As someone who’s taken countless solo trips across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, I can confidently say that solo female travel in South Korea is both easy and safe. It is definitely the perfect country to visit if you’re newer to solo travel and are still working on building your confidence. Here’s everything you need to know before your solo adventure!
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Safety and Getting Around
South Korea felt incredibly safe and I never felt uneasy walking alone, even to 7 Eleven at 3 am for some late night snacks. The country’s transportation system is very accessible and makes it simple to explore cities like Seoul and Busan.
Although many people rely on the subway, I actually found Uber to be surprisingly affordable in Seoul. Between that and how walkable the city is, I didn’t find myself using public transportation very often. That said, if you plan to use the subway or bus system, you’ll find it clean, efficient, and reliable.
Language and Navigation Tips
I found that many locals spoke English in Seoul and Busan. Compared to my solo trip to Japan, I noticed a smaller language barrier overall. You should definitely learn some key phrases such as “annyeong haseyo” (hello) and “gamsahamnida” (thank you) to show respect.
Make sure you are downloading and using the right navigation apps during your trip. I found that Google Maps only partially works in South Korea meaning that you can use it to see where you are, but it won’t give you accurate directions or public transit info. Instead, download KakaoMap or Naver Map before your trip. Both apps are helpful for figuring out walking routes and public transportation options.
Dining Solo in South Korea
If there’s one challenge solo travelers might face, it’s dining alone. Many restaurants in South Korea serve meals family-style, making it impossible to dine solo at certain places. But don’t worry, I found some perfect dining options for solo travelers.
Hongojib in Seoul is a Korean barbecue restaurant with private booths and personal grills. You order everything from an iPad, making it super solo-friendly. I enjoyed the food and convenience so much that I went twice.
Any Way Beef in Seoul was one of the best meals I had during my trip. They have Hanwoo steak and they will slice and cook your meat for you. The steak was melt in your mouth tender and you can even make a one person reservation online using the Catch Table app.
Ribs of Legend in Busan is famous for its short rib Korean barbecue and panoramic view of Haeundae Beach. They offer a great lunch special that is perfect for solo diners.
Final Thoughts on Solo Female Travel in South Korea
Overall, South Korea was one of the easiest and most enjoyable solo trips I’ve ever taken. Between the safety, efficient transport, and delicious food, it’s a destination I highly recommend. The only issue I experienced was that my phone service was not always reliable, but I just used Airalo to buy an eSIM and that fixed the problem. However, your device will need to be unlocked in order to use an eSIM. Make sure to check out my 8-Day South Korea Travel Itinerary to get a full breakdown of my trip.
