can get diagnostic tests to confirm your case and other emergency medical benefits.
• Medical Evacuation  – If you’re in an inadequate medical facility, our plans have benefits that can arrange a transfer to a hospital capable of treating your medical needs.
• Trip Interuption  – This section helps you get reimbursed for a one-way, economy-class ticket home and any pre-paid, unused portions of your trip for a covered reason.
• Trip Delay  – If your travels are delayed at least six hours by a covered event, you could get reimbursed for meals, hotels and other basic expenses.

If this plan isn’t for you then you can check out the different  travel insurance plans World Nomads  has here.

How To Get Around 

The best way to get around Korea is by public transportation. You can purchase a T-Money card at any convenience store and loading it with money. You can also purchase the  mobile version via Klook and get a 5,000 won top off coupon  to use with your purchase.

I also recommend getting the  Discover Seoul Pass  so you can visit the major tourist attractions around Seoul for free or at a discounted price. It comes in increments of 24/48/72 hours. 

How To Stay Connected 

Luckily in Korea, there is wifi everywhere. Most cafes offer wifi for free and you can connect to various free spots around the city. However, if you don’t want to be reliant on that,  you book an e-sim card and download it directly to your phone.

What To Pack For Korea

This is my essential packing list for Korea. For a complete guide on what to pack for Korea in every season, click here .

• Korea travel adapter  – Korea uses 220V plugs. You can also purchase them at Daiso for 5,000 won.
• Unlocked phone  –  You can book a sim card here.  Alternatively, if you don’t have an unlocked phone,  you can also use this portable wifi router.
• USB power  strip  – This is great for charging multiple electronics at once.  
• Air Filter  Mask  – The air pollution in Korea is bad, but on its worst days can be just as bad as China. 
• World Nomads Travel Insurance  – Accidents happen anywhere. Give yourself the peace of mind you need to travel safely and without worries.
• Toothpaste  – Korean toothpaste sucks PERIODT. Bring your own from home.
• Important documents  – Bring any important medical documents in case something happens. 
• International Driver’s License (IDP)  – If you rent a car in Korea, you will need an IDP.  You should get yours from AAA here.
• Passport  – This should be a given, but please don’t forget it. Make a copy of your passport and hide it in your suitcase and leave one on your fridge at home.
• Credit/Debit Cards  – There are ATMs all over Korea and most places accept credit cards.
• Medication  – Don’t forget your important medicine because I guarantee it will be a nightmare for you to navigate the hospital and then go to a pharmacy to try and get it.

I highly recommend packing as light as possible so that way when you buy all of your favorite Korean products, there will be room in your suitcase. My favorite  travel suitcase brand is Béis . I’m obsessed with their weekender bag, carryon, and checked luggage.  Use my code for $15 off your first order and 150 points toward your new account .

How To Dress in Korea

Eastern fashion is vastly different from what we see in the West and you can find some pretty fun pieces in Hongdae. Ladies, if you’re all about skirts, mini dresses and shorts, then Korea is the place for you! In Korea, there’s a different definition of dressing conservatively for women.  Shoulders and showing backs are a big no-no, but recently I have seen Korean women who give zero fucks walk around wearing what they damn well please.  #queen

That being said, it’s all about dressing up and wearing cute clothes. (And no public nudity please!) Seoul’s underground subway stations post a lot of cheap clothing options so you can get the latest fashion for a bargain price!

P.s. It’s totally acceptable to wear your dirty sneakers with a cute outfit. Below are some examples of cute Korean fashion that is acceptable.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. is korea good for solo travel / is seoul safe for tourists.

Yes! Seoul is really great for solo travel. Around the capital city, there are a lot of information kiosks set up around the city to help foreigners and travelers navigate around the country. The crime rate is also very low in South Korea.

2. Is South Korea safe for solo female travelers?

Is South Korea a safe country? For the most part, yes! In fact, I think solo female travel to Korea is so underrated. For the most part, I’ve always felt safe while traveling to Korea. 

2. Where are the best places for traveling alone in South Korea?

I think the best places for solo travelers in Korea are Busan and Jeju . Both places have a lot of tourism and are more foreigner friendly compared to more rural places in Korea.

3. What is the best time of year to visit Korea?

Spring is a great time to visit the Korean peninsula. During this time, you can catch   beautiful cherry blossoms in Seoul , Buddhist temples like Jogyesa decorated for Buddha’s Birthday, and many  amazing spring Korean festivals . 

4. What are the best things to do in Korea?

When in Korea, you definitely have to visit Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, and the Secret Garden. While in Korea, try  renting a hanbok  as well and taking stunning photos at the palaces.

I recommend heading up to Bukchon Hanok Village to see a traditional Korean house.   N Seoul Tower is also the best option  for first-time visitors to Seoul. 

5. Should I learn Korean before going to Korea?

A lot of people in Seoul, Busan, and Jeju can speak English. The Korean government has also taken great steps to make sure all signs have an English translation. There are many guided tours done in English. You don’t really have to learn Korean, but if you wanna get the extra side dishes from ajhumma, it doesn’t hurt to know basic phrases and Hangul.

Check out this  free 90 minute cheat sheet  so you can learn hangul in an afternoon. I also recommend downloading  Google Translate  and using my favorite device, the Pocketalk .  

Where To Stay in Korea

Most travelers stay in Seoul when they first land in Korea. Depending on what your vibe is and what you find most comfortable is where to stay in Seoul. Below, I will give five of the most popular areas in Seoul. For a detailed guide on the best  Seoul neighborhoods and where to stay in them, click here . 

• Hongdae  – Located on the west side of Seoul. You’ll have access to cheap clubs, shopping, cafes, clubs, cheap hostels, and restaurants.
• Itaewon  – It’s known for its popping food scene featuring dishes from all over the world. 
• Jamsil  – Located in east Seoul. Here you’ll have access to top attractions like  Seoul Sky ,  Lotte World , and Seokchon Lake.
• Myeongdong  – This is for the shopaholics. If you love street food and cute trinkets, then you have to stay here.
• Gangnam  – Located on the east side of Seoul. This is a more high end area of Seoul so expect the accommodations to be a bit pricier.

The Good About Solo Travel in Korea

Solo travel to Korea isn’t as scary as you think. I can personally attest to the fact I can leave my phone, laptop, and even purse on the table and no one will touch it or try to steal it. Now, this isn’t to say petty crime doesn’t happen because it does. I have had my money, tripod, and phone stolen in Korea. (But granted it was because I was living in a shit hole called Hanam City. ) So despite it being rare, I do recommend you use some caution.

For the most part, I can also walk around late at night in Seoul and no one will bother me. If I got cat called, it was by foreign men. But again, as a woman, be aware of your surroundings. People are creepy and will follow you. However, I think it does speak volumes about how I’ve even seen young kids running around at night and no one bats an eye. To me, it seems like the community really looks out for the children.

Why Travel to Korea Solo?

The simple answer is because Korea is fucking awesome.

The long answer would be because Seoul is one of the most underrated cities in Asia. Being much cheaper than Japan, you can get the most for your dollar. There are a lot of temples to see, amazing excursions to take, and quirky things to do. Korea has a unique and proud culture, cultivated over thousands of years. You also get to experience how Korea raised itself up after the Korean war with the amazing contrasts of modern and traditional.

1. Public Transport is Cheap and Efficient

Seoul is a very busy city… but the best part about traveling Korea? The easy access from one end of the city and back for less than $5. After you get off the Seoul subway, you can catch any of the intercity buses right after for an additional cost of 100 won.

Many times, a bus stop will also be right outside the train stations. These are the apps I recommend downloading in South Korea. Please avoid Google Maps because it doesn’t work very well.

• Seoul Subway App

2. Korea Is Cheap in General

Solo travel to Seoul is the best because of he low cost of living compared to the United States. I can get a fancy drink in a cafe for 7,000 won ($6) and an entire Korean meal with sides for 9,000 won ($8).

Korea is pretty tech savvy so most places take credit card. Seoul should definitely be on your bucket list as a top destination for solo females. 

3. Free Wifi Everywhere

South Korea has some of the fastest internet in the world. In fact, when I moved back to the States and browsing through social media, I was honestly like, “Why the heck is my phone loading so SLOW?” There’s free wifi at cafes, at shopping malls, and even the subway. 

4. Constant CCTV Surveillance

If you ever needed an additional feeling of security, well here it is. Of course, feel free to still throw caution to dark streets and freaky people. There are video surveillance cameras almost everywhere in public places like buildings, cafes, shops, and crossroads. Rest assured, big brother is WATCHING.

