6 Lessons I Learned From Solo-Traveling In South Korea

Solo traveling in Korea will make you step out of your comfort zone – but it’s so worth it!

I remember that when I was an exchange student in Korea back in 2018 and traveled the country alone, I faced quite some obstacles besides – of course – making unforgettable memories. Not speaking the language too well yet and not having much experience with the culture and the country in general, there were a few things that did not go according to plan. But overall, I realized that Korea is a great country to travel by yourself – It’s safe, people are friendly, and, most importantly, there’s SO much to discover!

In this article, I’ve gathered 6 lessons I learned from traveling in Korea alone so that you can make the most of your solo adventure!

1. Navigating Safety in Seoul: Embracing Freedom with Awareness

South Korea is one of the safest countries in the world – But you still have to travel with caution.

South Korea is known to have a relatively low crime rate compared to other industrialized countries. Although there have been fluctuations due to various economic and social factors, the overall rate remains lower than many of its counterparts​​.

This makes Korea a great destination if you plan a trip by yourself, as you can travel with peace of mind and focus on enjoying your experiences. For example, you won’t have to worry about being pick-pocketed in crowded areas in the way you would worry about it while traveling Europe, for instance, as pick-pocketing is quite uncommon in Korea.

That being said, especially as a (female) solo traveler, it is still wise to keep a sense of cautiousness while exploring the country. Here are a few tips to stay safe in Korea while traveling solo:

• Inform Someone of Your Itinerary: Regularly update someone about your plans, whether it’s a friend back home or your accommodation host.
• Emergency Numbers: 112 is for police, and 119 is for fire and ambulance. Under 1330, a tourist helpline is available in multiple languages.
• Embassy Information: Keep your embassy’s contact information on hand in case of legal troubles or emergencies.
• Overly Friendly Strangers: While many people are genuinely friendly, be cautious if someone approaches you out of the blue, especially in tourist areas or nightlife districts. Scammers often target solo travelers, appearing very friendly to offer unsolicited help or invitations.
• Stay Sober and Alert: Enjoy the nightlife, but remain in control. Being intoxicated can make you a target for theft or scams.
• If Something Feels Off, Leave: Trust your gut. Don’t hesitate to remove yourself if a situation or place makes you uncomfortable.

Solo Travel Tip: Before your trip, identify safe late-night spots and plan a route back to your accommodation.

2. The Importance of Having Wi-Fi While Solo Traveling in Korea

Reliable Wi-Fi access is crucial for navigation and communication. Especially as a solo traveler.

Picture this: You wanted to explore the Korean countryside and took a bus to get to a secluded temple. But you accidentally got off at the wrong bus stop. Now you are stranded in the middle of nowhere and the temple is still over 3 kilometers away. Now what? Without a phone and internet access, you would start to panic. You wouldn’t even know which direction to walk towards or if there would be another bus coming and when. But with internet access, you can easily find the fastest way to get to your destination with Naver Map or even call a taxi to get there with Kakao T.

So, what I’m trying to say is: While internet access is not per se essential to travel to Korea, it does add a lot of safety and security, especially if you are traveling solo!

And the best part is that portable Wi-Fi or SIM cards are affordable in Korea! There are several ways to get a portable Wi-Fi device or a SIM card for your Korea trip. I recommend ordering them online and then picking them up at Incheon Airport when you land. Many providers offer this service.

Solo Travel Tip: Rent a portable Wi-Fi device or SIM card online before your trip.

3. Breaking Language Barriers: Learning Basic Korean

Knowing basic Korean phrases will enhance your interactions and experiences.

While you can get around in big cities in Korea like Seoul and Busan with English, it does get complicated without any Korean skills once you leave those metropoles. Koreans, especially elders, appreciate when travelers try to speak their language, even if it’s just a few words, and it can lead to more meaningful interactions and assistance when you need it.

A few basic Korean sentences for solo travelers:

1. Greetings and Essentials

• Hello: 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)
• Thank you: 감사합니다 (Gamsahabnida)
• Yes: 네 (Ne)
• No: 아니요 (Aniyo)
• Sorry: 죄송합니다 (Joesonghabnida)

2. Navigational Help

• Where is…?: … 어디예요? (… Eodi-yeyo?)
• How much is this?: 이거 얼마예요? (Igeo eolmayeyo?)
• I want to go to…: …에 가고 싶어요 (…e gago sipeoyo)
• Is this the right way to…?: 이게 … 가는 길 맞아요? (Ige … ganeun gil majayo?)

