The Ultimate Solo Female Travel Guide: First Time in Seoul

Seoul has a special place in my heart, and I just had to create this epic solo female travel guide to Seoul! This is your ultimate solo female travel guide! As a flight attendant, I’ve visited Seoul many times, but in September 2022, I finally planned a two-week solo adventure through South Korea.

Seoul is a city that has it all—busy streets, nature spots, and stunning hiking trails. It’s a blend of modern and traditional, perfect for travelling alone. But before you pack your bags, you should know a few things to ensure your trip is as smooth and carefree as possible.

In this solo female travel guide to Seoul, I’ll share everything you need to know for your solo journey so you can explore this fantastic city with confidence and ease. I’d probably been to Seoul over 15 times when writing this post!

And let’s be honest; the best advice comes from someone who’s actually been there! Don’t forget to check out my perfect 5-day itinerary to Seoul!

Is Seoul safe for Solo female travel?

Seoul is great for solo travel! The best part about travelling solo to Seoul is the incredible sense of safety. South Korea is one of the safest countries for solo female travellers, similar to Singapore, Japan or Chiang Mai. From the moment I arrived, I never once felt uneasy.

I remember my first time in Seoul (2020), going out for drinks with co-workers; I was shocked to see people casually leaving their belongings—purses, iPhones—on tables without a second thought. Koreans genuinely respect each other’s belongings!

Seoul is a vibrant city, reminding me a bit of a low-key New York with its energy but without the noise. There’s always something cool to do—grab a bite to eat, explore cultural spots, visit museums, or check out trendy coffee bars or bakeries.

The city offers so much for solo travellers, from cool coffee shops and outdoor gyms to street food in Myeongdong. Even something as simple as enjoying an iced coffee by the Han River while people-watching or reading a book is pure bliss.

Is South Korea Good for solo travel?

I believe Seoul and South Korea are great for solo travel. South Korea is incredibly safe for women travelling alone! I’ve never felt uneasy walking the streets of Seoul, even late at night.

In other countries, you might need to keep a close eye on your belongings in crowded places or on public transport, but that’s not something I’ve worried about in Seoul.

However, just because a country feels safe doesn’t mean you should let your guard down. There are bad people everywhere, including South Korea.

Generally, it’s wise to dress modestly and be mindful of local values. Consider your plans—revealing clothing is more acceptable if you’re going clubbing, while something more reserved might be appropriate for a family restaurant.

Public transport is great and affordable in South Korea, making it a great option for solo travellers. You can get around the country easily without breaking the bank! If you stick to the major cities like Seoul and Busan and take a trip to Jeju, you’ll find plenty of things to do to keep yourself entertained.

How many days to spend in Seoul?

There’s plenty to do and see in Seoul! If you’re short on time, I recommend three full days to capture all the highlights.

However, I would stay for five full days if you like a slower-paced trip without feeling rushed. In five days in Seoul, you can truly see everything Seoul has to offer.

Seven days in Seoul is a good option if you’re into hiking trails and adding a few day trips.

Public transport in Seoul

Public transport in Seoul is top-notch, making it perfect for solo travellers on a budget! The city’s bus and subway systems are efficient and incredibly affordable, so getting around is a breeze. You only need a transportation card and a handy app—don’t worry, I’ll cover the details later!

The train system is just as impressive, connecting the airport to Seoul and linking the city with other destinations. I hopped on the KTX bullet train from Seoul to Busan, a journey that took just 2.5 hours.

While the bullet train is not the cheapest option, if you plan ahead, the experience is totally worth it. Sitting back, gazing out the window, and taking in the beautiful South Korean landscape was relaxing. Whether commuting within the city or taking a longer trip, Seoul’s public transport makes solo travel a breeze!

Where to stay in Seoul for solo female travel?

Myeongdong 명동

Are you wondering where the best place to stay in Seoul is for a solo female traveller? You’ll want a central location, but maybe not right on a bustling street—we need our beauty sleep, after all!

Staying somewhere well-connected to a bus or subway station is convenient when using public transport. Trust me, you don’t want to drag your luggage around for half an hour to reach your hotel.