5. Shopping Heaven

Koreans absolutely LOVE to shop. You’ll find all sorts of cute stationary, clothes and shoes for really cheap. My favorite stores for stationary and other cute trinkets include Art Box and Flying Tiger Copenhagen . I also love shopping at SPAO during the holidays for their Harry Potter collaborations.

6. There’s Lots of Help

A solo woman traveler can rejoice because Korea is really making itself tourist friendly. You’ll see people wearing red with circled I on their clothing meaning information. They usually speak a multitude of languages including English, Japanese, and Chinese. 

7. Low Crime Rate

One of the things I enjoyed about living in Korea is the low crime rate. However, don’t let this lure you into false pretenses. Just because the rate of crime is low, doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. I would highly suggest reading up on some of Korea’s laws before you come just in case you find yourself in a sticky situation.

Some Tips For Helping You With Korean Law:

• It’s legal to sound record anyone without their knowledge as long as your voice is heard.
• If something is about to go down, don’t hesitate to whip your phone out and start recording.
• If someone physically assaults you, don’t fight back. Run away as fast as you can. Korea doesn’t have self defense laws.

What To Do on A Solo Trip to Seoul?

There’s never a dull moment in Seoul, and rest assured there’s something for everyone whether you’re into cooking classes, beauty or taking yourself on a romantic date. I can guarantee you’ll really enjoy your time as female solo traveler in Korea. South Korea has such a rich culture and amazing food!

 My Favorite Seoul Solo Travel Activities

Below is a curated list of all my favorite things to do in Seoul. I have personally done the majority of them solo (because I march to the beat of my own drum) and loved them all. It’s one of the best things to do alone in Seoul since you don’t need a friend to go.

Treat Yourself To A Korean Facial

• Whoo Spa  – Ever wondered how Koreans have beautiful glowing skin? Unlock those secrets with a facial at the Whoo Spa where celebrities go!
• Sulwhasoo Spa  – Experience a premium Korean herbal medicinal anti-aging care at Sulwhasoo Spa in Gangnam!
• 1899 Daechi Spa  – Try their slow-aging treatments and experience the power of Korean red ginseng.
• Korean Traditional Medicine Spa  – Enjoy a customized spa package using natural medicinal plants to provide you with the best experience.

Rent a Hanbok and Visit The Grand Palaces

A must have experience for solo travel to South Korea is immersing yourself in the local culture. I truly enjoy wearing hanbok in Seoul (especially at Gyeongbokgung Palace) because I always feel like a princess.

Plus the entrance fee is completely waived if you wear hanbok or use the   Discover Seoul Pass . It’s the most popular attraction for foreigners visiting South Korea. For a full guide on  how to rent hanbok in Korea, click here . 

• Hanbok That Day
• One Day Hanbok

Visit Seoul’s Many Eclectic Cafes

Koreans love their coffee shops. Since South Koreans don’t have a culture to hang out at each other’s homes, they usually go out to cafes and hang out. Below are some I’ve frequented and you should totally check out! For a full list of all my favorite  Instagrammable cafes in Seoul, click here . 

• 943 Harry Potter Cafe in Seoul
• Dinga Cake House
• Stylenanda Pink Pool Cafe in Hongdae
• Stylenanda Hotel in Myeongdong
• Greenmile Cafe in Bukchon Hanok Village
•  Appi Forest Cafe in Ikseondong
• Urban Cliff Cafe
• Mamma Mia Dosan
• DThrone Cafe

Take a Cooking Class

Part of learning about a culture is learning about their food. Taking a cooking class in Korea is a good idea. One best ways to meet other female travellers and locals while you solo travel in Seoul. I myself am a poor cook, so I find these classes super helpful when cooking my favorite Korean dishes. If it’s your first time in Korea, this is must have experience. 

• Korean Cooking Class – Learn the secrets behind making delicious local dishes from the experts.
• Korean Tea Ceremony & Kimchi Making Class – Learn the tea traditions and how to make a main side dish served on almost every Korean table.
• Makgeolli Making Class – Learn how to make this rice wine which is a Korean favorite.

Eat All The Best Korean Street Food

One of the best places for a solo traveller to try the local food is in Myeongdong. They have many street food vendors and it’s the easiest to get to since its located at the center of Seoul. One of the first things I recommend trying is tteokbokki which are spicy rice cakes.

• Namdaemun Market 
• Gwangjang Market
• Hongik University Station Exit 9

Shop Until You Drop

The sheer amount of stores in Seoul will honestly be overwhelming. Koreans love to shop. Every Korea solo trip should have a day to shop and buy K-Beauty and souvenirs. In fact, I always found something cute to purchase every time I was out. However, these are my most frequented places to shop in Seoul.

• Jamsil Lotte World Mall

Places To Go Alone At Night in Seoul

 When you travel Korea alone, you may want to go out and experience the Seoul nightlife. I myself love a good draft beer or cocktail. If I do go out drinking alone in Seoul, I always go to more classy and upscale places. Most of the people in there are pretty self-absorbed so they don’t pay attention to me. And I love it when people mind their own damn business.

• Park 913 Cheongdam
• Rooftop Cloud
• Alice in Cheongdam
• Moxy Hotel Ikseondong Rooftop
• Art Monster

Beautiful Places to Visit in Korea

The whole world doesn’t revolve around the urban jungle that is Seoul. So then the question remains: Where to go in Korea as a solo female traveler?

Here are some of my suggestions on what to do when traveling to Korea alone. Every solo trip to South Korea should definitely include one of these trips. I also have a  complete list of the best day trips from Seoul here .  

1. Nami Island

When solo traveling Korea, you have to check out Nami Island. It was made famous by the K-Drama Winter Sonata. Since then, it has become a touristy place especially during the changing of the seasons. You can take a tour to Nami Island here. It’s a great day trip from Seoul.

2. Boseong Green Tea Fields

You should also check out the Damyang Bamboo Forest nearby. Boseong is the birthplace of the commercial tea industry and the largest producer of tea in South Korea. Every year they have a festival where you can go pick tea leaves, make tea, and sample green tea snacks.  You can book a Boseong Green Tea Tour here .

3. Garden of the Morning Calm

There are so many great things to do in Korea alone. Taking a Garden of the Morning Calm tour is also a great way to make friends if you’re a solo female traveler. It’s one of my favorite attractions in Korea because it is so beautiful in every single season.

4. Gangneung

Gangneung is one of the best coastal cities in Korea. I keep returning to the east coast for the beautiful scenery. Gangnueng has a wonderful mix of cafe life, traditional architecture, and great food. While you’re there, stay at the Seamarq Hotel because of the freaking amazing infinity pool.

5. Jeju Island

There’s so many parts of the country you have to visit! I recommend going to the Hawaii of Korea. Jeju is very laid back with blue skies and beautiful beaches. It’s a beautiful island paradise and I guarantee you will have a good time no matter how long you stay. 

• The Perfect Three Day Jeju Itinerary
• Meet Real Life Mermaids The Jeju Haenyeo
• The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Jeju
• The Most Instagrammable Places in Jeju

Jeonju is where traditional meets modernity. You can get lost in the Hanok village for hours, rent a hanbok and experience delicious food. Sometimes traveling Korea alone is difficult due to the language barrier. If you take a tour, it’s hassle free. Try this Jeonju Tour from Seoul and time length including day trips and three day tours.

7. Gyeongju

Gyeongju was once the capital of the Silla Dynasty. It’s the most traditional city in Korea. Most of the attractions are within walking or biking distance. This photo was taken and Bulguksa. I recommend taking this Gyeongju tour so you can see everything .

Busan is the perfect place for a relaxed beach holiday. It’s also the third biggest city in Korea. The people are much nicer and the vibe is super laid back. It’s a really awesome city if a beach town is your vibe.

• Busan Day and Night Tour
• The Most Instagrammable Places in Busan  
• The Most Instagram Worthy Cafes in Busan
• The Perfect 4 Day Busan Itinerary  

Eating Alone in Korea

I noticed many Koreans do not like to eat alone. Many restaurants cater toward meals split for two or groups of friends. It sucks because you may want to try certain Korean dishes, but the restaurant will not serve you because you’re alone. However, I do have some recommendations for food you can eat alone.

• Insadong GeuJip (Korean food)
• Street food in Myeongdong
• Noryangjin Cup Bap Street
• Hongdae DupBul  
• PLANT Cafe (Vegan Food)

The Ugly Truth About Korea

Is south Korea safe for female travelers? While I enjoyed living in Korea and I did find it safe for the most part, there are some things you have to be aware of. South Korea is a deeply patriarchal country with some ass backwards ways of thinking. My goal is to keep my expat sisters and traveling sisters safe. The more we know, the easier it is to protect ourselves.

