Comprehensive Guide for Single Female Travelers in South Korea: Crucial Information You Should be Aware Of
For solo female travelers, South Korea offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition, safety, and a rich cultural experience. Here are some essential tips for navigating the country's public transportation system and staying connected.
Stay Connected
Internet access is crucial for easier travel in South Korea, useful for planning journeys, calling Ubers, and using translation apps. Prepaid LG SIM cards can be bought at Seoul airport for approximately £3.50 / $4.50 for 24 hours, and a 10-day SIM card with unlimited data costs around £19 / $24. Alternatively, an eSIM may be more convenient and cost-effective, depending on the length of the trip. Holafly offers unlimited data for £6 / $6.90 for 1 day, with better value plans for longer periods (use code EMILYLUXTON for 5% off).
Get Around South Korea
Public transportation in South Korea is efficient, clean, and easy to use. To make the most of your journey, download essential transit apps in advance, such as Naver Maps and KakaoMap, which provide accurate route planning, real-time tracking, and English-language support.
Purchase a rechargeable transportation card like the T-Money or EZL card from convenience stores upon arrival or beforehand. This card works for subways, buses, and even taxis, making fare payment easy and often cheaper than single-ride tickets.
Learn the bus system basics: Buses in Seoul are color-coded—blue for long routes, green for neighborhood routes, red for express to suburbs, and yellow for loops. Night buses (“owl buses”) operate after midnight but on limited routes, so plan ahead using apps.
Follow transit etiquette: Enter buses through the front door, exit through the back, offer priority seating to elderly or pregnant passengers, and keep noise minimal to respect local customs.
Use taxis when needed: In cities like Busan, using KakaoTaxi is convenient, safe, and affordable. Many drivers speak some English, and you can show the address in English or Korean to avoid getting lost. Another app that can be used to call local taxis in South Korea is Kakao T.
Consider passes for longer stays: The Seoul Climate Card or Klook’s travel passes offer unlimited rides within a time period, which can save money if you plan to ride public transit multiple times a day.
Stay Safe
South Korea is generally very safe for solo female travelers, and public transit is well-monitored. However, staying alert, traveling during daylight when possible, and using apps to track your route enhances security. It's recommended to bring a scarf or shawl to cover shoulders when wearing sleeveless tops, especially when visiting temples or traditional villages.
Explore South Korea
South Korea is the safest and easiest Asian country the author has visited on a solo trip. To immerse yourself in Korean culture, consider homestay options, where you can stay with a local family. Hostels are a good place to meet fellow travellers and make friends, especially those that host tours, events, and classes.
For a more luxurious experience, at least one "dressy" outfit is recommended for nice bars and restaurants. Gwanganli Hotel 1 in Busan is recommended for capsule hotels.
Don't forget to download useful apps before the trip, such as Naver Maps, Google Translate, XE Currency, and Uber. Airalo, UK Government's Travel Advice, Fit For Travel, Safety Wing Travel Insurance, Hostelworld, Booking.com, Get Your Guide, Discover Cars, and Maps.Me are also recommended resources for solo female travelers.
With these tips, solo female travelers can explore South Korea with confidence and ease. Happy travels!
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- For solo female travelers, South Korea offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition, culture, and safety, making it an ideal destination for exploration.
- To navigate the country's public transportation system, prepaid LG SIM cards or eSIMs from Holafly can help ensure internet access for travel planning, Uber calls, and translation apps.
- Public transportation in South Korea, such as buses, subways, and taxis, is efficient, clean, and easy to use, with essential apps like Naver Maps and KakaoMap providing route planning and English-language support.
- Solo travelers can save money by purchasing a rechargeable transportation card like T-Money or EZL upon arrival, which works for various modes of transportation.
- To immerse oneself in Korean culture, consider staying with a local family through homestays or participating in hostel events and tours that offer a deeper understanding of the country's lifestyle and food.
- When exploring temples or traditional villages, it's recommended to cover shoulders with a scarf or shawl for cultural respect and personal comfort during solo travel in South Korea.