After researching various neighbourhoods, I chose to stay in Myeongdong. It’s smack in the middle of Seoul and has excellent public transport links. Myeongdong is a shopping hub with many shops, restaurants, street food stalls, and coffee spots.

It’s a fantastic area with lots to do, but remember that Myeongdong Street can get pretty busy in the evenings, especially on weekends.

One of my favourite things is the evening street food stalls! You can easily skip dinner one night and try out all kinds of delicious street food treats.

FYI: I see Myeongdong as two parts, left and right, divided by the main street where the Lotte Department store is located! You have the area around Myeongdong Street and the area near City Hall.

Hotel Thomas

If you’re looking for a simple, clean, budget and well-located hotel in Myeongdong, I highly recommend Hotel Thomas. I stayed there in September 2022 and would gladly stay there again!

Everything you need is just around the corner. The subway station is just a 5-minute walk away and 10 minutes from Myeongdong Street. Plus, this area is much quieter than busy Myeongdong Street (located on the other side), so you can enjoy peaceful nights.

The hotel has its own coffee bar, but I suggest heading across the street to Koffee Sniffer for your morning caffeine fix!

L7 MYEONGDONG by lotte

Another great option in Myeongdong is L7 Myeongdong by Lotte! This hotel is located on the other side of Myeongdong, just a few minutes walk from Myeongdong Station.

The location is perfect if you want to stay in the shopping area and near Myeongdong Street. You’ll have all the buzz from this neighbourhood on your doorstep.

The hotel is more expensive but has bigger rooms and bathrooms. It also has a rooftop bar with a great view of the city and a laundry room.

I highly recommend checking it out if you’re looking for more comfort!

Henn na Hotel

I passed by Henn Na Hotel a few times while staying in Myeongdong! It catches your eye because of the dinosaurs (what?!) and the robots at the check-in!

The location is fantastic! It is just a short walk from Myeongdong Station and Myeongdong Street. The hotel offers an international breakfast buffet, which is included in the room price.

The rooms are great, spacious, and quiet. The building also has a laundry room and a microwave for convenience. It’s worth checking out for your solo stay in Seoul.

Gangnam

Another great area with a prime location, excellent public transport connections, and plenty to do is Gangnam. Remember the famous viral Gangnam Style song? My personal favourite spot is near the Han River, close to Sinsa Station or in Apgujeong.

This neighbourhood feels more open and spacious than the narrow streets of Myeongdong. You’ll find many options for dining, shopping, and enjoying a night out. Apgujeong, in particular, is home to some of the city’s trendiest bars, restaurants, and shops!

Patio 7 Hotel

Patio 7 Hotel is a small, trendy design hotel in Gangnam. The rooms are on the smaller side but clean, with a private bathroom. I loved the set-up of the bed area!

The hotel has a wine shop and a bar where you can buy a bottle of wine or have a glass. It’s the perfect location for a wine lover who wants to stay close to everything Gangnam has to offer.

Aiden by Best Western Cheongdam

A great affordable option in Gangnam is Aiden By Best Western. The hotel has clean, simple rooms in a great location.

All rooms have breakfast included, so there is something less to worry about in the morning! The area is great for a visit to Apguyeong (lots of trendy restaurants and bars here), a walk by the Han river, and the Starfield Library in Coex Mall.

Don’t forget to go to Garugosil-street!

Bukchon

Bukchonae

Check out this place if you want to stay in a traditional Korean home! Unfortunately, it was already booked during my time there. But hopefully, you’ll be luckier! I hope to stay in a traditional hanok the next time I’m there!

Bukchonae has a fantastic location! Close to Bukchon Hanok Village, Insadong, Myeondong, and Gyeongbokgung Palace! You’ll be within a decent distance of many sights and plenty of coffee bars and restaurants!

This place looks so beautiful and has awesome reviews from other travellers! It’s worth paying a bit more for the unique Korean experience.

Other neighbourhoods in Seoul for solo travel

Other neighbourhoods to consider to stay in are Hongdae and Itaewon. The most important is looking for accommodation well connected to public transport.

