Solo Travel in Seoul: My Tips & Tricks for an Amazing Seoul Solo Trip (2026)

I’ve traveled to over 30 countries solo, and let me tell you… I’ve truly seen it all. From meeting my amazing partner in a hostel bar, to getting robbed in South America (character development, I guess), solo travel has been veryyyy all over the board. But because of that, I can confidently say I know what makes a destination amazing for solo travelers… and what places I’d maybe rather do with a group instead.

And I’m so happy to tell you that Seoul is absolutely one of the best cities out there for solo travel. Between how safe it feels, how much there is constantly going on, and how easy it is to explore on your own, it’s honestly the perfect place to visit on your own.

In this guide, I’ll answer all the biggest questions about solo travel in Seoul, like: is it safe? What’s the hostel scene like? What are the best things to do alone? And how do you make sure you have the best time possible while exploring the city solo! So let’s get into it! 

My Experience With Solo Travel in Seoul

Seoul was honestly one of those cities that surprised me in the best way possible as a solo traveler. I’ve done solo trips where I felt like I had to be super alert 24/7, constantly checking my bag, watching my surroundings, and just being a little on edge. Seoul was the complete opposite.

From my first day there, I felt really comfortable. The city is busy, but in a very organized way, and even when I was walking around alone at night, I never felt unsafe. 

What I loved most is that Seoul is the kind of place where solo travel doesn’t feel lonely. There’s always something happening, whether it’s a night market, a café that’s full, or just wandering through a neighborhood and finding a random pop-up store. I spent full days exploring on my own, grabbing street food, shopping in Olive Young (obviously), and hopping on the subway with ease.

One of the only small challenges I ran into though was eating solo at certain restaurants. Some places that serve meals meant for two people, like Korean BBQ, hot pot, or dak galbi, straight up wouldn’t let me dine alone. It’s not a huge deal, but it can be frustrating.

That said, I got super lucky because the host of my homestay hosted nightly group dinners, and it was honestly perfect. I was able to try some of those more social meals, and meet other travelers.

And overall, Seoul just makes solo travel so easy. Public transportation is simple, the city is super walkable in the main areas, and because tourism has grown so much, you’re never totally lost or out of place. 

Is Seoul Safe for Solo Travelers?

Honestly, yes, Seoul is one of the safest cities I’ve ever visited as a solo traveler.

Asia in general has been such a breath of fresh air when it comes to safety. Of course, things can happen anywhere in the world, and it’s still important to have basic awareness, but compared to other places I’ve traveled, I’ve almost always felt way more relaxed here. Seoul was no different, and if anything, it felt even safer.

The city is super well-lit at night, public transport is easy and secure, and there are always people around, even late in the evening. I walked around alone plenty of times, whether it was heading back from dinner, exploring night markets, or just wandering through neighborhoods, and I never felt uncomfortable.

Overall, if safety is something you’re worried about, South Korea is honestly one of the best places to start with solo travel.

Best Areas to Stay For a Solo Trip In Seoul

If you’re traveling solo, where you stay in Seoul really makes a difference. The good news is there are a few neighborhoods that feel basically made for solo travelers, especially if you want to feel safe, meet people, and have things going on around you.

Hongdae (Best for Hostels + Nightlife)

Hongdae is one of the best areas if you’re into a younger, social vibe. There are tons of hostels here, and it’s definitely the go-to spot for solo travelers who want nightlife, bar hopping, and an easy way to meet people.

It’s right near the university, so the streets are always busy in the evenings and there’s constantly something happening. A lot of hostels also organize group dinners or events, which makes it super easy to make friends.

Just a quick note though, like in any nightlife area, keep an eye on your drink. There were some issues with spiked beverages a few years ago, so it’s always good to stay aware.

Best Places to Stay in Hongdae for Solo Travelers 

$$ Book Here – Slowon Hongdae
$$ Bunk Guesthouse
$ Hithere Guesthouse

Myeongdong (Best for First-Time Visitors)

Another amazing option is Myeongdong, especially if it’s your first time in Seoul. It’s right in the center of the city, always full of people, and surrounded by shops, restaurants, and the night market.

It also has super easy access to public transportation, so you can get anywhere quickly and safely.

I stayed in Myeongdong myself and honestly loved it. It felt really comfortable as a solo traveler, and I never once felt weird walking around, even later in the day.

