It's 2024, your stars have aligned and you are ready to wander the world as a solo female traveller. Your first stop? This city is known to steal hearts with its cultural experiences, hiking trails, hip boutiques, busy streets, and safety for solo female travellers: Seoul. South Korea's capital is a top choice for solo female travellers, thanks to its efficient public transport. With accessible bus routes, affordable subways, and punctual service, getting around is a breeze.
This reliable transportation opens up a world of experiences, from museum visits to hiking up to N Seoul Tower and exploring Bukchon Hanok Village and Gyeongbokgung Palace. And don't forget to indulge in local delights like kimchi, bibimbap, and bulgogi along the way! When in Seoul, you are bound to satisfy that wanderlust soul of yours!
Preparation and Safety for the Solo Female Traveller in Seoul
Is it safe for female travellers out there? Seoul definitely is!
Seoul is perfectly safe for women travelling by themselves, more so than many other places around the world. It has a low rate of crime, good public transport, and people respectful and polite to each other. The streets are well-lit, there are security people around in public spots, and help is quick to come if you need it.
Even though the language might be a barrier, having an app to translate or knowing some basic Korean can help a lot. When you compare it to places in the Western world, where snatching things and tricking travellers is more usual and the crime rates are high, Seoul is more welcoming and safe for solo travel. For solo travel in Seoul, tech is a big help in finding her way around the city's busy streets and diving into its rich culture. KakaoTalk is the top chat app for talking with locals and shops, much like WhatsApp, but with cute Kakao emojis that make everyday chats fun.
Naver Papago is a solid translator, making sure messages from Korean to other tongues are clear, easing any language bumps. And Naver Mapis key for getting about, showing detailed maps, and live traffic news, and helping find places of interest nearby with no fuss. As for getting around Seoul's lively roads, Kakao T is vital, not just for booking taxis but also for finding parking and EV charging points, making travel smooth all over town.
Travelling To Seoul Alone? Here's Some Easy Accommodation
For the adventurous lady travelling to Seoul alone and looking for the best stay, Myeongdong is a top spot with great bus and train links. It's full of shops, places to eat, and street food, so you're never bored. Line Hotel in Myeongdong is a great option for solo travellers; it boasts clean rooms and views.
If you want peace, Gangnam is a good pick. Close to the Han River and easy to get around, it has lots of food, shops, and fun. Patio 7 Hotelin Gangnam is cool and cosy with modern rooms and a wine bar. Or, for a real Korean feel, head to Bukchon. There, the Bukchonae guest housenear Bukchon Hanok Village is lovely. Each area is different, but solo women can find comfort, ease, and true Seoul vibes in these stays.
Moving Around
Seoul's transport system shines as a top pick for ease and low cost, perfect for women travelling alone in the lively city. With over 20 tube lines and many stations, it's a breeze to get around every part of Seoul. Buses fill in the gaps, reaching quiet spots the tube doesn't touch.
Both tube and bus stops are affordable, bright, and clear, and offer help in many languages, making sure solo women travellers feel safe and able to wander the city on their own. Deals like travel cards or combined transport cards give extra savings, cutting costs even more. For women exploring the city alone, Seoul's transport is trustworthy and gentle on the wallet, giving them ease and freedom to discover. A good idea is the T-Money card. You can buy one at most shops that sell snacks and bits. It makes getting on buses, subways, and taxis easy – just tap it and you're good to go.
Places to Go Alone in Seoul
For the ultimate Korea solo travel itinerary, start with some amazing things to do in Seoul.
The Ultimate Itinerary For the Solo Female Traveller
Eat Your Way Through Namdaeum Market
Namdaemun Market, established in 1964, stands as the largest traditional market in Korea, boasting over 10,000 retailers, vendors, and wholesalers. The market bustles with activity as shoppers seek bargains or indulge in delectable street food offerings.
Enjoy Night Views in Inwangsan
Hike up the Hanyangdoseong fortress in Inwangsan Mountain to enjoy some great city views.
Deep Dive Into Korean Culture with Kimchi
Join some experts and learn the art of Kimchi making. From making your own Kimchi pancake to trying fresh flavours, have a hands-on experience at Seoul Kimchi Academy House.
Experience a Relaxing Spa
After exploring the bustling city of Seoul, unwind with some soothing music and a relaxing massage at Sulwahsoo Spa. Immerse yourself in traditional Korean medicines and give your skin a rejuvenating experience.
Give Your Skin Some Love
To all our solo female travellers, Whoo Spa Palace needs to be on your itinerary of must-do things when in Seoul. After all that shopping, make an appointment and choose from exquisite treatments like skincare rituals and traditional Korean therapy.
Hop On a Bus for a Nami Island Tour
Get on a bus tour to Nami Island, just an hour away from the city. Explore the island at your own pace while you enjoy the beautiful landscape.