Hongdae

Hongdae is also known as the student area, with many stores, bars, and restaurants. It’s the ultimate place to stay if you love to go out for a drink and prefer to hang around the younger generation.

You can go clubbing until the sun comes up in Hongdae if that’s your thing! I do love the area, especially for the street busking. Hongdae is busy, but that’s also its charm!

Itaewon

Itaewon is also known as the expat area, with many ‘foreign’ restaurants and bars. It’s mostly centred around two streets that come alive at the end of the afternoon. The area has many Western restaurants and plenty of spots for a drink and dance!

Things you need To travel to Seoul

T-Money Card

A T-Money Card is an absolute must-have when staying in Seoul—it will make your life so much easier! This handy card can be used for public transportation, taxis, and even in convenience stores—just look for the T-Money sign.

You can easily top it up with cash at any subway station ticket machine or convenience store. Just remember to have cash on hand for this, don’t ask me why. You an use your card to purchase the T-Money card, but you’ll need cash to top it up.

You can purchase a T-Money card at most convenience stores in Seoul, and it works in Busan too. While you can use it for small payments in stores or some taxis, I recommend saving your T-Money card primarily for public transport since credit cards are widely accepted for other purchases.

You can also purchase a combi SIM-card and T-Money Card!

Naver app/ Kakao Maps

Be sure to download Naver Maps or Kakao Maps to navigate your way around Seoul—Google Maps just doesn’t cut it here. Naver Maps is especially great when it comes to navigating public transport and finding restaurants or attractions.

It even provides detailed subway info, like which exit to use or which car to board for the quickest line transfers. It’s a game-changer for getting around the city!

While Google Maps has worked a lot better since mid-2023, I find Naver app more useful!

Kakao Taxi

There was a time when Uber didn’t work in Seoul. But the last time I was there (September 2023), Uber did work, to my surprise! I guess the influx of more tourists opened doors for Uber. However, I found getting a taxi sometimes took a long time.

As a backup, I would download the Kakao Taxi app. At first, it will look like you need a local credit card to order a taxi. But look for the payment option that says ‘pay to driver’. Then, you can order a taxi just like the Uber app and still use a credit card to pay when you get in the taxi.

Google Translate

Many places will have an English menu for travellers, but I found that the smaller places or places outside the main areas don’t. It can be a little intimidating to walk into a place where you don’t understand anything🥲

But Google Translate and specifically Google Lens will be your saviour! Especially the feature where you can scan a sign or a restaurant menu, which will then translate automatically! This feature is a lifesaver for every traveller!

The Google Translate app is essential because Korea still has a language barrier!

Discover Seoul Pass

The Discover Seoul Pass is exclusively for tourists! You can buy the pass for a certain amount of days, which lets you visit any of the sights that are included. This will save you money compared to buying all tickets separately.

The passes can be easily downloaded to your phone. A 48-hour pass costs about $60 and includes 65 free attractions. It’s a must if you’re a solo female traveller in Seoul and want to save some money.

Flexiroam

I’ve been using Flexiroam since 2019, and I love it. Recently, they made a few changes, and it’s been working amazingly ever since!

Flexiroam has an easy-to-install E-sim. What I love the most is that you can purchase global plans that will work globally! But there’s also the possibility of local and regional plans. Flexiroam has sales almost every few weeks, where plans are 20% off.

Download the app ASAP and buy your plan on sale before your trip!

While there is Wi-Fi in many places in Seoul, especially in restaurants (the passwords are usually written somewhere), it’s still recommended to get data!

Especially if you need to rely on looking up public transport and to navigate the streets!

the best tours to book in Seoul

Take a Korean cooking class

No solo female travel trip to Seoul is complete without a cooking class! There’s nothing better than indulging in the local cuisine and then learning how to recreate those dishes at home so you can relive your trip again.

Korean food is incredible—we all love Korean Fried Chicken and BBQ, but why not take it a step further and learn how to cook authentic Korean dishes that will wow your friends back home?

Learn how to cook Korean food at the Seoul Cooking Club with an authentic Korean chef! The cooking class will take place near Myeongdong and has raving reviews! They also cater to most dietary restrictions.

