All the pieces you Must Know

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All the pieces you’ll want to know to be ready for solo feminine journey in South Korea – together with security suggestions and journey recommendation…

Even after a decade of travelling solo, I nonetheless get nervous about visiting a brand new nation. Particularly after I do not know what to anticipate, as was the case after I not too long ago spent just a few weeks travelling solo to South Korea for the primary time.

In a short time after arriving, although, I found that 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), I all the time felt protected, and other people I met have been so pleasant and blissful to assist. It’s a GREAT nation for travelling solo, however it nonetheless pays to do your analysis and be ready!

So – right here’s my tried-and-tested solo feminine journey information to South Korea: from somebody who’s been travelling the world alone for practically a decade! I’ve coated security suggestions, points to concentrate on, recommendation for getting round, and extra. I hope it helps!

When you’ve got any questions in any respect, be happy to get in contact by way of the feedback or on socials (I’m @em_luxton on Instagram). Secure travels…

South Korea for Solo Feminine Travellers: Execs and Cons

Of all of the Asian coutnries I’ve visited, I feel South Korea is the simplest to go to as a solo feminine traveller. I felt protected the entire time I used to be there, getting round was all the time tremendous simple, and I had an absolute blast on my journey! These are my professionals and cons:

Is South Korea Secure for Solo Feminine Travellers?

This can be a BIG matter, so I’ve written a separate submit answering this query in way more element. CLICK HERE to learn it. In any other case, right here’s a fast abstract of what you’ll want to know:

South Korea is mostly very protected for travellers.

Crime charges are low, and Seoul (the capital) ranked seventh on the 2025 State of Journey Insurance coverage Most secure Locations report.

You must nonetheless take all the same old security precautions. Maintain valuables in busy areas, keep away from strolling alone late at evening, and many others.

Emergency numbers: 119 for ambulance/hearth or 112 for police.

Vacationers can dial 1330 to achieve the Korea Journey Helpline, which may join them with the vacationer police.

The political state of affairs between North and South Korea is fraught, however there’s no lively battle (on the time of writing). Regulate the information and the UK Authorities’s journey web page for South Korea to remain abreast of any updates.

READ MORE: Is South Korea Secure for Solo Feminine Travellers?

Suggestions for Getting Round South Korea

The general public transport system in South Korea is fantastic! It was certainly one of my favorite issues in regards to the nation: all the things 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 methods are environment friendly, low cost, clear, and protected. There are additionally wonderful bus networks in each metropolis – and the entire nation is linked by a implausible system of trains and buses. Don’t shrink back from public transport, as more often than not it’s the most affordable and quickest approach of getting anyplace.

Google Maps doesn’t work: Obtain Naver

Google Maps doesn’t work properly in South Korea (or in any respect in some circumstances). As a substitute, obtain the native equal: Naver Maps. I extremely suggest you obtain the app and arrange an account earlier than you fly to Korea. This fashion, the app ought to default to English, and you can also make positive all the things is up and working earlier than your journey.

In my expertise, Naver Maps was way more correct than Google Maps has ever been – particularly for planning journeys on public transport. The timings have been appropriate (nearly to the second!) and the app pings you with a notification when your prepare or bus is approaching the cease you want! 

FYI: You’ll want both a neighborhood SIM card or an eSIM with pay as you go knowledge to make use of Naver Maps. I’ve coated this additional on down the web page – however personally, I want an eSIM. Holafy supply limitless knowledge eSIM plans for South Korea – get a 5% low cost with code EMILYLUXTON.

Get a T-Cash or Journey Card

Essentially the most handy approach to pay for Korea’s public transport is with a journey cash card. These work equally to an Oyster Card in London: you high them up, then use them to faucet out and in of the subway or bus, so you’ll be able to pay for every journey on the go. You should use the identical card throughout South Korea.

This can prevent cash, as journey costs are barely decrease in contrast with shopping for particular person tickets. It’s additionally way more handy: queuing as much as purchase a ticket on the machine for each single journey will get tedious fairly quick! And on many buses, you’ll be able to’t pay with money in any respect anymore – so a journey card actually is the best choice.

There are two important choices: the T-Cash Card is extra broadly out there and better-known. There’s additionally the EZL Card, which does the identical factor however is bought at completely different shops. I ended up shopping for the EZL Card and may affirm it really works precisely the identical because the T-Cash Card. It additionally will get you a reduction at Lotte Obligation Free shops.

Is there Uber in South Korea?

Sure, there’s Uber in South Korea – however often solely in main cities. It was positively out there in Seoul, Busan, and Gyeongju on my journey, however smaller cities and rural areas could not have Uber but.