Clubbing Culture in Korea

Now the question I shall answer… Is Seoul safe at night? Because let’s be real, who doesn’t love going out to boogie every once in awhile? The clubbing culture in Korea is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced in my life. The party goes all night long. But when alcohol is involved and you were born female, you need to be extra cautious.

This goes without saying, don’t act a fool at the the bar or club. Locals can tell if you’re a tourist and its an easy way to put a target on your back. Just remember there are shitty people in every country.

Korea is no exception.

Some past news headlines in Korea have covered sexual assault and prostitution rings at clubs in Seoul. These disturbing allegations revolve around club staff who drugged women for VIP customers. They slipped a date rape drug into their drinks known as 물뽕 mool-bbong  which causes grogginess and significant memory loss.

In my experience, this isn’t the only club I know of in Korea doing shady shit. Since Korea is still deeply rooted in patriarchy, if you’re out drinking, dressed amazing, and in a club, it means you want to have sex. Therefore, if a man grabs you or does something to you, it’s automatically your fault. The bouncers or the police don’t give a flying fuck.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying this happens everywhere in Korea and I’ve had good experiences at many bars and clubs. Consider this your warning to act vigilantly.

Itaewon is a great place for the enormous food selection and cool hangouts like rooftop bars. In addition, many foreigners live here and have opened amazing businesses with food from around the world.

During the day, Itaewon isn’t so bad. Itaewon at night is a different story.

You best believe when the sun sets my ass has already vacated the premises. The only time I’ve been stared down, cat called, and made to feel uncomfortable is by foreigners in Itaewon.

This is where all the broke college kids and English teachers fresh out of college go. There’s cheap drinking, tons of bars, hofs, and clubs. The atmosphere is also really cool with all the bright lights and street performances. Wild parties happen take place and I have seen some drunken brawling and weirdos every now and again.

Gangnam is more ritzy and upscale. I personally like drinking in Gangnam because a lot of my favorite bars are in the area. It may be because of my age or I have simply outgrown the club scene, but I refuse to go clubbing in Gangnam anymore.

Remember how earlier I told you shady shit goes on at the clubs? Gangnam is where a lot of the seedy behavior happens. We’re talking dirty cops, drugs, and prostitution rings. Moral of the story? Don’t let the price tag fool you. There’s still a dumpster fire hidden under all the glamor.

However, if you are a Kpop fan and want to run into a celeb or two, you’ll definitely see them on occasion in Gangnam at the ritzy bars or clubs.

One of the biggest news stories about the horrors of drinking alone revolved around a fellow JET alum. She was gang raped by three men in South Korea after she was slipped a 물뽕 mool-bbong. After begging a taxi driver to take her home, her assailants took her to Hooker Hill (Itaewon) and did the unspeakable.

After the incident, police didn’t take her seriously, treated her abhorrently and even wrote an open letter victim blaming her . This sent a message loud and clear that if you’re a woman and you’re drinking, then whatever happens to you is automatically your fault and not your attacker’s.

If you do choose to go out pub crawling, it’s a great place to meet tourists, expats, and locals. But again, it’s just me personally but I don’t go out drinking with a bunch of people I don’t know.

I know a lot of this is scary, but it’s the truth. You have to know these things for when you travel alone in Korea. I beg you to please be aware of your surroundings and do your best to protect yourself.

Non-Existent Sex Education

I am a woman and also a teacher. I have come hand in hand with how terrible sex education is here in South Korea. My middle school students were not well-educated very well on STIs, abortion, contraception, and reproduction. Personally, I blame the falling birth rate because they want to make more little Koreans to replace the deficit.

Refusing To Wear Condoms/ Stealthing

Another big problem in Korea is that men have been known to remove condoms without their partner’s knowledge. Stealthing is   a form of rape . It is defined when people agree to have sex with a condom and then someone either lies about putting a condom on or removes it without the other person’s permission. And the worst part? It is not a crime in Korea. There’s nothing you can do. You’re fucked.

I’m going to have a real moment of truth with ya’ll because it has happened to me. Unfortunately, I’m not the only one this has happened to. I’ve never felt so disgusting in my life. So please be careful and make sure your partner has their condom on. Truly, I do not wish this on anyone else.

In addition, I have come across many ignorant men who don’t want to use condoms. They inspect their junk to see if they’re clean and that’s it. They don’t take STI tests (because it’s shameful) and if they have no signs, they automatically assume they’re clean.

If you’re not horrified by now, I don’t know what’s going to terrify you.

So ladies, I implore you. If you want to go out and have sex, then you do you. There’s no judgement and I’m all for living your best life. Just make sure the guy you choose to take home with you uses contraception and carry your own just in case. If he bitches and says condoms are uncomfortable and he doesn’t like to wear them, proceed to throw the whole man away.

Beware Molka

Molka is an expression used for hidden cameras. These cameras are placed anywhere from hotel rooms, dressing rooms, bathrooms in subway stations, and cafes. In hotel rooms, they’re then hidden in wall sockets, smoke alarm detectors, hair dryers, toilet seats, and satellite boxes. The footage is then live-streamed online to paying customers.

Since porn is illegal in Korea, the way people get their fix is by filming women without their consent. In fact, it’s starting to become a huge problem in Korea.

Here’s how to keep yourself safe from Molka :

• Listen for a slight buzzing sound.
• Investigate smoke detectors and other electronics.
• Check for unusually long or strange wifi names, it could indicate it belongs to a hidden camera.
• Carry around a small ice pick or safety pin to break the camera lens.
• Buy a spy cam detector off Amazon .
• Use a piece of red cellophane and put it over the flash of your camera. Turn on the flash and scan the room. When the red light hits a spy cam, you’ll see a glimmer of light.

According to most crime statistics in Korea, 60% most hidden cam porn is filmed by a significant other or spouse. If you do choose to take someone to the love motel, be aware that this person could also be secretly filming you too.

The Patriarchy is Real

According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Korea ranks pretty low in terms of a developed country’s equality for men and women. Sadly, the gender inequality is ranked at one of the highest in the world.

Some men will expect you to put out if they take you out on really nice dates. Korean society is a man’s paradise and they see women as below them in many aspects. Please don’t take this as me saying all men in Korea are trash. They’re not. I’ve met my fair share of incredible kind and nice men. However, some men were raised to view sex as a monetary transaction.

Is Korea Safe For Women?

Korea is safe as long as you take precautions to protect yourself. Keep valuables like your laptop and non-necessary credit cards in the safe at your hostel or hotel. Take the money you really need out. If you accidentally leave your wallet or purse somewhere, rest assured 9/10 it will be right where you left it and no one will take it.

Be aware of molka, the attitudes around women drinking, and the attitude towards sex with women is in Korea. Having a low crime rate in Korea doesn’t mean Korea is free from it. There are plenty of crimes that happen each and every day.

What you can expect from Koreans and Korea in general is the culture of thinking of the masses and not the individual. I personally thinking watching out for your neighbor and being considerate of others is one of the many beautiful things about Korean culture. When in Korea, do as the Koreans do.

I’ve seen children in Korea go about running errands themselves like buying things at the convenience store, riding public transport, and even being out until their curfew at 9pm. Because of constant CCTV surveillance, no one hurts them.

A Message to the Koreaboos

I hate I even have to write this, but here it is. If you think Korean dramas and Korean pop music videos are an accurate representation of Korean culture as a whole…

GTFO OF HERE RIGHT NOW.

Do us all a favor and sit your happy ass in your home country and don’t even bother coming. Korea is a country just like any others with problems and seedy underbelly. This is not your fairy tale land.

There are assholes who know about the K-wave and WILL take advantage of your naivety. If you’re coming to Korea just for your oppa, then don’t even book your plane ticket.

Did You Ever Feel Alone in Korea?

Honestly, no. I am someone who has always marched to the beat of my own drum. Having hobbies like photography and videography helped me make a lot of friends. In fact, a lot of friends I made with similar hobbies are still my friends to this day. If you think you’re not gonna make friends while solo traveling, think again. I have met the coolest most down to earth ladies in my travels. And I guarantee you will too.

Still Scared About South Korea Solo Travel?

Did you know there are tons of Facebook groups out there that are dedicated to helping solo female travelers? I know traveling alone and to Korea can be scary… Especially if you’ve never done it before.

• The Solo Female Traveler Network
• Free Travel Accommodation – The Solo Female Travel Network
• Travel Meetups – The Solo Female Traveler Network
• Go Wonder Solo Female Travelers
• Over 40 – The Solo Female Traveler Network

I hope you check out these solo female travel groups and connect with some seriously awesome kick ass ladies who have traversed the Earth.

