Travelling alone as a woman in South Korea

• I'm from the US and I would like to travel around South Korea for a couple of weeks on my own. However, I'm not sure whether this is really safe for a woman. Any advice?

  19 May 2007, 04:57 Itzel

Replies

• Not much to say but...

  Hello Itzel!
  I'm from Canada and plan to travel alone in South Korea from Pusan to Seoul and have been told that I'll have little to worry about as long as I take proper precautions. Use your common sense. Thats your best line of defense! However, do be werry of anyone who gets too close to you and your luggage. I've been told that pick pocketing is the national sport out there!
  Seriously though, traveling anywhere can be dangerous. Just apply the same logic you would in your home country and you should be fine. Don't take rides from stangers, try not to travel at night, and avoid shaddy looking people and areas. I wish you the best of luck! I start my travels on July 16. If you're out there around then maybe I'll see you around!
  Take care!
  

  Nicole 31 May 2007, 06:34 - Report

• Woman traveling alone in Korea

  Hi Itzel,
  I have been living out here for 3 months now, and I can say I have never felt more safe. I too am from the US, and it is such a contrast. Enjoy yourself out here, and make sure you are in Pusan on e the weekend of the 14th. They are having a mud festival

  Gala 13 Jul 2007, 09:10 - Report

• hi people

  i ma in ghana and i want to travell to south koreaplease i need some some to accompany me.

  ben west 02 Sep 2007, 04:35 - Report

• hihi~

  i'm korean man~ i just want you to know.
  as long as you act normally~ nobody would bother you
  so don't even worry about anything.. but like they guy
  above said.. be careful at the airport! i think
  it's not just about traveling korea~ any airport
  you can't be too careful~~~i hope you have nice vacation!
  over here!

  sonrey! 29 Jan 2008, 12:12 - Report

• Depends

  I would say in comparison to most countries, South Korea is relatively safe for women to travel & live alone. However, there are some places to avoid such as the red light districts. I think it also depends on where you plan to go. I mean, if the main places you're visiting are tourist areas, you should be fine.
  
  Some advice I have are:
  
  1. I wouldn't tell people that you are traveling or living alone. It's considered to be an oddity for women to live alone in Korea.
  
  2. Try to avoid walking alone at night. There are plenty of drunk people roaming around, and although 99% of them are harmless, it's that 1% you should watch out for. I have also seen my fair share of domestic fights out on the streets at night...
  
  3. If you don't have it already, I would get a cell phone and save some numbers to your country's embassy (seems like common sense but many people don't do this).
  
  4. It never hurts to befriend some natives or foreigners in Korea. This is beneficial because they can help you out, show you around, make sure that everything is okay, etc.

  E 05 May 2008, 09:34 - Report

• female travelling alone

  I have planned a month long trip to Australia, stopping in Seoul for 3 days and nights on the way. I was going with my boyfriend but we have recently split up. Unable to change the flight details so a friend can come, i am now faced with going on my own. The flight doesnt bother me, and neither does being in australia as i am meeting people i know there. But going to Seoul does, I know i shouldnt believe everything i read or hear but i do seem to be very worried about being an English white girl travelling on her own. i know its only 3 days but was wondering if anyone could share their own personal stories and advice!!!!
  
  Also where would be the best place to stay? somewhere close to things so if i did go out for dinner or a drink at night i could have easy access back to hotel in view of everything (dont want to be walking down back alleys or anything)
  
  Thanks!

  Laura Taylor 13 Jun 2008, 11:39 - Report

• Alone in Korea

  Korea is extremely safe--I've been working here for three months now, and, although I can't say I love it here, I never feel at risk. I live in Bupyeong, the red light district of Incheon, and things are hopping at all hours. Although I get lots of stares, I've never had anyone behave improperly, or been pick-pocketed.
  
  My advice on where to go would be southward, to Gyeong. It's the ancient capital of the Silla Dynasty, as well as the site of the most famous Buddhist shrine in Korea. Nature abounds! From there you can head further south to the coast.
  
  If you are closer to Seoul, I would head east from there and go to one of the three state parks--all are amazing. Visit in either the spring(March to May) or fall(mid-October to November), otherwise you're in for icy cold or extreme heat.

  TL 07 Oct 2008, 04:23 - Report

• Safest Country so far - and I travel a hell of a lot

  I worked in the Republic of Korea and took my MA degree there - lived in Seoul in the north and PoHang in the South.
  
  It's safer than London, or many parts of the USA, no violent crime or knife crime, although there are some perverts. Dress as you would if you want poeople to believe that you are a sober and modest young woman and you will be absolutely fine. Do not get drunk - the firewater "soju" is nearly free and very powerful, does bad things to you if you aren't used to it, and even worse things to if you become used to it. Most foreigners head for Itaewon where everyone speaks English - but beware there - a lot of dodgy areas and your biggest danger will come from foriegners, NOT native Koreas.
  
  If you get the chance, check out the south of Korea - Keong-ju and other places there which didn't get flattened during the Korean war. Koreans are by in large helpful, friendly, and keen to practice their English, learning a few phrases such as please, thank you etc will be appriciated. You will be asked all the time if you are an American "Miguk"- the word for Englang is Yunguk. So to say you are from England is "Yunguk saram".
  
  Korean public transport is the best I have ever seen - cheep, comfortable and you can get anywhere using it. Take the bus service into Seoul - ask how do do this at the airport when you arrive - rather than take the dodgy taxis.
  
  I have a blog which covers some of this - google the Scottish Boomerang.

  Lucy 30 Jan 2009, 11:42 - Report