Best Places to Stay in Myeongdong for Solo Travelers 

$$$ Hotel28 Myeongdong
$$ Ibis Ambassador
$ ARA125

What To Do in Seoul as a Solo Traveler

For me, one of the most beautiful things about exploring Seoul solo was having not a single person rush me. Ha.

Whether it was visiting a café (or three), spending an hour in Olive Young trying to figure out what half the products even are, or wandering through the palaces at my own pace, Seoul is absolutely the kind of city that’s meant to slow you down and explore.

You’ll find so many pop-up shops, random events, and little streets that you can just wander into, and I loved not having to ask someone else if they wanted to go. Call me selfish, but this is exactly the kind of place where that freedom and flexibility feels so good.

And honestly, there aren’t that many things to do in Seoul that require you to have an entourage. It’s such an easy city to enjoy on your own, so here are a few of the best solo-friendly things to add to your list of things to do in Seoul.

​​Café Hop 

One of the best things to do solo in Seoul is spend a slow morning hopping between cafés. Hongdae has trendier, student-heavy spots, while Ikseon-dong is full of cozy hanok cafés where you can sit for as long as you want. It’s the perfect solo activity because there’s no rush and no schedule. Check out my favorite cafes in Seoul here!

Visit the Palaces

Exploring Gyeongbokgung Palace or Changdeokgung Palace alone is such a peaceful way to experience Seoul. You can take your time walking through the grounds, rent a hanbok if you want, or just enjoy how calm it feels compared to the rest of the city.

Shop at Olive Young

Olive Young is basically a must for solo travelers. You can browse skincare, sheet masks, makeup, and all the little Korean products you’ve probably seen online. It’s also a great way to spend an hour or two without needing a plan.

Explore a Local Market

Markets are one of the easiest places to visit alone because you can snack as you go. Gwangjang Market is the most famous, but Mangwon Market feels more local and relaxed. Either way, it’s a great way to try Korean street food.

Wander Different Neighborhoods

Seoul is a city that’s meant for wandering. Spend an afternoon walking around areas like Seongsu, Insadong, or Hongdae, and you’ll find pop-up shops, small boutiques, and random events happening all the time.

Take a DMZ Day Trip

A DMZ tour is one of the most unique experiences you can do from Seoul. It’s an easy solo activity since tours include transportation and a group, and it adds something completely different to your itinerary. Read my DMZ tour review here!

Take a K-Pop Dance Class

Even if you’re not a dancer, Seoul has plenty of beginner-friendly K-pop classes that are fun and memorable. It’s also a great way to try something new that feels very specific to Korea.

Walk Around Bukchon Hanok Village 

There are a few hanok villages around Seoul, which are basically traditional Korean neighborhoods filled with old-style wooden houses. I loved wandering around Bukchon for a bit, it’s such a fun break from the busy city, and it’s perfect for people watching.

Book a Food Tour

Food tours are a great way to try a variety of Korean dishes without having to figure it all out yourself. It’s also helpful if you’re traveling alone and want a more structured way to experience Seoul’s food scene.

Book a Beauty Treatment

One of the coolest things about Seoul is how normal it is to book beauty treatments, even just as part of your everyday routine. Getting a facial, a scalp treatment, or even a simple skincare consultation is such a fun solo activity because it feels equal parts relaxing and very “only in Korea.”

There are so many high-quality clinics and beauty spas around the city, and the prices are often much better than what you’d pay back home. Plus, it’s kind of the perfect solo traveler reset after a long day of walking, shopping, and sightseeing.

Cons of Traveling to Seoul Alone

As much as I loved traveling solo in Seoul, there are a couple things that can be a little frustrating if you’re on your own.

One of the biggest challenges is that some restaurants still aren’t very solo-diner friendly. Korean BBQ, hot pot, and dakgalbi spots often expect you to order for two people, and a few places simply won’t seat you if you’re alone. It’s not everywhere, but it definitely comes up, especially with more traditional shared-style meals.

Another thing is that Seoul can feel a bit lonely at times, even though it’s such a busy city. People tend to keep to themselves on public transport, and locals aren’t usually the type to randomly start conversations with strangers. It’s a super safe place, but it can take a little more effort to meet people compared to somewhere with a bigger backpacker social vibe.

That said, staying in hostels, booking tours, or even joining group dinners can totally fix this, but it’s something worth knowing going in.

Quick Tips for Traveling Alone in Seoul

Maps — Naver and Kakao are the main apps locals use for directions, and they are definitely the most accurate. That said, I still liked using Google Maps for saving places and looking things up. I just wouldn’t rely on it for navigation.