Final Thoughts

So to answer your question, is solo female travel to Korea safe for foreign women? Is south Korea safe for females? Put the Land of the Morning Calm high on your list of solo female travel destinations. I think it’s one of the best places for a single woman to travel. Korea’s vibrant culture and delicious food will definitely draw you in. Seoul is an incredible destination for solo vacations for females.

This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through one of my links, at no additional cost to you, I make a small commission to keep Gina Bear’s Blog running.

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5 Comments on The Ultimate Guide To Solo Female Travel in South Korea

Thanks for sharing tips on travelling alone.

Do you mind if you share more about the acure laser experience for your acne?

What exactly do you want to know?

I had the most Amazing time in Korea. I stayed for a month, met with a lot of my Hello talk friends, travel a lot and see a lot of things and i always felt safe. I am a 46 years old woman solo traveler and i had only good encounters with male and female Koreans (aside my friends). The rudest persons i met in Korea were some women from Tailand and Russia who acted like they owened the place, all other people including other Tailand and Russian i met were extremely friendly and helpful. I recomend travel to Korea at least once in a lifetime. It is an experience you will NEVER forget. Thank you Ginabear for all the help and tips. Take care sweetie ♥️💜

Hi, I am planning to visit Seoul. Can you please help me with an itenary.. It would my first solo trip.

Do you work in Korea? I am disabled and want to visit and thought of getting the teach English classes. Do you know many doing this?

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Solo travelling in Korea – Be the main character in your own K-drama

Hope Warren | Posted on April 4, 2023 |

Are you obsessed with Korean dramas, K-pop, or watching Korean food mukbang s on YouTube? Perhaps none of the above. But do you want to see an exciting corner of Asia with incredible history, nature, architecture and cuisine? Then solo travel in Korea is calling you!

I moved to Korea alone 18 months ago, and since then I’ve had all kinds of solo experiences that I never could have imagined from my London comfort bubble. This country is so welcoming that I’ve never really felt alone – it’s a great choice for first-time or nervous solo travellers, as I was!

I’m here to tell you everything you need to know about solo travelling in Korea !

What to know before travelling alone to Korea

Korea isn’t the most famous spot in Asia for backpackers – its routes aren’t as well-trodden as those in Thailand or Vietnam. But excellent public transport, high levels of safety and the reliable kindness of Korean people make it easy to navigate the country as a solo traveller. In the bigger cities you can get by without knowing Korean, but in smaller spots, the translation app Papago will be your new best friend. You should also download a Korean maps app such as Naver or Kakao , because non-Korean apps don’t work well.

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What time of the year is best for solo travellers visiting Korea?

I wouldn’t recommend solo travellers to visit Korea during the winter months of November-February. For starters, the brutal cold requires more layers than you can fit in your backpack – in Seoul temperatures are around –15 degrees. The social scene is quieter, there are fewer cultural events and less travellers visiting.

When March comes around, it starts to thaw and Korea starts popping. The arrival of cherry blossom season brings everybody out, so it’s the perfect time for solo travellers to meet people – just make sure to book your hostels early, as places sell out way in advance. Throughout spring and summer, you can find a festival to go to almost every weekend, most of which are free. Historic Gyeongju has its own Cherry Blossom Festival in late March to early April, while Daegu has its famous Chimaek Festival in July (‘chimaek’ is the Korean word for fried chicken and beer, need I say more?) In June, Seoul’s Waterbomb festival has huge Korean artists performing at what is essentially a huge water fight in the sweaty peak of summer. And for something totally different, the Boryeong Mud Festival in July is a big party on the beach that involves sliding, swimming and wrestling in mud. Go to any of these festivals solo and you’ll be sure to leave with a new bunch of travel BFFs.

How much does solo travelling in Korea cost?

The simplest way I can answer this question is: way less than western Europe, but more than southeast Asia. Overall, I think solo travel in Korea is pretty affordable – but let’s break it down.

Coming from the U.K, the land of overpriced train tickets and major delays, I’m obsessed with Korea’s public transport. It’s clean, comfortable, reliable and you always pay the same price, no matter when you travel or book. The longest trip most travellers will take is from Seoul in the north to Busan in the south. This costs 50,000 won (about £30) by high-speed train taking 2 hours, or 37,000 won (£23) for a 4-hour bus ride.

Korea has some of the friendliest hostels you’ll find, and they’ll be kind to your wallet too. Around £15 a night is the average for most cities, with cheaper and bougier options available.

Eating at a Korean restaurant is cheap, while western-style places are a bit pricier. Dinner at a Korean BBQ restaurant costs about 15,000 won (£9) per person, and in all Korean restaurants side dishes are free and all you can eat. Groceries are pricy, so I don’t recommend cooking too much at your hostel. Instead, on your most frugal days, ramyeon and gimbap from the convenience store can fill you up for less than £3. For a cheap night out, stick to soju, Korea’s national spirit. It only costs around £2 a bottle, but you might pay for it in other ways the next day…

Is Korea safe for solo travellers?

Having visited many cities in Korea as a solo female, I can confidently say it feels like the safest place I’ve ever travelled. Crime levels are so low that if you lose your wallet, the chances are it’ll be in the same spot the next day with everything intact. If you get lost, you’re never more than a few minutes from a 24-hour convenience store where you can charge your phone and get something to eat at any time of night. Of course, nowhere is perfect and as solo travellers we should stay alert whenever visiting a new place. But safety shouldn’t be a big concern when planning your trip to Korea.

In big cities nobody will bat an eye at you, but do be prepared for some attention if you visit a rural area as a foreigner. Korea is still pretty conservative, so LGBT couples might be stared at for holding hands or kissing in public by older Koreans.

How to travel Korea solo

Okay, we’ve covered the logistical stuff. So where are you gonna go, what are you gonna do, where are you gonna sleep and what are you gonna eat on your big solo adventure? For such a small country

Korea has endless possibilities, so it can feel overwhelming trying to plan a solo itinerary. Try to go with the flow as much as possible, but here are the essential things you can’t miss!

Best places to visit in Korea for solo travellers

Most trips to South Korea will start in its non-stop capital city, where you can experience all sides of Korean culture in 24 hours. Start the day in an ancient palace and end the night in a Gangnam nightclub, with some antique shopping, gallery hopping and K-pop idol spotting in between. Seoul is an ultra-modern city with traditions on every corner. If you’re feeling lonely, head to Itaewon, Korea’s most international neighbourhood. You’ll be sure to find home comforts here no matter where you’re from. The university district Hongdae is also a great place to meet people, with parties 7 nights a week.

Korea’s second city is slightly more chilled, but every bit as fun. It’s also home to iconic Haeundae beach, considered to be the most beautiful in Korea. Busan is my favourite place to visit solo, because I always get major main character syndrome strolling across the white sand, taking the Sky Capsule train alongside the ocean, or heading up into the mountains to explore the eclectic Gamcheon Culture Village. The best neighbourhoods for solo travellers to stay in are Haeundae or Seomyeon, both popular nightlife spots with so much to do.

I may be biased because I live there, but Gyeongju must be the friendliest city in Korea – it just has that small city charm! As an introvert it was pretty much impossible not to make friends as soon as I arrived here, thanks to the kind Koreans who were so eager to show me their culture and the small community of expats who always welcome a new foreigner in town. It’s a cheap, relaxed place to chill out and enjoy some of Korea’s most important historic sites, while its coolest neighbourhood Hwanglidan-gil has plenty to keep a solo traveller entertained.

Best things to do in Korea for solo travellers

Koreans are baseball mad, so even if you’re allergic to anything sporty, the atmosphere at a live baseball game makes for a fun time. It’s perfect for solo travellers, because everybody around you cheering for the same team automatically becomes your new bestie. The game may be slow, but the fast-flowing beer keeps the mood high. Fellow Brits, if you don’t have a clue what’s going on, just stay for the good vibes and fried chicken. Major cities like Seoul, Busan and Daegu have teams in the KBO League. The season runs from April – October and tickets are surprisingly cheap!

For a more relaxing time try a jjimjilbang , traditional Korean bathhouses that are usually open 24 hours a day. A big part of this involves naked communal bathing, which I find significantly less awkward when I don’t know anybody – solo travel win! After taking a soak, change into pyjamas and try out the different saunas to sweat out all the soju you’ve consumed. Every town has jjimjilbangs , but Busan’s SpaLand is the fanciest!

An authentic experience you’ll never forget is a night sleeping in a temple, adopting the lifestyle of a Buddhist monk. Many of Korea’s temples offer overnight stays which are an awesome opportunity to learn about Buddhist history and culture. These usually involve sunrise meditation, communal work, vegan food, 108 prostrations (a Buddhist bowing ritual) and a night in a dorm, where you’ll feel right at home.

