South Korea: safe for solo women travellers?

Question

I'm thinking of taking a short trip (a week or less) to South Korea early this winter. Would like to take in a couple of main cities (probably Busan, Seoul) and some countryside, with a culture/food/nature focus.

Mainly, I would like to know how safe it is there for a western woman travelling alone. Any tips in this situation (for what kind of accomodation to choose, modes of transport, places to go/avoid etc).

I've been living in Japan for almost 2 years, and travelled alone here. Feel pretty comfortable here, but understand Korea could be very different.

Also, any general tips on Korea? All ideas/tips will be gratefully received.

Answer 1

Well, I lived in Yokohama for 2 years, and now I live in Seoul. To be honest, there is no difference in safety. I guess Japan might have a small edge, but not much.
Of course, Yokohama was a lot smaller than Seoul, but I can compare Tokyo and Seoul on the same level. I felt very comfortable traveling around alone in both places.
keep in mind that Japan has been a full First World nation for years and tends to think more western than Korea. Koreans still have problems differentiating between any white-looking foreigner and a US military personel. As a single, white female, I stay away from Itaewon area, which is outside of the Yongsan US Army base. Too much street hustle going on there. (similar to seeing the Asian prostitutes hang out around the Yokosuka base in Japan)
Koreans are every bit as hospitable as the Japanese and will help any traveler. They know about as much english as the average Japanese as well. (they can read REALLY REALLY well, but stumble when speaking to you)
Koreans are easier to get to know during your travels. Japanese maintain a social wall, without really letting you into their personal circle. Koreans are much more likely to invite you home with them. they are generous ot a fault.

As anywhere, don't talk politics or religion with them. And don;t run around advertising the fact that you live in Japan. They have a very sore history with the Japanese and they won't be impressed that you live there. This will only lead to them asking your opinion of Japanese. (which, should not be favorable, if you choose to answer)

Answer 2

I travelled solo in South Korea twice last year and never worried about my safety. I stayed in the cheapest-of-the-cheap hostels both times and never had a problem. My last hostel in Seoul was near Jongmyeo (sp?) Shrine. It was a great location. It was only one stop from Gwanghwamun, where the Kyobo building with the ATM that would take my Chinese issued visa card was. Most ATMs in Seoul only take 4-digit pins, mine has 6 digits so the Kyobo became one of my favorite places. Also, it was only a couple blocks away from Insadong and the Cheongyecheong (sp?) stream. Since I don't speak Korean, I avoided using taxis. The subways and buses can get you just about anywhere you need to go within the cities. When you get to Seoul go to the Tourist Information Center in City Hall. They have a lot of brochures and information for things to do in Korea. Also, you can use the internet for free for 2 hours. Seoul has a City tour bus that has three different lines that take you to most of the national monuments, historical sites, and museums around Seoul for around $10 US for the whole day. Entry fees to the sites are extra. Eat at the mom&pop type places. The food's less expensive and tastier. Try to familiarize yourself with the Korean alphabet before you go. It will make reading signs, particularly in the countryside, easier. You can learn the alphabet in a day. You might want to look into doing a homestay too. That can give you a more upclose look at Korean culture and food.

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
South Korea: safe for solo women travellers?
I'm thinking of taking a short trip (a week or less) to South Korea early this winter. Would like to take in a couple of main cities (probably Busan, Seoul) and some countryside, with a culture/food/nature focus.

Mainly, I would like to know how safe it is there for a western woman...

Answer 4

Korea is the safest country i've ever been to. The crime rate is dramatically low. I don't fear walking down any street at any time. The same rule applies for men and women, especially foreigners. A Korean would not try and pull anything with a foreigner, because they will get in a lot of trouble if caught. Howeve,r like I said it's quite rare here.


Koreans are generally non violent people in public. Behind closed doors is a different story though. But to make you feel more comfortable, if you've live in Japan for 2 years and had no problems then you shouldn't have any here.