There may be one other app you should utilize referred to as Kakao T (it was once Kakao Taxi), which can be utilized to name native taxis. You want a Korean checking account to pay on-line, or you’ll be able to pay the driving force instantly (most settle for each money and bank card). Extra data right here.

Suggestions for Solo Travellers in South Korea

Get a Native SIM or eSIM

Web entry makes travelling in South Korea a lot simpler. It’s useful for utilizing Naver maps to plan your journeys (see above), calling Ubers, and utilizing translation apps when talking with locals or making an attempt to decipher indicators.

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 knowledge prices ￦35,000 (round £19 / $24).

An eSIM may fit out cheaper (relying on the size of your journey). Even when not, it’s way more handy, as you’ll be able to set up it straight onto your telephone and use it alongside your regular SIM – with no need to enter a store.

Airalo: From £26.50 / $32 (limitless knowledge, 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.Holafly: From £6 / $6.90 (Limitless knowledge, 1 day). The plans are higher worth while you purchase for longer: eg, 7 days of limitless knowledge is £24 / $$29.90. Use code EMILYLUXTON to get 5% off.

Apps to obtain forward of your journey

Naver Maps – see above.

Google Translate – you should utilize the digital camera operate to live-translate any Korean textual content (for instance, a restaurant menu or ticket machine).

XE Foreign money – helpful for doing on-the-go conversions.

Uber – even when you have already got it, ensure you arrange all the security capabilities (corresponding to an emergency contact) forward of your journey.

The place to Keep as a Solo Feminine Traveller

Hostels – nice for assembly different travellers, however you’ll need to share a dorm room.

Capsule motels – these are an excellent answer for solo travellers. You’ll get your personal non-public pod and a locker to retailer your valuables. For those who’re visiting Busan, I extremely suggest Gwanganli Lodge 1 (watch my video overview right here).

Feminine-only Guesthouses – guesthouses are an important choice if you need budget-friendly lodging with out staying in a hostel. They’re smaller than motels and often have a comfy, family-run vibe. There are some female-only guesthouses in most cities, that are splendid if you happen to’re a bit nervous about travelling by yourself as a girl.

Homestay – immerse your self in Korean tradition by staying with a neighborhood household at a homestay. These typically embrace a home-cooked meal and generally is a nice perception into Korean life.

The right way to Meet Different Travellers in South Korea

The easiest way to fulfill fellow travellers and make pals is often by staying in a hostel. There are hostels in most main cities, though they’re much less prevalent than in another international locations. In order for you a social vibe, search for hostels that host excursions, occasions, and courses – or discover a social gathering hostel if that’s your factor!

One other nice approach to meet travellers is by reserving excursions. I did fairly just a few day journeys and metropolis excursions on my journey, they usually have been an effective way to fulfill different travellers (each foreigners and native Koreans). Meals excursions and cooking courses are significantly good, as they imply you might have individuals to dine with (I all the time discover eating solo can get lonely on longer journeys). On one tour, our information made positive to group all of the solo travellers up at lunch in order that we may share a Korean BBQ!

The right way to Gown?

South Korea is a reasonably trendy and liberal nation. It embraces modernity, however can be very rooted in custom. On the entire, you’ll be able to in all probability gown kind of as you’d at residence. That mentioned, it’s really helpful to decorate considerably modestly, particularly when visiting temples or conventional villages.

Nobody appears to bat an eyelid at shorts, mini clothes, and quick skirts (even very quick skirts). However displaying cleavage is somewhat frowned upon, so keep away from something too low-cut. I felt like I obtained lots of undesirable (and uncomfortable) consideration after I wore something even remotely low-cut! I’d additionally suggest bringing a shawl or scarf to cowl your shoulders when carrying sleeveless tops.

Look and vogue will be fairly a giant deal right here, so the “scruffy backpacker” look that you just would possibly see in South East Asia (Chang vest tops and elephant pants, that sort of factor) gained’t actually work if you wish to impress in South Korea! And also you’ll positively need not less than one “dressy” outfit to put on to good bars and eating places.

The Predominant Takeaways

South Korea is, normally, a really protected nation to journey, however you must nonetheless take the identical security precautions you’d take anyplace else.

Get an eSIM so you might have web entry all through your journey.

Obtain Naver Maps upfront to plan journeys with ease.

Purchase a journey card (T-Cash or EZL) upfront, or get one at a comfort retailer while you arrive. It should prevent cash on public transport and make paying for buses and the subway a lot simpler.

Is there the rest you’d wish to learn about visiting South Korea as a solo feminine traveller? Let me know within the feedback beneath and I’ll get again to you!