Is South Korea Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

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A information to staying secure in South Korea for solo feminine travellers. Masking frequent crimes, getting round, and security suggestions.

Whilst a seasoned solo traveller, with over a decade of exploring the world alone underneath my belt, I used to be a bit nervous earlier than I flew to South Korea for the primary time.

That’s not as a result of the nation has a fame for being harmful, or as a result of anybody had warned me about visiting (not like once I travelled to India or Mexico solo!). It’s just because I had no thought what to anticipate.

In a short time after arriving, although, I found that my worries have been fully unfounded. South Korea is by far the most secure and best Asian nation that I’ve visited by myself. Getting round was so easy (I’m nonetheless in awe of their public transportation system) and I by no means had any points throughout my journey.

That stated – there are nonetheless a couple of issues for guests to concentrate on, so I’ve popped collectively an intensive security information for solo feminine travellers. If in case you have any questions in any respect, be happy to get in contact by way of the feedback or on socials (I’m @em_luxton). Protected travels…

Is South Korea Protected for Solo Feminine Travellers?

The brief reply is YES! General, South Korea could be very secure for solo feminine travellers. Actually, Seoul (the capital) ranked in twenty fifth place on the Economist’s Protected Cities Index in 2021 and seventh on the more moderen 2025 State of Journey Insurance coverage Most secure Locations report.

Crime charges are low, the general public transportation system is constantly voted as top-of-the-line on the earth, and the nation has a fame for being very secure. Nonetheless, there are some things to concentrate on, which I’ll define beneath.

Frequent Crimes to be Conscious Of

Crime ranges are typically low in South Korea. In accordance with information from Numbeo, Seoul has a low Crime Index rating of 24.22, whereas Busan scores 22.97 – examine that with London’s 55.15! Nonetheless, you need to at all times stay as vigilant and safety-conscious as you’d in some other nation.

Petty Theft and Pickpocketing: It’s uncommon, however there have been studies of thefts, particularly in crowded vacationer areas reminiscent of Itaewon and Myeongdong in Seoul. Take additional care of passports, wallets, and valuables in crowded spots.

Assaults and Sexual Assaults: Once more, studies of those are uncommon however there have been instances reported – typically close to bars and nightlife areas. As at all times, take care when travelling alone after darkish – keep away from strolling late at night time and persist with public transport or licenced taxis.

Political Scenario

Terrorism: There’s been no latest historical past of terrorism in South Korea and it’s not thought-about a high-risk nation.

Political Points and Demonstrations: These are frequent in South Korea at the very best of instances, and much more so following latest political occasions (see beneath). These are largely peaceable and have a powerful police presence – but it surely’s a good suggestion to keep away from any areas the place public demonstrations are going down. There have been a few demonstrations whereas I used to be exploring South Korea, however they by no means impacted my journey in any respect.

Good to Know: In Korea, it’s unlawful for overseas guests to participate in political actions. So any demonstrations or protests are greatest averted!

Current Points: In December 2024, South Korea’s president Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached following a short-lived try to instate Martial Regulation. On the time of writing (January 2025), this situation was nonetheless ongoing – with Yoon’s attorneys claiming his arrest warrant was unlawful. As a result of heightened political tensions, protests are extra frequent than standard – notably round areas just like the Constitutional Courtroom or Gwanghwamun Sq. in Seoul. Control the information, keep away from protests, and observe any security recommendation from the native authorities.

North Korea and the DMZ

Though the battle has ended, there’s an ongoing battle between South and North Korea. An armistice settlement maintains peace, however there’s no formal peace treaty.

There have been a string of exchanges between the 2 international locations, and tensions appear to be rising (for instance, in October 2024, North Korea blew up sections of two roads that beforehand related it with the South).

Nonetheless, there’s no outright battle and the political tensions between the 2 international locations ought to have little impression on guests. Simply pay attention to any updates when planning your journey.

Harassment

South Korea doesn’t have a fame for being harmful for ladies, and I didn’t expertise any cat-calling or aggressive behaviour from males in any respect throughout my time there.

That stated, these points are sadly frequent the world over, and similar to wherever, some components of bigger cities and cities could also be much less secure after darkish. It’s price taking a couple of steps to remain secure:

Keep away from going to bars alone. As an alternative, see in case your hostel is internet hosting any events or take into account becoming a member of a guided bar crawl – there are some nice ones in Seoul on GetYourGuide (click on right here to view).

Don’t stroll alone in quiet areas or busy nightlife areas late at night time.

Keep away from utilizing unlicensed taxis. These are extra frequent round nightlife areas late at night time, when the demand is elevated. They lack official registration and don’t use meters (learn extra right here). Solely use a taxi that has a meter – or persist with a ridesharing app like Uber, which has built-in safety features. 

Well being and Hygiene

Vaccinations: You don’t want any vaccinations to journey to South Korea – though it could be a good suggestion to high up your Covid and Flu vaccinations if you happen to’re in a high-risk class. At all times test the most recent information on the NHS Match to Journey website.

Malaria: South Korea is a “Low to No Threat” space for Malaria so antimalarials are usually not wanted. Nonetheless, you need to nonetheless strive keep away from mosquito bites as these also can unfold different ailments (like dengue fever) and are typically not a lot enjoyable!