You’ll make appetizers, main dishes, banchan and a dessert (my favourite, bingsu).

Or how about this Korean Cooking Class and Market Tour? You’ll start by visiting a local market to pick up fresh ingredients and try Korean street food. Then, you’ll learn how to cook four traditional dishes, and afterwards, you’ll enjoy them with various banchan (side dishes).

Or check out this cooking class, where you learn how to make kimchi with a traditional Kimchi chef. Did you know that kimchi has many health benefits, as it is full of probiotics?

Cooking classes are a fantastic way to meet other travellers, making them perfect for exploring Seoul alone!

Book a hair Scalp spa treatment

A hair and scalp spa treatment is the latest rage in beauty land! I was so excited to try this out, so I booked a treatment in Seoul two years ago. There are many hair salons where you can book a treatment; just try to make an appointment in advance.

I was lucky to book a spot at the last minute, but due to its popularity, spaces fill up fast. The treatments are worth every penny and are a perfect way to pamper yourself.

Book a personalised colour analysis workshop

If you’re struggling with makeup, what to wear, and especially what colours make you look fabulous, I highly recommend a personalised colour, fashion, and makeup analysis with a colour stylist.

In this workshop, a colour stylist will work with you to show you the most flattering colours, and you’ll learn how to use makeup and fashion to accentuate your style.

Booking a workshop with a colour stylist has been a trend in Seoul. Korean women get the best advice on what colours to wear to stand out.

It’s a workshop that will benefit you for the rest of your life, whether for your professional career or just to spice up your wardrobe with the right colours.

Seoul: Myeongdong Nanta Theater Show

If you’re looking for an evening of comedy and entertainment, check out the Myeongdong Nanta Theater Show. Don’t worry—you don’t have to understand Korean to love this show!

The show is nonverbal and combines comedy and drama. The story is about chefs in a kitchen thrown into turmoil. The cooks become wild as they chop, beat, and stir!

It’s an incredible experience you must not miss in Seoul.

Dark Side of the City Ghost Walking Tour

Who knew Seoul had a darker side and ghost stories? But then again, the city and South Korea generally have a beautiful and big history.

If you want to know more about the dark side of Seoul, you won’t regret booking this Dark Side Of The City Ghost Walking Tour!

Your tour guide is a true historian who will tell you the dark side of Korean history. Korea has a unique history that will suck you in, and you will see places where bloody massacres occurred.

Seoul is lovely, but this dive into the dark side of history will surely be an exciting evening to tell your friends at home!

Things to do in Seoul

Bukchon Hanok Village

No visit to Seoul is complete without exploring Bukchon Hanok Village, a must in this guide for solo female travel to Seoul! Have you ever seen those stunning photos of Seoul with charming traditional houses and people dressed in beautiful hanboks? That’s Bukchon Hanok Village.

This historic village is a glimpse into South Korea’s past, showcasing traditional Korean houses, or hanoks, from 600 years ago. Wandering through its many alleys feels like stepping back in time. One day, I hope to return to Seoul and stay in a traditional hanok myself!

It’s easy to get lost in the maze of alleys, but if you’re looking for the perfect photo spot, head to the Bukchon Village Photo Spot (type that into Google). You can even rent a hanbok to wear while visiting Bukchon Village and Gyeongbokgung Palace.

There’s no entrance fee because it’s a residential area, so be mindful. After exploring, treat yourself to an iced coffee or tea at E.Chae Coffee Pub, just down the main road. The place is charming, with a lovely courtyard, and they served the best-iced lattes I had during my entire trip to Seoul!

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of Seoul’s largest and most iconic palaces—definitely worth a visit! It’s conveniently located near Myeongdong and Insadong, making walking from either area easy.

If you rent a traditional hanbok (Korean clothing from the Joseon dynasty) to wear while exploring the palace, you’ll even get free entrance. This way, you can turn your visit into an amazing photo shoot and have something epic to look back on.

Renting a hanbok and having a professional photo shoot at Gyeongbokgung Palace is a wonderful way to create lasting memories of your trip and take home some stunning photos!