If you’re in Busan on a Saturday night, head to Gwangalli beach for one of the coolest shows you’ll ever see. Each week at this time, people gather on the sand to watch a futuristic drone show above the ocean, with themes ranging from Greek mythology to ‘save the polar bears’. The show is spectacular and totally free – just bring a beach mat and a few beers and you’ll be chatting to your neighbours in no time.

Best hostels in Korea for solo travellers

Korea has heaps of hostels that are perfect for solo travellers, so here are just a few of my picks. In Seoul, Time Travelers Party Hostel in cool Hongdae is a contender for the most social. They arrange a meeting every night in their basement for solo travellers to drink and hang out before heading out to the best clubs, hand-picked by their expert staff. If international Itaewon is more your scene, G Guest House holds Korean BBQ nights on its rooftop that overlooks one of Korea’s most buzzing neighbourhoods.

In Busan, Kimchee Guesthouse has spots in both Haeundae and Seomyeon , so whether you’re into beach bars or hardcore clubbing, you’ll be close to the action. Bond with your new dorm-mates over games of beer pong and flip cup before heading out to enjoy Busan’s incredible nightlife.

Best places to eat in Korea for solo travellers

To be honest, the most difficult thing for me when solo travelling in Korea is finding places to eat alone. Korean food culture is all about sharing, and some restaurants won’t accept a party of one. You’ll always be okay in a western style place, but they can be expensive and you didn’t come to Korea to eat pizza and pasta!

My top tip is to visit local markets – here you can sample all kinds of Korean food in smaller portions, without the pitying gaze of restaurant staff watching over you. In my experience, the old Korean women who own the stalls are so excited to feed an international guest that they usually throw in freebies and make a big effort to chat through the language barrier. Seoul has several options, but I recommend starting at Gwangjang Market – it’s easy to navigate and not intimidating. The food street at Namdaemun Market, Korea’s oldest traditional market, is awesome too. Outside of the markets, Seoul also has amazing street food that you can grab on the go. The best spots are in Myeong-dong and Hongdae!

Busan’s street food hotspot is in the BIFF square area of Nampo-dong, where the streets are filled with vendors selling all kinds of delicious food. Haeundae also has a cute street market, with pretty photo spots and an emphasis on seafood.

Even smaller cities tend to have food markets. Gyeongju’s Jungang Market has a super local feel, and it’s normal to bring your own beer or soju to enjoy while you eat. If you can’t find street food, there are some Korean dishes that are suited to solo diners. Bibimbap is the most popular, a healthy combo of rice, beef, lots of veggies, egg and spicy sauce that you should mix together. Also try gimbap (seaweed rice rolls), jeon (Korean pancakes) and naengmyeon (noodles in ice cold soup). If you want to sample the likes of Korean BBQ, you’ll just have to round up some hostel mates!

I hope this guide to solo travelling in Korea has you ready to take the plunge and book that flight! I promise you won’t regret it. Let us know what you discover on your adventure!

Download the hostelworld app to start meeting people from the moment you book.

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A Solo Woman Traveler’s Complete Guide to Korea

 5,579 total views,  1 views today

As a solo woman traveler to any place, the first question that comes to mind is, ‘Is solo woman travel to a specific destination safe?’ Well, we are going to delve into ‘Is South Korea safe for solo women travelers?’ and answer several questions for you! 

Table of Contents

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The Good About South Korea

As a solo women traveler, traveling to South Korea isn’t really as scary as you might imagine. South Korea is pretty safe – you might forget your things in a café, and no one will try to steal it or even touch it! 

In European or American cities, you probably always are looking over your shoulder and continually trying to hide your valuables. And if by any chance you forget something anywhere, you can also forget about ever getting it back! 

Along with that, it’s also safe to roam around pretty late at night except in certain towns, cities, or red-light districts. Just make sure that you stay in well-lighted places. 

Best Activities as Solo Woman Traveler

No matter where you are in South Korea, rest assured that there’s something for everyone! You can find cooking classes, beauty, shopping, or even enjoy food in every city and town of South Korea. 

Solo Woman Activities in South Korea

• Use the Discover Seoul Pass – Using this single pass, you’ll be able to go to Seoul’s all major attractions. Some of the spas are also included in the same pass. 

• Pamper Yourself in a Spa – You can pamper yourself at jimjilbang , a Korean spa. You can even find some spas where the actual celebrities go, like the Whoo Spa. 
• Instagram-Worthy Cafes – There are so many beautiful cafes and restaurants in South Korea that you can explore. You can get your nerd on at King’s Cross Harry Potter Café, or if you are a girly girl, then you’ll enjoy the Stylenanda Café! 

• Get a Beauty Treatment – South Korea is well known for its medical tourism. You can get a beauty treatment or a medical procedure like cherry lips. 
• Rent Hanbok – You can rent a traditional dress of South Korea and get some great clicks in front of hanok houses and villages.

• Enjoy Clubbing – Who doesn’t love to dance their nights off once in a while? The clubbing and nightlife scene in South Korea is unlike anything you’ve experienced. It’s pretty wild and fun, but you need to be alert and stay safe when you are out and about. 

Beautiful Places to Visit in South Korea

South Korea is not just an urban jungle that you see in Seoul. As a solo woman traveler, there are so many beautiful places to explore in South Korea. 

For detailed guides to different cities in Korea, you can check out other posts from KoreaTravelPost. 

• Top Tips for Solo Women Travelers in Seoul!
• A Solo Woman’s Guide to Chuncheon
• Top Tourist Attractions for Solo Women Travelers in Busan
• Solo Woman Traveler’s Guide to Jeju
• Solo Women Travelers Guide to Incheon

Overall Experience in South Korea as a Solo Woman Traveler

Public transportation.

The public transportation system is inexpensive in Korea as compared to other countries like Japan and America, where it’s quite expensive. You can travel within the city as well as intercity comfortably. 

South Korea is Inexpensive

Again, as compared to other developed countries, the cost of living in South Korea is very cheap. In most cafes, you can get a fancy drink for $6 (6,500 KRW) and get an entire meal with sides for $7 (7,000 KRW). You can have all the fun without having to break the bank!

South Korea offers some of the best connectivity in the world. No matter where you go, you’ll be able to connect to public WiFi. 

Shopping Mecca

South Korea is definitely a shopping mecca as locals love to shop. You can find all sorts of cute items, including stationery, shoes, clothes, accessories for really low prices. 

South Korea is Tourist-Friendly

As a solo woman traveler, you can rejoice as Korea is a tourist-friendly country. You can see a lot of guides around major tourist attractions, and they are quite friendly. They speak different languages so that you won’t face a language barrier. An easy way to recognize is that these people generally wear red with a circled ‘I’ on their clothes. 

Low Crime Rate

The crime rate is low, but you should still be alert. A low rate does not mean that there is no crime. You just have to make sure that you don’t end up in a sticky situation. 

Patriarchal Society

Korea is a deeply patriarchal country, and you need to be aware of that. It’s not an extreme case like Saudi Arabia, but it’s not as modernized as America or Europe. 

Final Thoughts

To answer your question, is South Korea safe for solo woman traveler? We recommend that it is one of the best destinations that you can explore. The culture is vibrant, and food is delicious, people are friendly, what’s not to love. 

Also, remember that it’s not unsafe, especially when compared to the US, but you still need to be cautious and aware. 

KoreaTravelPost Editor

Hello there! I'm the Features Editor for KoreaTravelPost.

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A Solo Traveller’s Guide to Seoul

The capital city of South Korea is a pulsating metropolis that combines traditional Korean ideals with modern architecture and young neighbourhoods. While it’s often overshadowed by bigger neighbours Beijing and Tokyo, Seoul has recently become one of the hottest cities in East Asia. If you’re planning on travelling to Seoul alone, here are the top places to add to your itinerary.

Thinking of joining a small-group tour instead of going solo? Our 10-day South Korea trip will take you around the country with other like-minded travellers, led by our Local Insider.

The best neighbourhoods to visit in Seoul

Yes, this is the home of Gangnam Style, but it’s not as dorky as you might think. In fact, Gangnam is the most modern district in the city – it was farmland until the 1970s – with Starfield COEX Mall, one of the largest underground shopping malls in the world, expensive high rises and the best plastic surgeons in town. Gangnam is split into several main areas: Cheongdam-dong, home to celebrities and expensive cars; Samseong-dong, home to the Bongeunsa Temple; and Nonhyeon-dong, home to quiet, back-street bars.

Looking for a place to stay? Check out our pick of the best hotels in Gangnam .

If you have an artistic streak, you will fall in love with Insadong. This charming neighbourhood is home to local artists, teahouses, contemporary galleries and boutique shops. It’s the perfect spot for serious souvenir shopping, but you’ll also find historically significant buildings here, including the Unhyeongung Royal Residence and Jogyesa, an important Korean Buddhist temple. Read more in our guide to the best things to do in Insadong .