Have Your Own DMZ Adventure
Embark on an Adventurous DMZ Tour: Imjingak Park, The Bridge of Freedom, and The 3rd Infiltration Tunnel. Add a dash of thrill with a scenic Gondola Ride offering a unique perspective.
Cook Some Local Dishes
Discover Mangwon Market on a guided tour, sampling Seoul's street food and gathering ingredients for a hands-on cooking class in a local home.
Discover Seoul in a Hanbok
Explore ancient palaces and Hanbok villages in luxury Hanbok rentals. Our staff ensures the perfect fit with traditional to modern styles. Includes a personal locker, handbag, selfie stick, and Korean-style coronet.
Dress Up at Lotte World Theme Park
Seoul has so much to offer solo travellers, and dressing up in town is a must-add to your bucket list.
Kick things off by trying on South Korean school uniforms – it might sound a bit unusual, but it’s a trendy and fun way to dive into the local vibe (and yes, even the locals love it!).
With plenty of styles to choose from, it’s perfect for snapping great photos and living out your K-drama dreams – after all, Stairway to Heaven famously filmed its heart-wrenching carousel scene right here at Lotte World!
Then, head to Lotte World Theme Park, Seoul’s answer to Disneyland. From thrilling roller coasters to whimsical carousels, it’s a magical spot to explore, have fun, and soak up the lively atmosphere at your own pace.
Day Trips From Seoul
The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between South and North Korearepresents a unique glimpse into history. Visitors can tour the border area and learn about the origins and ongoing tensions between the divided nations.
Highlights include the Bridge of Freedom, tunnels beneath the DMZ, and the Dorasan Observatory overlooking North Korea.Half-day tours depart early from hotels in Seoul to explore the DMZ's cultural significance. Add-ons like shooting ranges or city tours can extend the experience.
Another great day excursion for the solo female traveller from Seoul is Nami Island. Nami Island features stunning scenery and has been a filming location for many movies and K-dramas. The Garden of Morning Calm spans 300,000 square metresand showcases beautifully crafted flowers, trees, and walkways. It is an excellent option for a day trip if you want to get away from the bustling city.
Seoul Cultural Experiences
For the Seoul solo female traveller, it's a must to immerse oneself in some memorable cultural experiences that prove to be great memories. Start by renting a traditional hanbok to explore GyeongbokgungPalace.
Dressed in a hanbok, you can enter the palace for free. Consider renting a hanbok for a professional photoshoot at the palace to create lasting memories of your visit. You can also experience a traditional tea ceremony in hanbok attire at a tea house.
Engaging with locals in hands-on experiences offers a profound insight into Korean culture, fostering respect for traditions and values. Activities like tea ceremonies, hanbok attire, and tasting homemade dishes deepen cultural understanding and forge connections between travellers and locals, enriching every solo female traveller's Seoul journey.
For The Shoppers & Entertainment Lovers
For female solo travellers interested in fashion in Seoul, Myeongdong and Gangnam are top shopping destinations. Myeongdong is known for its busy streets filled with stylish boutiques, global brands, and cosmetic stores, making it a haven for fashion lovers and beauty enthusiasts.
If you are keen on doing something a little unusual yet memorable, discover Seoul's vibrant photo booth studios. With themed backgrounds, outfits, and props, these studios are a perfect way to create Instagram-worthy moments.
Seasonal Considerations
For a great experience in Seoul, consider visiting in late spring or early fall for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.Late April to early June offers mild temperatures and cherry blossoms, ideal for exploring without the peak tourist rush. Similarly, September to early November brings cooler temperatures and colourful autumn foliage.
To avoid high tourist volumes, avoid major holidays like Lunar New Year (usually in January or February) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving, typically in September), as well as the busysummer months of July and August. These times have high temperatures, humidity, and crowded attractions.
Choose late spring or early fall for comfortable weather and relaxed exploration in Seoul. Book accommodations and activities ahead for better rates and availability, ensuring a stress-free trip.
Must-HavePasses For The Solo Traveller
The Best of Seoul with Go City!
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Explore with the Discover Seoul Pass
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Discover Seoul: Your Solo Journey Awaits
Seoul is an ideal destination for solo female travellers seeking adventure, culture, and unforgettable experiences. It calls out to solo female travellers with its blend of adventure, culture, and modern amenities.
Explore iconic landmarks, vibrant neighbourhoods, and unique entertainment options. With a safe and efficient public transportation system and welcoming locals, Seoul ensures a secure and comfortable experience for solo adventurers.
Immerse yourself in Korean culture through hands-on experiences and interactions with locals, enriching your journey with deeper appreciation. Pack your bags and embark on an empowering adventure in Seoul, where every moment promises excitement and discovery.