It’s fantastic to see that you can wear traditional clothing without being accused of cultural appropriation. When walking around Bukchon Hanok Village, I overheard Koreans complimenting foreigners in hanboks on how beautiful they looked.

Even if you’re not wearing a hanbok, the palace is impressive. The entrance fee is only a few dollars, and exploring the palace yourself is easy.

Gwangjang Market

Gwangjang Market was shot to fame after being featured on the Netflix series “Street Food: Asia,” and it’s worth a visit to Seoul. However, don’t expect a local, authentic street food market. Gwangjang Market is extremely touristy but still has an incredible variety of food to explore.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you might want to try the fresh octopus—yes, it’s still wriggling on your plate! I decided to pass on that one, but there are plenty of other delicious options to try, like gimbap (Korean type of sushi), sundae (blood sausage), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), ramyeon, dumpling soup, hotteok and so much more.

The market can get extremely crowded during lunch hour, so plan accordingly. Many stalls offer set menus, allowing you to taste various dishes in one go.

Lately Gwangjang Market has gotten a bit of a negative image. Vendors are charging tourists higher prices and seem to think that tourists are meant to be exploited. It’s up to you how you feel about that.

While I did eat some good kimbap and sundae there (September 2022), I didn’t go back there again, as I feel that there are other places to get real and better food in Seoul! But for the first time in Seoul, it’s definitely fun to have at least a look.

Korean National War Museum

When visiting a new destination, I want to visit a good museum, preferably one with art and one with history. The Korean National War Museum is one of those museums you must see!

The museum tells all about the Korean War, a subject that I found very interesting to learn more about! The best thing is that the museum is free to visit (it is closed on Monday).

You can visit the museum in the morning and make a combination with Namsan Seoul Tower.

Han River

The Han River is the vibrant heart of Seoul, especially during the summer months. It’s where locals go to walk, run, bike, eat, and unwind. The riverbanks are dotted with outdoor gyms, open spaces perfect for picnics and BBQs, and plenty of benches to sit back and relax.

You’ll also find cafés and restaurants offering stunning views of the river. For an unforgettable sunset view, head to the Starbucks near Banpo Bridge. If you’re up for some exercise, rent a bike and ride along the Han River.

Biking to Banpo Bridge is a popular activity, and once there, grab some Korean Fried Chicken from one of the famous chicken places and ramyeon and beer from any convenience store —just like the locals do! They even sell picnic mats, so you’re all set for a riverside feast!

Don’t miss the evening light show at Banpo Bridge, a summer highlight that draws crowds to a perfect picnic spot by the river. Chicken and beer, or’ chimaek’ as Koreans like to call it, at Banpo Bridge is a must for a solo female traveller to experience the local Seoul vibe!

Hiking Inwangsan Peak

With Seoul’s many parks, hiking trails, and mountains, fitting in at least one hike is a must. It’s a fantastic way to burn some calories, and the views from the mountain trails are breathtaking.

Weekends can be hectic in the city, making them the perfect time to escape to the peace and quiet of the mountains, which is exactly what I did. I hiked up to Inwangsan Peak on a Saturday afternoon and was pleasantly surprised by how few people were around. Just be sure to pack some mosquito repellent and plenty of water!

Myeondong Skincare Shopping

If you like skincare and beauty shopping, Myeongdong is your paradise. The streets are lined with beauty stores, one after another, offering a wide range of products. Most shops run special promotions, so it’s worth taking a stroll before making any purchases.

You’ll often find great deals like 2-for-1 promotions or freebies with certain purchases. But beware—it’s easy to walk out with way more than you planned!

The sales staff can be a bit pushy, even after you’ve said no multiple times. Stand your ground and don’t feel pressured to buy more than you want. Some stores try to convince you to spend up to KRW 100,000 to get an immediate tax refund—it’s a bit of a scam. If you’re planning to spend that much, go for it! But if not, don’t let them push you into it.

If you don’t want to deal with pushy saleswomen, visiting Olive Young’s flagship store is a must! Pay attention to the top-selling products, which will tell you what brands and products are popular among Korean women.

Go to a beauty salon

Seoul is famous for skincare and beauty treatments. Visiting Seoul wouldn’t be complete without pampering yourself with an affordable beauty treatment.