Shopaholics will faint when they see the seemingly endless arrangement of shops in this part of Seoul. Have you watched any Korean dramas? If so, Myeongdong will look familiar. It’s home to the largest department stores in South Korea, including Lotte and Hyundai, which means foreign shoppers can buy duty-free goods from high-end brands. In the evening, many visitors head to Myeongdong to grab a bite at one of the many local restaurants .

Want more? Browse our pick of the best places to stay in Myeongdong .

Most travellers instantly feel at home in Itaewon: this part of town is the multicultural district of Seoul, home to a vibrant expat community. If you need a break from Korean food, this is the place to find impeccable international restaurants. On top of that, Itaewon also offers lots of nightlife with countless bars and pubs open until the early hours. For an inside take, find out what it’s like to live in Itaewon .

This university neighbourhood is where the cool kids hang. Home to four big schools – Hongik, Yonsei, Sogang and Ewha – it’s no surprise Hongdae is the best place for quirky eats, cheap shopping and thrilling nightlife. If you’ve heard about the themed cafes in South Korea, this is where the idea was born.

If Hongdae sounds like an ideal base for you, take your pick from our roundup of great hotels in the neighbourhood .

Where to stay in Seoul

Insa hostel.

If you’re looking for a budget stay that doesn’t skimp on character, Insa Hostel in the artistic Insadong neighbourhood is the ideal place. Opened in 2013, Insa benefits from being within walking distance of the Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces as well as the Myeongdong neighbourhood. The rooms here may be simple, but the rooftop terrace, free breakfast and heated bathroom floors more than make up for it.

Makers Hotel

Brick walls, leather sofas and antique furnishings kit out this boutique hotel in bustling Jongno, the centre of Seoul for 600 years. Upstairs you’ll find stylish rooms with wood-panelling and simple decor; downstairs is the Common Cafe, a mid-century-style space, which serves a continental breakfast. With the metro station next door, there’s easy access the rest of the city.

Fancy a stay? A three-night stay in the Makers Hotel is included in Culture Trip’s carefully curated tour of South Korea , where you’ll explore Seoul and beyond over the course of 10 days.

The Shilla is one of the most sophisticated hotels in Seoul. Regularly voted as one of the top hotels in the world, it emphasises the harmony between modernism and tradition through elegant design and high-end facilities, which includes a luxurious spa, five restaurants and even a Korean sculpture garden. It has a peaceful setting on the outskirts of the city centre, but a free shuttle service will keep you connected to the sites.

Where to eat in Seoul

Mapo sutbul galbi.

Koreans love BBQ. It’s more than just food: it’s a whole social ritual with friends and drinking. One of the best places to grab galbi (meat), is Mapo Sutbul Galbi. This family-owned place is best known for its marinated beef and pork and is one of the only places in town that uses plums in their marinade – giving the meat a sweet taste.

Even though Korean cuisine is relatively meat heavy, vegetarians won’t starve. One of the top addresses for first-class veggie food in Seoul is Sanchon . This restaurant was founded by a Buddhist monk and offers set meals with more than 20 dishes prepared to Buddhist standards. If you’re visiting in the evening, you’ll experience the daily Korean dance performance at 8pm.

Myeongdong Kyoja

Myeongdong Kyoja specialises in chicken kalguksu (noodle soup), served with sliced pumpkin, spicy onions and a unique kimchi that is the pride of the restaurant. This outlet has been serving customers in the Myeongdong neighbourhood for more than 50 years – its popularity is down to the outstanding hospitality: if you’re still hungry, just ask for a free refill.

What to do in Seoul

Visit the demilitarised zone (dmz).

Many visitors like to get in touch with South Korean history. If that’s you, take a day tour up to the DMZ between North and South Korea, where the Cold War is still very much in existence. The zone is about 250km (155mi) long – head to the Joint Security Area (JSA) near the western end to head down the Third Infiltration Tunnel, try North Korean liquor and get a glimpse of the isolated nation.

Climb Bukhansan

South Koreans love hiking. With the staggering number of mountains and national parks in the country, it’s no wonder why. But don’t worry, you don’t need to travel far outside the Seoul borders to climb one of the most beautiful mountains in Korea. When you reach the top of Bukhan Mountain, to the north of the capital, you will be rewarded with breath-taking views of the city skyline.

Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace

Central Gyeongbokgung was the main palace during the Joseon Dynasty. Built in 1395, it is the largest of the Five Grand Palaces of South Korea, with some 500 buildings and 7,700 rooms. Gyeongbokgung has been undergoing extensive restoration since the 1990s, and is today the most visited attraction in South Korea, hosting various events throughout the year.

Wander the narrow streets of Bukchon Hanok Village

Travel back in time in Bukchon Hanok Village. Featuring a collection of 600-year-old Korean houses, this traditional village is filled with teahouses, coffee shops, restaurants and boutique stores. Take a stroll through the narrow alleys; you can even wear traditional Korean hanbok dresses for unforgettable holiday photos.

Take photos in Gwanghwamun Plaza

Facing Gwanghwamun, the main gate of Gyeongbokgung palace, is its eponymous plaza. This area offers superb photography opportunities in the evening when the sun sets in the distance behind the main gate. The square also features a large statue of Sejong the Great, considered one of the most important kings in Korean history as he created the Korean alphabet Hangul.

Practical tips for visiting Seoul solo

Getting around.

Seoul has a convenient network of affordable subways and public buses that are easy to use. Taking certain subway lines during rush hour can be quite nerve-wracking though – this might be the perfect time to take an Uber. South Korea also has its own version of the convenient dial-a-ride service called Kakao T, which is also widely used.

Health and safety in Seoul

It is not recommended to drink tap water in Seoul unless it’s been boiled, but don’t shy away from trying street food as South Korea has a rich foodie culture. Locals love snacking on the go and you can best experience Korean flavours when out and about. South Koreans are extremely relaxed and it’s not uncommon to leave your camera on the table while ordering coffee or to give the waiter your phone to charge it for you – this level of trust makes South Korea a safe place to travel alone.

Solo travel doesn’t have to be an entirely lonesome affair. Join Culture Trip’s 10-day South Korea adventure for the chance to experience Seoul and beyond with a small group of travellers who are as culturally curious as you are.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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How a Solo Trip to South Korea Turned Into a Social Experiment

Here's what I learned after visiting the same destination solo vs. with a friend

Sherri Gardner

One of my biggest stressors—probably the biggest—when traveling with others: trying to make sure everyone is happy. But as an indecisive, Type A people-pleaser with anxiety, feeling responsible for another person’s enjoyment turns my (relatively) mellow vacation self into a ball of stress with an increasingly short temper. I never realized this quirk of my personality until I accidentally ran a social experiment: I took the same trip to South Korea twice, six months apart, and discovered all the pros and cons of traveling with a friend vs. traveling solo. 

The constants of the experiment were as follows: each trip was 10 days long, I did a meet-up with locals and other foreigners, and I stayed in Seoul the entire time at the same guesthouse. The variables were pretty simple. On my first trip, in May, I was solo and purely vacationed. In November, on the second trip, I went with my longtime friend and roommate of a year, Carmen. I also spent four hours each morning working to afford the $2,400 I spent on plane tickets.

There were some very tangible and distinct benefits to each travel style. Here's what the two trips taught me.

The First Trip: Solo

My first solo trip to Seoul was also the first solo trip I’d ever taken and my first vacation out of college. I wasn’t nervous because I spoke and read the language, the Seoul metro system was sure to be an upgrade from that of New York City, and I, for unrelated reasons, spent years learning all about Korean culture.

Looking back on it, that trip is probably the best I've ever had. Every person I met was warm and open, regardless of any language barrier, and while I braced myself for at least one negative incident, I never experienced one. The people I met at the guesthouse became my travel companions. They helped break me out of my shell, took me to their favorite restaurants, and one of them spent hours with me searching for a strangely elusive skincare store.

When I returned home, I couldn't say enough about how incredible the trip was. I gushed over the many excellent meals I had, the cute socks I bought, and of course, the people I met. I knew that I needed to make another trip as soon as possible. Less than two months after my return, I bought my tickets. But this time, I was bringing Carmen with me.

The Second Trip: With a Friend

Traveling with Carmen, the journey to each destination is what stands out in my memory. We turned a 20-minute walk from a museum to a restaurant into a 90-minute trek through extremely residential neighborhoods. Trying to get out of Olympic Park had us walking for hours before we finally located the exit... only to find out that it was another mile to a train station that would take us to the guesthouse. That sounds like the recipe for an awful trip, right? Those accidentally long walks were one of the biggest highlights.

