Is South Korea Secure for Solo Feminine Travellers?

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

Whilst a seasoned solo traveller, with over a decade of exploring the world alone beneath 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 status for being harmful, or as a result of anybody had warned me about visiting (in contrast to after 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 had been utterly unfounded. South Korea is by far the most secure and best Asian nation that I’ve visited alone. 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 number of issues for guests to pay attention to, so I’ve popped collectively an intensive security information for solo feminine travellers. When you’ve got any questions in any respect, be happy to get in contact through the feedback or on socials (I’m @em_luxton). Secure travels…

Is South Korea Secure for Solo Feminine Travellers?

The brief reply is YES! Total, South Korea could be very secure for solo feminine travellers. Actually, Seoul (the capital) ranked in twenty fifth place on the Economist’s Secure 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 among the finest on the earth, and the nation has a status for being very secure. Nonetheless, there are some things to pay attention to, which I’ll define beneath.

Frequent Crimes to be Conscious Of

Crime ranges are typically low in South Korea. In line 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 must all the time stay as vigilant and safety-conscious as you’ll in every other nation.

Petty Theft and Pickpocketing: It’s uncommon, however there have been studies of thefts, particularly in crowded vacationer areas similar to 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 circumstances reported – usually close to bars and nightlife areas. As all the time, take care when travelling alone after darkish – keep away from strolling late at evening and persist with public transport or licenced taxis.

Political Scenario

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

Political Points and Demonstrations: These are widespread in South Korea at the perfect of instances, and much more so following current political occasions (see beneath). These are largely peaceable and have a powerful police presence – however it’s a good suggestion to keep away from any areas the place public demonstrations are happening. 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 international guests to participate in political actions. So any demonstrations or protests are greatest prevented!

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 legal professionals claiming his arrest warrant was unlawful. Because of the heightened political tensions, protests are extra widespread than common – significantly round areas just like the Constitutional Court docket or Gwanghwamun Sq. in Seoul. Regulate the information, keep away from protests, and comply with 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 nations, and tensions appear to be rising (for instance, in October 2024, North Korea blew up sections of two roads that beforehand linked it with the South).

Nonetheless, there’s no outright battle and the political tensions between the 2 nations ought to have little influence on guests. Simply concentrate on any updates when planning your journey.

Harassment

South Korea doesn’t have a status for being harmful for girls, 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 widespread the world over, and identical to anyplace, some components of bigger cities and cities could also be much less secure after darkish. It’s value taking a number of steps to remain secure:

• Keep away from going to bars alone. As a substitute, see in case your hostel is internet hosting any events or contemplate 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 evening.
• Keep away from utilizing unlicensed taxis. These are extra widespread round nightlife areas late at evening, 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 might be a good suggestion to high up your Covid and Flu vaccinations in the event you’re in a high-risk class. All the time examine the newest information on the NHS Match to Journey website.

Malaria: South Korea is a “Low to No Threat” space for Malaria so antimalarials will not be wanted. Nonetheless, you must nonetheless strive keep away from mosquito bites as these may unfold different illnesses (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 widespread at vacationer points of interest, so take a refillable water bottle.

Prime Tip: For those who’re nonetheless not sure, a Water-to-Go bottle has a built-in filter to ensure water from any supply is clear and secure. Learn my evaluate 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 fantastic! It was considered one of my favorite issues in regards to the nation: the whole lot labored so effectively and it was all the time simple 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 implausible system of trains and buses.

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

Prime Tip: Google Maps doesn’t work properly 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 often solely in main cities. It was undoubtedly out there in Seoul, Busan, and Gyeongju, however smaller cities and rural areas might not have Uber but.

There may be one other app you should 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 may also set it to pay on to the motive force (most settle for each money and bank cards). Extra information right here.

Security Suggestions for Solo Feminine Travellers in South Korea

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

Study the native emergency numbers

• Police: 112
• Fireplace & Ambulance: 119

Alternatively, you may contact the Korea Journey Helpline on 1330. They will present interpretation providers and join you with the vacationer police.

Have good journey insurance coverage

I can not stress sufficient the significance of journey insurance coverage. For those who encounter a difficulty – whether or not it’s a cancelled flight, stolen cellphone, or a medical emergency – you need that lined.

I like to recommend Security Wing Journey Insurance coverage. They’ve insurance policies particularly for long-term travellers, digital nomads, and backpackers, and supply a very 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 to use maps to get round, order Ubers, share your dwell location, or contact somebody in the event you’re feeling uneasy.

You should purchase 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 far more handy, as you may 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: submit 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 part of a meetup occasion, I extremely advocate doing it in a public place and arranging check-in instances with a trusted buddy again residence.
• 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 through WhatsApp in the event you’re ever involved.
• Use respected suppliers for excursions and excursions. I like to recommend utilizing Get Your Information to seek out excursions – they’ve a fantastic vary and use verified opinions, so you may make certain the tour you’re reserving has a great status.
• Keep away from strolling alone late at evening – particularly in quieter areas or busy nightlife areas. A taxi from door to door is often the most secure choice.

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 superb, and there’s a implausible 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 as a way to use maps, translations, and name Ubers.
• Study the native emergency quantity (112 for police and 119 for ambulance/fireplace).
• Have good journey insurance coverage.
• Stay cautious of your valuables, despite the fact that theft is rare.

So long as you make smart selections, take the fitting precautions, and use your widespread sense, try to be completely secure travelling alone in Korea. I hope you’ve got a fantastic journey!

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