South Korea: Safe or Perilous for Lone Female Voyagers?
South Korea, known for its vibrant cities, rich culture, and excellent infrastructure, is a fantastic destination for solo travellers. Here are some tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Uber is available in major cities like Seoul, Busan, and Gyeongju, but it's recommended to use the service to order cabs or have someone at your accommodation or restaurant call one for you. Another app, Kakao T, can also be used to call local taxis, although it requires a Korean bank account to pay online.
Public transportation in South Korea is excellent. The trains, subways, buses, and even the public transport system in major cities, are efficient, cheap, clean, and safe. Internet access is important for travelling in South Korea, as it makes planning journeys, using maps, ordering Ubers, and sharing live locations easier.
Google Maps doesn't work well in South Korea, so it's recommended to download the local app Naver Maps instead. It's also a good idea to get a local pre-paid SIM or eSIM so that you can use maps, translations, and call Ubers. Nomad offers 1GB for 7 days for around £4.50 / $5 with code EMIL96SV, while Airalo offers unlimited data for 10 days for around £26.50 / $32 with code EMIL9237.
Crime rates are very low in South Korea. However, it's recommended to remain careful of your valuables, even though theft is uncommon. It's also recommended to avoid sharing live locations on social media.
Beyond common crimes and public transportation safety, specific safety tips for solo female travellers in South Korea include keeping your passport and valuables secure, especially in busy tourist areas and during tax-free shopping, as pickpocketing is a risk in these spots. It's also recommended to use trusted local apps such as KakaoMap (for accurate navigation), KakaoTaxi (for safe rides), and Papago (for translation) to help navigate unfamiliar areas confidently and securely.
Joining female travel communities online, such as the Facebook group "Girls Love Travel Korea" or platforms like Nomadsister, can provide recommendations on safe accommodations and connect you with other solo female travellers. Preferring accommodations in well-populated and secure areas, avoiding deserted streets that may feel unsafe at night, and staying alert and cautious in quiet or unfamiliar places, especially at night, are also important safety measures.
In addition, it's recommended to exercise extra caution when clubbing or in nightlife venues to avoid unwanted situational risks. South Korea has a fantastic infrastructure for tourism across the country, and the Korea Travel Helpline can be contacted on 1330 for any assistance.
As long as you make sensible choices, take the right precautions, and use your common sense, you should be safe travelling alone in Korea. With these tips in mind, you're ready to embark on an exciting adventure in South Korea!
[1] Source: Travel Safety Advice for Solo Female Travellers in South Korea
[2] Source: Staying Safe as a Solo Female Traveler in South Korea
- Uber is accessible in major destinations like Seoul, Busan, and Gyeongju, but it's advised to use the service to order cabs or have someone at your accommodation or restaurant call one for you.
- Public transportation in South Korea is efficient, cheap, clean, and safe, making it an excellent option for tours.
- Google Maps doesn't work well in South Korea; it's recommended to download Naver Maps instead for Navigation.
- Crime rates are low in South Korea, but it's essential to keep valuables secure, especially in popular tourist destinations, and avoid sharing live locations on social media.
- For solo female travelers, joining online travel communities like "Girls Love Travel Korea" or Nomadsister can provide recommendations on safe accommodations and connect you with other solo travelers, while practicing caution and awareness in unfamiliar areas, especially at night, is crucial for overall safety.
