a solo female travel blog
Solo Female Travel In South Korea: My Experiences and Guides
If you’ve been thinking about travelling solo to South Korea, you’re probably wondering if it’s safe, if you’ll feel comfortable on your own, and if it’s worth it. South Korea is one of my favourite solo travel destinations in the world, but it’s not for everyone.
I’ve been to Seoul over 15 times and every visit has left me wanting more. I fell in love with the unique culture, K-pop, K-dramas, and the delicious food.
But here’s the honest truth. Yes, it’s safe, modern and fun but the cultural differences and language barrier can feel overwhelming.
After visiting a few times for work, I decided to take a solo trip. I spent around 10 days exploring both Seoul and Busan, and that trip completely changed how I experienced the country.
This page pulls together everything I’ve learned from travelling solo in South Korea. Whether you’re planning your first trip to Seoul, adding Busan to your itinerary, or figuring out if South Korea is right for you at all, this is where you start.
And if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably end up going back more than once. But, for now, start with my my solo female travel guide to Seoul, below.
Start here: How to plan a trip to south korea
What you need to know about South Korea
The Best time to visit South Korea?
My favourite time is spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October). The weather is mild and the city looks incredible. I would avoid summer, as summer is too hot and humid with a rainy season in July. It’s brutal for sightseeing. Winter is cold but dry, and if you dress for it, Seoul in December is actually magical, but extremely cold to my liking.
How Much Does a Solo Trip to South Korea Cost?
South Korea is more affordable than most people expect. Budget around a $250 per day for a mid-range hotel in Myeongdong, with local food, transport and activities if you’re like me (a mid-range traveller). This is based on how I like to travel; boutique hotels, good food, and not rushing around trying to save every dollar.
Seoul is the most expensive city but Busan is slightly cheaper. Card payments are widely accepted, even in taxis, but I always carry some cash for street food markets and smaller local spots.
How to get around in South Korea
The public transport system is one of the best in the world. The Seoul Metro is fast, clean, cheap, runs late but will get very crowded during rush hour. Get a T-money card at any convenience store to use on the subway and buses across the country. Google Maps works for navigation, but download Naver Maps as a backup as it’s more accurate for local routes.
It might feel confusing at first, but once you’ve done it once, it’s incredibly easy to get around on your own.
Is South Korea safe for solo female travellers?
Is South Korea Safe for Solo Female Travellers? Yes, South Korea is one of the safest countries I’ve travelled to solo. I’ve walked around Seoul after dark, used public transport at all hours, and never once felt uncomfortable. People tend to mind their own business, cities are well lit, and the transport system runs smoothly late into the night.
That said, safe doesn’t mean careless. Basic travel awareness still applies wherever you are in the world. If you’re feeling unsure about doing this alone, I get it. I felt the same the first time.
my South Korea Itineraries
I have time for a layover or quick city break in Seoul
I have 5-7 days Enough time to explore Seoul and a day trip
I have 10+ days for the full South Korea experience
About Jetlag Sarah
I’m Sarah, a passionate solo traveller and flight attendant since 2014. I’ve travelled to over 75 countries and countless cities. My mission is to ignite a fire in you, to stop waiting and start exploring. I’ll help to travel solo safely and confidently and falling in love with solitude.
Where to Stay in Seoul for solo female travellers?
Myeongdong is my go-to neighbourhood for a great stay in Seoul. It’s central, walkable, and puts you right in the middle of everything — shopping, food, nightlife. But, if you want something more upscale and characterful, there are some brilliant boutique hotels scattered throughout the city, like in Gangnam.
The best neighbourhoods for solo female travellers, in my opinion, are Myeongdong, Gangnam, and Itaewon. All three feel safe, have great food scenes, and are well connected by subway.
Beyond Seoul: Why You Should Visit Busan
I visited Busan on my solo trip to South Korea and I loved it. It’s a completely different vibe from Seoul — a coastal city with beaches, seafood, and a more relaxed atmosphere you won’t find in the capital.
If you’re visiting Seoul in summer, Busan is the perfect escape. The coastal location means it’s slightly cooler than the city heat.
Getting there is easy — the KTX bullet train from Seoul takes about three hours. If you’re short on time, flying is faster. If you have the time, Busan is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary. Especially if you want to escape Seoul’s busy vibes.
is a layover in Seoul worth it?
A layover, in my flight attendant opinion is only worth it, if you have at least 12 hours and the city centre is easily accessible from the airport. In Seoul’s case, it takes about an hour and a half to get from Incheon airport to central Seoul, which gives you realistic time to do something meaningful.
With 12 hours you can get to Myeongdong, do some skincare and souvenir shopping, grab food and a drink, and actually feel like you’ve experienced the city. If you can swing a 24-hour layover, even better — get a hotel, have a proper rest, and arrive at your next flight refreshed rather than exhausted.
The key is having a plan before you land. Know where you’re going and what you want to do. And honestly, if you’re already exhausted from travelling, dragging yourself around the city, might not be the best move. But if you’ve got the energy and the time, Seoul is one of the best layover cities in Asia.
10 days in South Korea: Seoul and Busan
If you choose 10 days in South Korea, this is honestly the perfect amount of time to experience both Seoul and Busan without feeling rushed. I’d spend about 5–6 days in Seoul to soak up the energy of the city, explore different neighbourhoods, and get a feel for the culture, and then head to Busan for a few days to slow things down a bit by the coast.
This is exactly what I did on my own solo trip, and I loved having that mix of fast-paced city life and a more relaxed, beachy vibe in Busan. It just makes the whole trip feel more balanced, because you don’t have to rush your days!
Is Seoul Good for women travelling alone?
Yes, Seoul is a great city for solo female travellers. It’s safe, modern, and incredibly easy to navigate, which makes a huge difference when you’re travelling alone. You can spend your days exploring neighbourhoods, shopping, visiting museums, booking a skincare treatment, or going for a hike.
At the same time, it’s not a very solo-minded city. I’ve noticed that Seoul is quite couple-focused, and you’ll notice that in everyday life, from people constantly doing things together (couples wear the same outfits) to restaurants that are set up for minimum of two people (especially Korean BBQ places).
All South Korea guides
Everything else you’ll need to know as a solo female traveller