I recommend looking into facial treatment in Myeongdong or Gangnam. There are many clinics with English-speaking staff.

Getting a haircut will cost you a fraction of the price in Western countries! I recommend looking into a hair scalp spa treatment. There are different great hair salons in Seoul. I booked a scalp treatment, and I absolutely loved it!

I walked out with a complete scalp analysis, recommendations, and a full blowout!

If that’s your thing, you can get a little Botox or fillers done in Seoul! From what I’ve heard, it’s cheaper than in the US. As you already know, South Korea is big on beauty standards, hence the number of beauty clinics.

Starfield Library

Gangnam is another fantastic shopping destination, especially if you’re into luxury designer brands—this area is a dream come true! You’ll also find some of the trendiest bars, coffee spots, and restaurants, perfect for a more hip day out.

Gangnam is also home to the famous COEX Mall, where you’ll find the stunning Starfield Library. It’s impossible not to have seen that on social media! While the mall didn’t particularly stand out to me, the Starfield Library is incredible and a must-visit for those Instagram-worthy shots.

Recently, another Starfield Library opened in Suwon, located outside of Seoul. It’s bigger, and people who have visited are incredibly excited about it. If you’re into libraries, definitely look to see them since they’re easy to reach via public transport.

Photo Booths

One thing that’s sure to catch your eye in South Korea is the amount of photo booth studios. They’re not just limited to Seoul—I spotted plenty in Busan too!

These unmanned studios feature several photo booths, complete with fun props like bunny ears and quirky glasses to add a playful touch to your photos. Some booths are simple, while others offer a more professional setup.

Are you looking for a fun memory from your Seoul trip? Snap some hilarious shots in a photo booth! Hongdae is the perfect spot to do it, you’ll find the photo booths lining up every where. I feel it’s a typical thing to do in a solo female travel trip to Seoul.

Lotte World

Seoul has two must-visit theme parks, and Lotte World is the easiest to access since it’s right in Jamsil, Seoul. You can even hop on a direct subway line to get there, making it super convenient. If you’re a theme park enthusiast, Lotte World is a must-see.

A quirky tradition at Lotte World is renting a school uniform, no matter your age! Even if your school days are long behind you, dressing up in a uniform adds an extra layer of fun, especially if you’re into cosplay. It’s a playful way to make your day at Lotte World even more memorable!

Day trips from Seoul

Demilitarized Zone Border North Korea

South Korea is steeped in fascinating history, and while visiting the War Memorial Museum is a must, there’s nothing quite like experiencing the Demilitarized Zone Border between South Korea and North Korea.

This tour picks you up from your hotel and takes you to the DMZ, where you’ll delve into the history between the two countries and learn what led to the creation of this tense, iconic zone.

It’s one of the most intriguing tours you can take as a tourist. You’ll see landmarks like the Bridge of Freedom and explore the tunnels beneath the demilitarized zone.

If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of North Korea from the Dorasan Observatory! The tour starts early and lasts about half a day. This tour is an absolute must for anyone interested in South Korea’s culture and history!

Nami Island & Garden of Morning Calm

Nami Island and Garden of Morning Calm are great day trips if you want to escape the busy city! Nami is a half-moon-shaped island with beautiful scenery, where many movies and K-dramas were filmed.

The Garden of Morning Calm is a 300,000-meter garden with beautifully sculpted flowers, trees, and pathways. There is a rail bike option for this tour, and you will see an old train track in the beautiful countryside that has been converted into a bike track.

Alpaca World & Nami Island

Who wouldn’t want to visit Alpaca World and feed these cute alpacas? This tour makes a perfect combination between Alpaca World and Nami Island.

Where to visit after Seoul

So what can you do after visiting Seoul? I highly recommend taking a trip to Busan or Jeju Island! Check the weather for both destinations beforehand!

Busan

Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, is a vibrant coastal destination. I took the bullet train from Seoul Station to Busan, though you can also choose to fly. I spent three days in Busan, and it quickly became one of my favourite spots!

The city boasts three must-visit beaches: Songdo Beach, Gwanggalli Beach, and Haeundae Beach.