3. Dining Out

• I’m allergic to…: 저는 … 알레르기가 있어요. (Jeoneun … allerugi ga isseoyo)
• Can I have the menu, please?: 메뉴판 주세요. (Menyupan juseyo)
• Water, please: 물 주세요. (Mul juseyo)
• I want to pay: 계산 할게요. (Gyesans halgaeyo)

4. Emergencies and Miscellaneous

• Help!: 도와주세요! (Dowajuseyo!)
• I don’t understand: 이해하지 못해요. (Ihaehaji mothaeyo)
• Do you speak English?: 영어 할 수 있어요? (Yeongeo hal su isseoyo?)

Solo Travel Tip: Download a language app and learn 10 essential phrases.

4. Public Transport Mastery: Efficiently Exploring Seoul

Good news for solo travelers: Korea’s public transportation system is extensive, reliable, and safe.

If you’re traveling in Korea, whether solo or not, public transportation is your friend. It is not just affordable but also safe and, for the most part, foreigner-friendly. Seoul’s public transportation, especially its subway, is known for its efficiency and managing to mobilize people across the city and nearby regions like Incheon with minimal delays.

To navigate Korean public transportation like a pro, I recommend using the Naver Map app, as Google Maps doesn’t work very well in Korea. If you enter your start and end point, the app will show you the fastest and most convenient way to get to your destination, whether that is by bus, train, or subway.

While it is the better choice to use public transportation when traveling to cities like Seoul and Busan, there are areas in Seoul that are hard to get around in without a car. If you plan to explore areas off the beaten path or sparely populated areas like Jeju Island, it does make sense to consider renting a car.

Solo Travel Tip: Install the Seoul Subway app or Naver Map and familiarize yourself with key routes.

5. Solo Dining In Korea

Don’t be scared of dining solo!

For the longest time, there has been a stigma around solo dining in Korea. However, it is becoming very common in recent years, especially in bigger cities. You will be surprised by how many people eat alone here! There is even a word for eating alone in Korean: Honbab (혼밥). This neologism is a combination of the words honja (혼자) meaning alone, and bab (밥) meaning meal or rice.

There are tons of restaurants where you can eat as a solo traveler in Korea. A safe bet are Kimbap restaurants, such as the franchises “Kimbap Cheonguk”, “Gim Ganae” or “Ssada Kimbap”. These places often serve Kimbap and other “home-style” meals. Those restaurants are a great budget-friendly option for solo travelers.

In general, most restaurants in Korea can serve just one person. However, it is also important to know that some restaurants may not offer single servings due to their meals being designed for groups. This typically includes K-BBQ, hotpot, Jjimdak, and Dakgalbi restaurants.

Solo Travel Tip: Choose a popular solo dining restaurant and plan a visit.

6. Choosing The Right Accommodation

Select the right accommodation for a smoother travel experience.

Selecting the best accommodation for your individual needs and preferences is essential for a great trip.

Hostels are not just a budget-friendly option; they are vibrant hubs where memories and friendships are made. For solo travelers, Korea offers a variety of accommodations of this sort, including women-only hostels that provide a sense of community and security. If socializing with other travelers is not your thing, there are also tons of options for single rooms in hostels if you are traveling on a budget, and of course, you can always opt for an Air BnB or Hotel as well!

By selecting a hostel in a central location, such as Myeondong or Hongdae in Seoul, you’ll have the freedom to explore bustling streets, return for a mid-day rest, or mingle in communal areas whenever you please.

Before booking, consider factors like proximity to public transport, the type of social environment you seek, and the privacy options available. And remember, the right accommodation isn’t just a place to sleep; it’s your home base and retreat, a crucial part of your solo travel story.

Solo Travel Tip: Research top-rated hostels in Seoul, focusing on reviews from solo travelers, and book your stay.

Ready for your Korea-Adventure?

Now that you’re armed with these essential tips for solo traveling in Korea, why wait? Start planning your adventure today and get ready to explore the vibrant streets, serene temples, and rich culture of Korea!

But don’t let your journey end there! I would love to hear about your experiences, discoveries, and even the unexpected surprises along the way. Share your solo travel stories, photos, and tips in the comments below, or tag me on social media!

And hey, if you’re hungry for more travel-related content, don’t forget to check out my other blog articles. I’ve got loads of stories, tips, and maybe a few secrets up my sleeve that I’m itching to share with you!