Capital city, South Korea
Seoul for solo travelers
Is Seoul good for solo travel?
Fast, safe and endlessly busy capital with superb transit, 24-hour food and easy solo dining. Suits first-timers, nomads and teachers; summers are humid, winters bitter, and rents and deposits are steep.
Solo travel at a glance
| Solo travel | 5/5 · Excellent for solo travel |
|---|---|
| Locals | Polite but reserved |
| English | Common in tourist areas |
| Safety | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Solo women | Very comfortable for solo women, including at night. Watch drinks in clubs and hidden cameras in toilets and changing rooms. |
How to meet people in Seoul
Language exchanges in Hongdae and Itaewon, Meetup and Facebook expat groups, social hostels in Hongdae, Han River running clubs, hiking groups, and K-pop dance and cooking classes.
Good things to do alone
- Hike Bukhansan or Inwangsan at sunrise
- Eat solo at a gukbap or kimbap shop
- Walk Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces early
- Picnic and rent bikes on the Han River
- Browse Gwangjang Market for bindaetteok and mayak kimbap
Where to stay in Seoul
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Hongdae–Mangwon | Nightlife, cafés, young crowd, cheaper stays and language exchanges |
| Jongno–Bukchon | Palaces, hanok guesthouses and walkable old Seoul |
| Gangnam–Seolleung | Business district, coworking, polished and pricey |
| Seongsu | Converted-factory cafés, boutiques and a creative scene |
| Itaewon–Hannam | International food, expats and LGBTQ+ venues |
Solo travel across South Korea
Quick answers
Is Seoul good for solo travelers?
Excellent for solo travel (5/5). Fast, safe and endlessly busy capital with superb transit, 24-hour food and easy solo dining.
How do you meet people in Seoul?
Language exchanges in Hongdae and Itaewon, Meetup and Facebook expat groups, social hostels in Hongdae, Han River running clubs, hiking groups, and K-pop dance and cooking classes. On SoloSquare you can also join small plans with other travelers who are there now.
Do people speak English in Seoul?
Common in tourist areas.
Is Seoul safe for solo female travelers?
Very comfortable for solo women, including at night. Watch drinks in clubs and hidden cameras in toilets and changing rooms.
More about Seoul
Going to Seoul solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Seoul meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.