Jeju Island

Jeju Island is the ultimate weekend escape for Koreans! If you’re skipping Busan but still want some beach time, Jeju Island is the perfect alternative.

Or when you have plenty of time, I suggest going to Jeju and Busan! With many flights available daily, getting there is a breeze.

Once you arrive, renting a car is the best way to explore the island at your own pace.

Is Seoul expensive?

Like any major city, Seoul can be as budget-friendly or as expensive as you make it. However, don’t expect the same low prices in countries like Thailand or Vietnam. That said, Seoul can be quite affordable if you know where to go.

While there are plenty of upscale bars, restaurants, and high-end BBQ spots that can quickly eat into your budget, sticking to street food, smaller eateries, local drinks (you’ve got to try makgeolli, a delicious Korean rice wine!), and the occasional convenience store breakfast or lunch can keep costs down.

Speaking of convenience stores, South Korea’s are on another level! You can find tasty food and drinks at budget-friendly prices, and if you’re a Seoul fan, you’ve probably seen all those viral reels showcasing Korean convenience store delights.

Your biggest expense will likely be accommodation, which, outside of the high season, averages around €100 per night for a simple double room with a private bathroom and air conditioning in Myeongdong.

Is Seoul English-friendly?

Yes and no. You won’t have problems communicating in English in most of Seoul, especially tourist neighbourhoods like Myeongdong, Hongdae, Itaewon, and Gangnam. All the signs will be in Korean and English.

Most restaurants and shops in these areas will have English menus, and those that don’t will still speak some English, or you can figure it out using Google Translate.

However, I found the language barrier bigger in Seoul than in Tokyo! Maybe I was just lucky in Japan, or I just ran into more non-English-speaking Koreans; I don’t know.

I felt that many of the older generation in Korea don’t speak English. But don’t let that scare you! It’s really not a problem for your daily activities.

Things to avoid in Seoul as a solo traveller

Weekends

Seoul can get incredibly busy, especially on weekends. Restaurants fill up quickly, and you might find yourself waiting in long queues since most places don’t take reservations. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, the weekend is the perfect time to explore nearby destinations or enjoy a peaceful hike in the mountains.

Rush hour

Try to steer clear of public transport during rush hour in Seoul. While rush hour can be hectic in any big city, the subway in Seoul takes it to another level. It gets so crowded that if you have the option, it’s definitely worth travelling before or after peak times to avoid the crush.

Lunch break

Speaking of rush hour, it’s also smart to avoid going out for lunch during the typical lunch break. Everywhere gets crowded, from restaurants to even the tiniest coffee shops. Many people use their lunch hour to grab a bite or run errands, so you’ll immediately notice how busy it gets. Planning your meals outside of this time will save you from the lines.

The best time to visit Seoul

Be sure to choose your season carefully when planning a trip to Seoul! Winters are long and freezing, and summer in August is scorching hot and humid. I’ve travelled to Seoul in both December and August, and I can confirm that the weather is no joke!

December was so cold that you could barely walk around, let alone be out sightseeing all day. Even a short visit to Myeongdong for some shopping left me freezing, even though I was dressed well for the cold winter weather.

August is the hottest month. It’s hot and extremely humid, which you really don’t want when sightseeing all day. I found it hard to breathe because of the heat.

July often brings heavy rainfall, with the city even experiencing floods in July 2022 due to intense downpours. An umbrella won’t save you here.

The ideal times to visit Seoul are spring and fall when you’ll most likely enjoy pleasant weather. If you’re lucky and plan well, you can see the cherry blossoms in spring or the fall foliage in November. These months offer the perfect balance for exploring the city comfortably.

I’ve written down everything I know and experienced in this Ultimate Solo Female Travel Guide to Seoul, and I hope you’ll love Seoul as much as I do.

Before your solo trip to Seoul, make sure to read up on customs and etiquette in South Korea. I’ve written a fantastic blog post on tips you must know before travelling to Seoul!

As always, let me know how you get on! I’m here if you need any help planning your trip to Seoul. The fastest way to reach out is by commenting on my latest Instagram post.