Uber and Taxis — Uber works perfectly in Seoul and it’s surprisingly affordable. It’s a great option late at night or anytime you don’t feel like figuring out public transport.

Cash and T-money Cards — You’ll need cash to top up your T-money card for the subway and buses, but outside of that, I paid by card almost everywhere. Seoul is super easy when it comes to cashless payments. You can buy a T-Money card at pretty much any convenience store.

Nightlife Safety — If you’re going out in Hongdae or other nightlife areas, just be mindful of your drink, especially if you’re a solo female traveler. There have been issues with spiking in the past, so it’s worth staying aware. Check out my favorite cocktail bars in Seoul!

Strangers Offering Tea — If someone approaches you dressed very nicely, asks for directions, and then invites you for tea, it’s apparently linked to cult recruitment. Not harmful, but definitely something to politely decline and move on from.

eSIM and Data — Having data makes solo travel in Seoul so much easier. I used Sim Local and it worked great, you can use code GIRLONAZEBRA for a discount.

Translation Apps — Papago is the best translation app to download just in case, but honestly I didn’t need it much. The subway is in English, menus often have photos, and in tourist areas people usually speak enough English to help.

Final Thoughts on Solo Travel in Seoul

Seoul is honestly one of my favorite big cities in the world, and it works so well whether you’re visiting with friends, as a couple, or completely on your own. Whether you want the freedom to wander through cafes and neighborhoods at your own pace, or you’d rather join a few tours and meet other travelers along the way, Seoul makes solo travel feel exciting instead of intimidating.

And honestly, I really think Seoul is about to become one of the biggest travel destinations of the next few years. As Tokyo travel has exploded recently, I wouldn’t be surprised if we start seeing more and more people shifting their attention to Korea next. The city has the energy, the safety, the food, the shopping… it just makes sense.

So if Seoul has been on your list, take this as your sign to go for it. Solo travel here feels empowering, fun, and genuinely unforgettable.

FAQ: Seoul Solo Travel

Is Seoul safe for solo female travellers?

Yes, Seoul is one of the safest big cities I’ve ever visited as a solo female traveler. The streets are busy, public transport is excellent, and overall the city just feels very secure, even if you’re out exploring alone. Of course, you still want to use common sense like you would anywhere, but compared to many other major cities, Seoul is incredibly comfortable for solo women.

What can I do in Seoul alone?

So much, honestly. Seoul is such an easy city to explore solo because there’s always something going on and so many activities that don’t require a group. You can wander through neighborhoods, spend hours in cafés, shop til you drop, visit palaces, book a food tour, or just take yourself to a market and eat your way through it.

Is it safe to walk alone in Seoul at night?

In general, yes. Seoul is very safe at night, especially in central areas like Myeongdong, Hongdae, or near major subway stations where there are always people around. I felt completely fine walking back to my hotel in the evenings. That said, I’d still stay aware of your surroundings, avoid dark empty streets late at night, and be a little more cautious in nightlife areas, just like you would anywhere else.

Can I solo travel in Korea?

Absolutely. Korea is a great country for solo travel, especially for first-timers in Asia. The transportation system is easy, cities are super organized, and there’s so much to do even if you’re traveling on your own. The only small challenge I ran into is that some restaurants (like Korean BBQ) prefer groups of two or more, but overall it’s a very solo-friendly destination and Seoul is the perfect place to start.

Check Out My Other Seoul Travel Guides

Is Seoul Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

The Best Time to Visit Seoul: My Weather in Seoul Guide

Seoul Travel Itinerary: How to Spend 3-5 Days in Seoul South Korea

Cafes in Seoul: My Favorite Cafes in Seoul

Things to Do in Seoul: My Top Activities in Seoul

Where to Stay in Seoul: My Top Areas & Hotels in Seoul

How Many Days in Seoul: My Day by Day Guide

Best Cocktail Bars in Seoul: My Favorite Spots for a Drink

Seoul Food Guide: My Top Restaurants in Seoul

Best Seoul Neighborhoods: My Area Guide for Seoul

Best DMZ Tour from Seoul: My Honest Review

Best Markets in Seoul: My Top Street Food Markets Seoul

Is Myeongdong Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

Solo Travel in Seoul: My Tips and Tricks for Solo Travelers

Must Buys in Seoul: My K-Beauty Guide for Seoul