Is Korea safe for a solo female traveler? For the most part, yes!
Korea is a generally a great destination for female travelers, until you want some authentic Korean food or KBBQ.
Some restaurants might not accommodate solo diners. But it’s not because of your nationality. Their minimum order usually starts at a two-person portion, so they would refuse to serve me as well.
Back to safety, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Here are 11 tips to stay safe as a solo female traveler in South Korea!
1. Don’t go to clubs alone.
Clubs are fun, but they come with risks, especially for solo female travelers. Being alone in a club makes you more vulnerable to unwanted attention and safety hazards, such as being drugged and waking up in bad situations. Always go with a group of friends, and keep an eye on each other throughout the night.
2. Know emergency numbers.
In case of an emergency, knowing these numbers can save valuable time. Important emergency numbers to remember are:
- Police: 112
- Fire/Accidents/Rescue: 119
- Tourist Interpretation Call Center & Korea Tourist Police: 1330
- General Information Center for Foreigners: 1345
You can also send a text message to 112 if it’s hard to speak at the moment.
3. Stay in safe, well-reviewed accommodations.
Choose accommodations with high ratings and plenty of reviews from solo female travelers. You can also opt for female-friendly or women-only hostels or hotels. Make sure your accommodation is located in a safe, well-lit area.
4. Avoid a conversation with a stranger on the street.
Koreans don’t have a small talk culture. Most Koreans won’t start a conversation with a stranger on the street. There might be a sweet old person who’s happy to talk to you, but they’re cult recruiters 99% of the time. Do not take their survey or follow them to a second location. Regular Koreans also won’t randomly ask you for directions. We have apps for that!
5. Blend in with the locals.
A fair warning: you WILL get unnecessary stares since a foreigner stands out in the city. To avoid excessive, unwanted attention, it’s better to dress conservatively, avoiding crop tops or miniskirts. Each neighborhood in Seoul will have different fashion styles, so follow the local trends. If you visit outside Seoul, keep in mind that people dress even more modestly. Another tip is to wear what you want to wear during the day and cover up at night to keep a low profile. Or, just wear whatever you like, because you’re getting stares anyway!
6. Avoid walking alone at night.
While Seoul is generally safe, it’s always better to stick to busy, well-lit streets. Most parks have cameras and panic buttons. I’ve also seen buttons to directly call police in public bathrooms. But the city still has scary-looking areas or dark alleys where I felt scared to walk alone at night. Use public transport or Kakao Taxi if you need to travel late at night.
7. Don’t be afraid to be unfriendly.
Some men will try to take advantage of nice women. Koreans don’t smile at strangers. When I’m being too nice or smiley, some get the wrong idea that I’m interested in them. Remember, you’re not obligated to smile or offer polite excuses. It’s perfectly okay to walk away or tell them to leave you alone.
8. Be mindful of your belongings (especially bicycles).
In general, Koreans won’t steal your belongings. We actually leave our iPhones and MacBooks to save a table at busy coffee shops. For some reason, locked bicycles seem to get stolen though. Either way, keep your belongings and valuables secure.
9. Stay sober and aware.
It’s same everywhere, but limit your alcohol intake, especially if you’re alone. Staying aware of your surroundings is crucial for safety. If you do drink, do so in moderation and in safe, reputable places
10. Be cautious with new acquaintances.
While meeting new people can be part of the adventure, stay cautious and don’t share too much personal information. Being too trusting can make you vulnerable to scams or worse.
11. Trust your instincts.
If something doesn’t feel right, remove yourself from the situation. Your intuition is a powerful tool. Trusting your gut can help you avoid potentially dangerous situations.
Traveling solo in Seoul can be an incredible experience. I hope these tips help you have a safer and more enjoyable trip!
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