Outside of being the designated translator, the only annoying part of traveling with Carmen was that she was too down for whatever. Rarely did she express a preference for where to eat or what to do. So all the decision-making fell onto my shoulders: a recipe for disaster. Especially in a city like Seoul, where there are dozens of restaurants and stores around every corner stacked three or four levels high, it would be weird if I didn’t get decision paralysis.

Never mind that it's hard to find a bad restaurant in Seoul, each time Carmen looked to me to make a decision, my frustration built. Not enough to overshadow all the many positives, but enough to leave me feeling bitter for a while until I finally got over it. Could it have been avoided by simply saying, “I’m overwhelmed picking all the restaurants?” Yes. Was I capable of doing that at the time? Absolutely not.

Atlantide Phototravel / Getty Images

What I Learned

If you asked me which trip I enjoyed more as a whole, it would be the solo trip. I made so many new friends, finally got to put my Korean skills to use, wandered around the city both on my own and with new friends, and even had a vacation crush. But paradoxically, I have fonder memories of the second trip that I took with Carmen.

I’m dying to take more solo trips where I can do everything at my own pace. But my experiment taught me that traveling with a friend who shares your interests and makes things as mundane as people watching or getting lost fun is a fantastic experience. Even through the frustration, the positive memories always outweigh the negative.

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Solo Traveler's Guide To Seoul - Things To Do Alone

(0 - 12 years old)

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February 29, 2020

By Ben Jeon , a local youtube entrepreneur with a passion for sharing Korean food, culture and tourism with the world. Edited by Jess Wright

As a tourist destination, Seoul has it all. The region in which Seoul resides has been continuously inhabited for more than 2000 years, and this is evidenced by the ancient temples, palaces and villages that give Seoul a rich historicity. Enveloping these historical sites is a breathtaking modern cityscape that reflects the burgeoning tech-driven economy that powers Seoul. The cultural scene is unlike anything else in the world – a wild blend of beauty tourism, Korean street food, a fascinating history and of course – karaoke! Travelling to a place you have never been is not always easy, and can be especially tricky if you’re doing it on your own. Whether you are looking for a relaxing journey through history or wild nights out, I assure you that once you have read through this list of things to do in Seoul alone, you will be convinced that you don’t need a travelling companion to have one of the best experiences of your life. And if you find yourself asking if Seoul is safe to travel to alone, don’t fret – it has become a popular destination for solo travelers because it’s such a safe and accommodating city.

Seongjeongneung

The name might seem a mouthful, and that’s because it is actually the combination of Seolleung and Jeongneung – referring to the tombs of King Seongjong, Queen Jeonghyeon and King Jungjong who was the son of the former. As you may have guessed, Seongjeongneung is a royal burial site, and it was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 2009. As part of your Seoul solo itinerary this site comes highly recommended as it is not so well known, making it a peaceful and uncluttered space to go and clear the mind while taking in some history. Being adjacent to the Seolleung station, it is very accessible. Once you’re done at the tombs, you might want to visit Bongeunsa temple, which is just a short walk away. The path leads out of the red spiked gate and along a forest trail. There are two paths here, one of which is slightly elevated. This path is known as the path of the spirit, and it is considered disrespectful for tourists to walk along it, so I advise that you take the lower path. The walk is brief, but utterly tranquil, and the green-lit quiet of the forest is sure to refresh you.

Seoullo 7017

At about a kilometer in length, Seoullo 7017 is a bridge that used to be an abandoned overpass for cars. The name has a curious etymology. The 70 is for the year in which the bridge was built, and the 17 refers to oth the year in which it was revived as a tourist destination and the number of footpaths now present on the bridge. Bridge sounds banal, but in truth, the Seoullo 7017 is one of the more unique things to do in Seoul. The main attraction is the view – the bridge is high enough to see a great of Seoul, and at night the city lights flare up in a breathtaking kaleidoscope and so a visit after the sun has set is one of the best things to do in Seoul at night . Along the way are many different food stores selling traditional Korean food, so a late-night dinner may be in order. There is also a Seoullo gift shop for souvenirs, and trampoline park for the more adventurously inclined. If you get lost or just want to know more about the bridge and Seoul in general, there are eight tourist information centers that you can stop at. If you’re lucky, you may catch a live band playing at one of the stages on the bridge. There are also 200 different kinds of plants on the bridge, which is enough to excite even the most worldly botanist. If you are foot-weary there are round pools along the way for you to dip your feet in.

Seoul Sky Observatory

The 5th tallest building in the world, the Lotte World Tower has 123 floors. That may seem like a lot (and it is), but the elevator inside will get you to the top in just 3 minutes (a literal world record). And why would you want to go the top? The 123rd floor boasts the Seoul Sky Observatory and what is probably the best view in Seoul, and at around 7pm in summer you can see the sun setting in a spectacularly incandescent orange. If you’re a bit of an adrenaline junkie, head down to the 17th floor. This floor features a glass deck that allows you to see right the way down to the below you. Get vertigo? This probably is not for you. A photo looking down with your shoes in the frame is bound to be Instagram worthy. At around 63 floors, the Yuksam building seems dwarfish by comparison, but the view from the top floor rivals that of the Sky observatory, for different reasons. I recommend the Yuksam on a sunny day, though there are plenty of features inside for a rainy day too. The facade of the Yuksam glows an impressive gold despite its age, and is something to behold when the light catches it just right. Inside you will find an IMAX, an aquarium, a wax museum and a variety of restaurants - great spot for a lunch.

Itaewon And Hongdae

Hongdae is a University district, with four universities – the Hongik, Yonsei, Sogang and Ehwa. As a student hangout, it is also one of the trendiest places in Seoul and is full of quirky and unusual things to do , such as the Hello Kitty Cafe, one of the famous pet cafes. Built around student budgets, the plethora of street food outlets are bound to give provide a delicious and cost-effective meal that is best enjoyed while watching one of the indie bands that commonly play throughout the Hongdae area. If you’re not too shy and looking to party, you definitely have to give one of the Noraebangs a try. A Noraebang is a karaoke bar – somewhere you are bound to make some friends at, however awful your singing voice may be. If you’re really opposed to singing, don’t worry, there plenty of good ol’ bars to hang out at. For the afterparty you may want to head over to Itaewon, a district known for its multiculturalism. Here you are bound to bump shoulders with all manner of international citizens while partying the night away.

Korea is famous for its shopping and Myeongdong is famous even in Korea as a shopping Mecca. Seeing over 2 million shoppers a day, the Myeongdong area is packed with shops catering to the beauty crazes of Korea, from the latest clothing store to cosmetics, massage parlors, jewelry stores and all manner of curious shops selling items you will likely not see anywhere else in the world. Top international brands and unique Korean brands alike call this place home, and there is something for everyone. In between browsing, there are multitudes of Korean street food vendors and fine-dining restaurants to choose from for meals, snacks and luxury dining experiences. If you aren't too partied out after Hongdae, then Myeongdong will welcome you with a thrilling and diverse nightlife. If you are looking for some quietude, take a walk to the Myeongdong Cathedral. The cathedral will immediately strike you as being very out of place with its sweeping gothic architecture. This cathedral is home to the Roman Catholic church of Korea, and is an unusually beautiful sight.

Sightseeing In Jongno

Jongno is home to no less than four of the five grand palaces of Seoul and is guaranteed to be one of the highlights of your Seoul solo itinerary. Gyeongbok-gung, Changdeok-gung, Changyeong-gung and Gyeonghui-gung are the four palaces and each one is a breathtaking sight. Amongst them are a plethora of shrines, temples, parks and historical neighborhoods. A must-visit is the Bukchong Hanok village, a 600 year old residential neighborhood in Jongno gu Seoul. You may spot people wearing traditional attire in this area – these are Hanbok, traditional dresses. If you are looking for a more tactile experience, you can rent a hanbok near the National Folk Museum of Korea and this will guarantee you free entrance into the museum which is a fascinating recollection of how the people of Seoul used to live in ages gone by. Changdeokgung palace, which is adjacent to Gyeongbok-gung, is one of the more popular of the five grand palaces. It has 110 buildings stretched over a staggering 110 acres.