Answer 5

Seoul may be the capital of Korea and it's over 600 decades of history and you can now learn it with hotelbye . Seoul is the center of Korea's lifestyle and knowledge as well as politics and economics. Seoul is home to numerous previous ancient internet sites like Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces, and places of old-fashioned tradition like Bukchon Hanok Village, Insa-dong, and Namdaemun Market. The buying and leisure districts of Myeongdong and Apgujeong, and Asia's biggest underground shopping center COEX Mall also draw a big number of tourists every year. In just one single word, Seoul is incredible, is a city worth visit.

Answer 6

If you did not have any problems in Japan, you will be fine in S.Korea.

Generally, Korean people are polite and friendly although they won't be able to speak to you in English.

- Accomodation: Hotels in main districts or well known backpackers where many foriegn tourists stay ( Avoid cheap small hotels )
- Transportation: Taxi, Subway/Train ( Avoid using them during the rush hours specially in Seoul )
- Places to avoid: ermmm... just same as other countries. Dark back alley or empty car park after midnight? :)

Answer 7

Hi, I'm a man from Seoul. S.Korea.

First of all, thanks to you that you'd like to visit Korea. You live in Japan. So, I think you'll visit S.Korea very comfortably because Korea and Japan has many things in common. But Don't talk about or say good words about Japanse directly to Korean people. Koreans don't like Japanese People, . . Japan owes many things to Korea althrough history.

Korean food is distincltive and outstanding taste only lf you enjoy somewhat spicy taste. How about tasting Korean Ramen and Jajang myeon. Korean Ramen and Jajang Myeon is best Noodle in the world.*^^*

I'd like to recommend you to visit around Gangnam District and Myoungdong. Gangnam is crowded with young people and fashionable street. Myoungdong is famouns for many historical departments stores and shopping streets as well.

You can use subway, I think that the best way to travel around Seoul is subway. Most of foreigners use subway most, from what I've known.

You can travel around Many mountains and valleys by using trains. Korea has many nice scenery of mountains and valleys. Korean mountains are more like steep scenery compred to Japanese. You can try Mae Un Tang in any of countysided restaurant.

I hope your trip will be fun, Good luck.

Answer 8

i'm not english speak well.so please understand if my english make you confuse ..
i want just one thing tell you.Please don't worry about that .i'm a korean and live in korea.i can tell you korea is most safety country than other nation of asia for traveler.

but ,some steet in seoul is little danger.especially railroad station.(seoul station and chungryang ri.and flea market streets.).you must caution.when you there.

but seoul is safety than other big cities. i went milano last year. i had my bag stolen .include passport. also..
Most koreans would be kind and polite to you,because we like foreigner who speak english.

At least, korea is most safety country among the other asia nations.

Answer 9

Big cities are about the same, there are good places and bad places.
You will be safe, the people are friendly and courteous.
I have never had any be rude to me.
You can travel on the train, subway, bus, or taxi depending on where you are going.

I usually go on line and arrange hotels it is much cheaper than showing up and paying full rack rate.

Take a dictionary, and small calculator, smile, be polite, you will not have any problems.

Answer 10

Mm.. Hello~ I am a Korean boy who is livin in the Philippines now~

For me~ Korea is very safe place. (Yup~ of course!)
Just... I wanna say that although u r really confident with exploring, I recommend you to not go such place that you don't know well.

Maybe, It's okay if you know somebody who is already in Korea.

I just don't want foreiger to think of Korea such terrible place bcoz of what they're going to experience.

I mean... Korea is really really nice place!
but.. if you are gonna enjoy 'Korea',
first, you gotta know Korea well.

Mm... = =
I really want to say a lots of things but my English is not so
much good!

hehe, I am still studing hard.
mm.. What I wanna tell you is.. just

Keep In Mind!
first, You gotta know Korea well!
I've already seen some foreigners who were upseted coz they just went there without any knowledge of Korea.

Good luck! ^ ^

(P.S: I think you'd better just come to my blog.
There are lots of tips that I wrote about Korea.)

http://blog.naver.com/siginoako/90021111212