Water: Faucet water is secure to drink throughout South Korea, though many locals nonetheless don’t use it as a result of lingering distrust (which the federal government is campaigning to alter). Public fountains are pretty frequent at vacationer points of interest, so take a refillable water bottle.

High Tip: In case you’re nonetheless not sure, a Water-to-Go bottle has a built-in filter to verify water from any supply is clear and secure. Learn my evaluation right here for more information.

Getting Round South Korea Safely

Is public transport secure in South Korea?

The general public transport system in South Korea is great! It was certainly one of my favorite issues in regards to the nation: every little thing labored so effectively and it was at all times easy to determine the place I used to be going.

In main cities like Seoul and Busan, the subway techniques are environment friendly, low-cost, clear, and secure. There are additionally glorious bus networks in each metropolis – and once more, they’re very secure. And the entire nation is linked by a improbable system of trains and buses.

Actually, the trains are so secure in South Korea that they don’t test your ticket at any level, as a result of nobody ever boards a prepare with out one!

High Tip: Google Maps doesn’t work nicely in South Korea, so obtain the native app as a substitute: Naver Maps. It’s so helpful for planning journeys – and even pings you with a notification when it’s time to get off the underground! Obtain the app and arrange an account earlier than your journey for ease.

Is there Uber in South Korea?

Sure, there’s Uber in South Korea – however normally solely in main cities. It was undoubtedly obtainable in Seoul, Busan, and Gyeongju, however smaller cities and rural areas might not have Uber but.

There may be one other app you need to use known as Kakao T (it was Kakao Taxi) which can be utilized to name native taxis. You want a Korean checking account to pay on-line, however you too can set it to pay on to the driving force (most settle for each money and bank cards). Extra information right here.

Security Ideas for Solo Feminine Travellers in South Korea

Regardless of which nation you’re visiting, my recommendation to all solo feminine travellers is to stay vigilant, follow frequent sense, and keep away from harmful conditions.

Study the native emergency numbers

Police: 112

Fireplace & Ambulance: 119

Alternatively, you’ll be able to contact the Korea Journey Helpline on 1330. They will present interpretation companies and join you with the vacationer police.

Have good journey insurance coverage

I can’t stress sufficient the significance of journey insurance coverage. In case you encounter a difficulty – whether or not it’s a cancelled flight, stolen cellphone, or a medical emergency – you need that coated.

I like to recommend Security Wing Journey Insurance coverage. They’ve insurance policies particularly for long-term travellers, digital nomads, and backpackers, and provide a extremely complete cowl for all journey varieties.

Get a Native SIM or eSIM

Web entry makes travelling in South Korea a lot simpler. It’s additionally helpful for security as you’ll be capable of use maps to get round, order Ubers, share your dwell location, or contact somebody if you happen to’re feeling uneasy.

You should buy a pay as you go LG SIM card at Seoul airport, with costs ranging from ￦6,500 (round £3.50 / $4.50) for twenty-four hours. A ten-day SIM card with limitless information prices ￦35,000 (round £19 / $24).

An eSIM may fit out cheaper (relying on the size of your journey). Even when not, it’s rather more handy, as you’ll be able to set up it straight onto your cellphone use it alongside your regular SIM – without having to enter a store.

Airalo: From £26.50 / $32 (limitless information, 10 days). Use code EMILY9237 to get £2.50 / $3 off your first buy.Nomad: From £4.50 / $5 (1GB, 7 days). Use code EMIL96SV to get $7 off your first buy.

Extra security suggestions for feminine travellers

Keep away from sharing your dwell location on social media: publish issues like Instagram tales on the finish of the day.

Don’t meet up with anybody you don’t know.

If you wish to use courting apps or be a part of a meetup occasion, I extremely suggest doing it in a public place and arranging check-in instances with a trusted good friend again house.

Keep away from unlicensed taxis. Use Uber to order cabs, or get somebody at your lodging/restaurant to name one for you. Activate location sharing by way of WhatsApp if you happen to’re ever involved.

Use respected suppliers for excursions and excursions. I like to recommend utilizing Get Your Information to search out excursions – they’ve an ideal vary and use verified critiques, so you can also make positive the tour you’re reserving has a great fame.

Keep away from strolling alone late at night time – particularly in quieter areas or busy nightlife areas. A taxi from door to door is normally the most secure possibility.

Fast Abstract

On the entire, South Korea is a really secure vacation spot for solo feminine travellers. Crime charges are very low, public transportation is great, and there’s a improbable infrastructure for tourism throughout the nation.

Right here’s a fast abstract of the guidelines I shared above:

Get an area pre-paid SIM or eSIM so as to use maps, translations, and name Ubers.

Study the native emergency quantity (112 for police and 119 for ambulance/hearth).

Have good journey insurance coverage.

Stay cautious of your valuables, though theft is unusual.

So long as you make wise selections, take the best precautions, and use your frequent sense, you need to be completely secure travelling alone in Korea. I hope you have got an ideal journey!

Received a query about solo feminine journey in South Korea? Scroll down to go away a remark and I’ll attempt to assist!