Gastronomy In Seoul

Traditionally, Korean food culture has centered around eating in a group. Menus for two that are so typical in Korean restaurants are a good indication of this. However, and this is good news for anyone undertaking Seoul solo travel, there is a new trend in Korean food culture that caters for the introvert (or solo traveler). Honbap is the practice of dining alone, and there is a booming trend in Seoul for Honbap restaurants. Many of these feature single booths with a miniature grill over which one can grill their meat while watching the televised entertainment. There are also restaurants that serve ramen for single people, but these take dining in privacy to a whole new level. Known as Ichi-men, these restaurants feature private, closed off booths where a person can sit and enjoy their meal. To order, one simply purchases their meal at a vending machine on the way in, and passes the slip through a hatch in the one wall of the booth to the kitchen, where a silent chef takes it and prepares the meal accordingly. Another must-see for the gastronomist is Nandaemun market. As South Korea’s oldest and largest market, Nandaemun is a constant hive of activity and somewhere that you are guaranteed to find the most authentically Korean food.

Practical Tips For The Solo Traveler

As a solo traveler, not only should you be armed with a list of things to do in Seoul alone, but also with a list of tips and tricks to ensure a seamless journey. Firstly, use public transport wherever possible. It is safe, efficient and cost effective, making it the best way to travel in Seoul. The subway is the best form of public transport and will get you within walking distance of anywhere that you need to be. Get yourself a T-money card and pre-load it so that you don’t have to bother with tickets. Try couch surfing or airbnb to arrange a stay with a local family. Koreans are very hospitable people and it always helps to have a friendly face when travelling solo. A hostel will also do in a pinch, although this may be less glamorous. Bring a selfie stick - Seoul is one of the most photo-worthy cities out there. And lastly, enjoy. Seoul is a safe, friend, accommodating and beautiful city and you will not regret your visit.

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What is it like to travel to seoul alone read angeline's experience, july 7, 2021.

“Traveling definitely broadened my vision and I always find that traveling alone is the best remedy for me to retrieve my confidence and strength.”

Travelling to big cities can be scary. They can be overwhelming, impersonal, and hard to navigate. And safety is an issue that always comes to mind. This can happen when visiting a big city in our own country, so imagine what it could be like to go to a foreign country: you don’t know the culture, you don’t speak the language, and you don’t know anybody there.

That’s why we are interviewing NomadHers who have taken solo trips... and come back empowered. Reading real experiences from real people can provide great insight into what travelling solo is really like, and reassure you that yes, you can do it too! So let’s dive right in.

Today we meet Angeline, the founder of the women empowerment platform SheASK, who, a few years ago, got on a solo trip to Seoul, in South Korea. She eventually ended up living there for a few years and went on many trips around the country.

We decided to ask her a few questions to learn about her experience, and we want to share the answers with you! Spoiler: it’s always about the people :)

Now pack your imaginary suitcase and let Angeline take you to Seoul with her!

• What if we started by telling us a bit about yourself? Hi, I’m Angeline from Malaysia and I have been living in Singapore and South Korea for work. I am the founder of SheASK and I love to travel alone most of the time. When I travel alone, my best travel buddies are camera, books and dessert!
• What made you decide to visit Seoul solo? For vacation and to visit my Korean friends who I’d never met before.
• If you could describe Seoul in one word, what would it be? Magical
• Could you elaborate, why was it magical? The experience traveling and living in Korea was magical to me because almost all of the people that I met in Korea are very helpful and kind even a few of them couldn’t speak in English but they would still try their best to help me. I remember I cried on the plane when I leave Korea after my first solo trip to there because the experience traveling in Seoul was so warm to me although it was very cold in the weather.

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• Do you think that travelling changes us? If so, what changed in you after your visit to Seoul? Yes, traveling definitely broaden my vision and I always find that traveling alone is the best remedy for me to retrieve my confidence and strength.
• What is the best or worst memory you keep of this destination? Best memory was meeting my friends and experience the scene of having fried chicken and beer just like in dramas. Worst memory was pushed and scolded by a drunk old man.
• Do you think Seoul is better-experienced solo or accompanied? Although I’m a solo traveler but I think travel to Seoul is good to have companion because most of the delicious and signature Korean food is pretty big portion and couldn’t be finished alone. It depends on the type of the journey.
• Having been to Seoul, what do you say are the "Must take with you" items? Medicine because it could be quite hard to explain in a foreign language when you are sick.

• Do you have any advice for our fellow NomadHers? As foreigners do not understand Korean language and it could be difficult to get right medicine without going to hospital. It is best to bring your own medicine in case you get sick.
• As a solo female traveler, what do you expect to get out of your travels? Happy memories, understanding of the culture and experience of the locals.
• What would you say to NomadHers who would like to visit this destination? Try not to follow too much of bloggers’ and influencers’ advice on where to dine in. Sometimes it was just for commercial purpose and local small shops taste much better and much more authentic. I would recommend to ask your Korean friends for recommendations or Korean solo travelers in Nomadher app! :)

What did you think about Angeline’s experience? Is there anything else you would like to know about her experience or about travelling in Seoul? Head to the NomadHer app and ask her!

More about NomadHer :

NomadHer is an app for female globetrotters to encourage solo travelling safely. NomadHer has a vision of empowering women through travelling.

To join the community of female globetrotters, you can download NomadHer App on IOS & Android . Follow NomadHer on Instagram: @nomad_her .

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House Responds to Israeli-Iranian Missile Exchange by Taking Rights Away From Americans

A measure passed by the House seeks to block Americans from traveling to Iran on U.S. passports.

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Civil liberties groups are raising alarms about a bill making its way through Congress that applies pressure for a ban on travel to Iran for Americans using U.S. passports. The rights groups see the bill as part of a growing attempt to control the travel of American citizens and bar Iranian Americans in particular from maintaining connections with friends and loved ones inside Iran.

“If you’re an American citizen, the government should not be controlling where you can travel.”

“This bill is very concerning because it’s the beginning of a process of criminalizing something that is very normal for many people, which is traveling to Iran,” said Ryan Costello, policy director at the National Iranian American Council. “If you’re an American citizen, the government should not be controlling where you can travel.”

Along with a flurry of other sanctions bills targeting Iran, the bill calling for the travel restrictions passed the U.S. House last week. The bill is now slated to come before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Introduced last fall, the No Paydays for Hostage-Takers Act languished until tensions between Iran and Israel escalated into a series of reciprocal attacks earlier this month.

Among other provisions, the bill seeks to bar U.S. passport holders from traveling to Iran by rendering their passports invalid for such travel. Though the prohibition would need to be enacted by the State Department, the legislative proposal effectively encourages the move and, as with other sanctions against Iran, waiving the authority to enact the ban could incur political costs.

If Donald Trump wins a second White House term, a distinct possibility according to polls, the invocation of the travel ban would be likely. In his first term, Trump imposed the so-called Muslim ban on travel to the U.S. for Iranians, among other nationalities, and has promised to reimpose it if elected again .

The idea of banning travel to Iran on American passports was raised last September by former Trump State Department official Elliott Abrams, a right-wing hawk with a controversial history that includes covering up a Central American massacre and involvement in the Iran–Contra scandal.

Trump Revives “Muslim Ban” While GOP Courts Muslim Voters for 2024

In practice, many Iranian Americans tend to travel to Iran on Iranian passports, but Americans of Iranian extraction who do not hold Islamic Republic travel documents would be unable to travel there under the ban. The measure is viewed as a potential signal of deeper isolation for the Iranian people and severing of people-to-people ties between Iran and the U.S.

Iran and North Korea?

The bill, originally proposed last October by Reps. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., and Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., was promoted as a measure to restrict the Iranian government’s ability to take U.S. citizens hostage as bargaining chips for bilateral negotiations. Some dual-nationals have been arrested in Iran in the past amid tensions between the two countries.

Yet hundreds of thousands of dual-nationals are believed to travel regularly to Iran from across the West. Measures barring their ability to do so would represent an unprecedented step, making it difficult or impossible for people with ties in both countries to visit family or maintain personal and professional connections.

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Invalidating U.S. passports for travel to Iran would put it on par with North Korea, which had a similar ban put in place in 2017 — during Trump’s first term — when an American citizen died after 17 months of detention there.

Despite being heavily sanctioned over foreign policy and human rights issues, Iran still has relations with much of the international community and large number of Iranians live throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and the Middle East.

“North Korea and Iran are very different countries.”

“North Korea is really the model for this policy, as it is the only country where there is such a strict prohibition for travel on the books,” said Costello. “But North Korea and Iran are very different countries. The level of isolation of North Korea is far greater, and it doesn’t have the same diaspora that Iran does.”

This week, a delegation from North Korea traveled to Iran, with reported hopes of breaking North Korea’s total diplomatic isolation as conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine forge new geopolitics.

Costello said that NIAC is still hoping that the Senate will not approve the bill when it comes to its consideration. Still, the implications of it coming under consideration, alongside Trump’s promises to revive his “Muslim ban” policy, bode poorly for the future of U.S.–Iran relations.

“You are talking,” he said, “about a policy that could affect hundreds of thousands of people.”

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