Solo Travel in Korea: Complete Guide

Honbap (혼밥, eating alone) has become normalized in Korea. What was once awkward is now mainstream, with restaurants, convenience stores, and delivery services all accommodating solo diners. Convenience stores are solo dining headquarters. Cup ramyeon stations with hot water, microwave kimbap, and seat sections designed for eating make CU, GS25, and 7-Eleven reliable options. Single-serving restaurants are increasingly common. Look for 1인분 가능 (ilbunbun ganeung, one portion available). Some specialize in solo dining, with counters, partitions, and menus designed for one. Market food is inherently solo-friendly. Standing at tteokbokki stalls, eating gimbap at market counters, or grabbing street food requires no companions. Some restaurants still require minimum two portions, particularly BBQ places. Workarounds include ordering two portions (one for later), asking if exceptions are possible, or choosing restaurants advertising 1인분. Food delivery to hotels or guesthouses works perfectly for solo travelers. Chicken, pizza, Korean food—delivery apps don't judge how many portions you order.

Seoul's subway system is exceptionally solo-friendly. Signage in English and Korean, reliable timing, and safety at all hours make it stress-free. The app Naver Map or KakaoMap provides English transit directions. Taxis are safe and metered. Kakao Taxi app works like Uber, providing driver information and GPS tracking. Regular street taxis are also safe. Intercity buses and KTX trains require no companions. Solo travelers can book single seats without issues. Bus terminals and train stations have English signage. Renting cars solo is straightforward with an International Driving Permit. Korea drives on the right. Traffic in cities is challenging; countryside driving is pleasant. Walking is excellent in Korean cities. Neighborhoods are generally safe at all hours. Well-lit streets, 24-hour convenience stores, and CCTV coverage contribute to safety. For hikers, Korea's mountain trails are well-marked and well-trafficked. Solo hiking is common and safe, though informing someone of your plans is wise.

Korea is exceptionally safe for solo travelers, including women. Violent crime against tourists is rare. Common-sense precautions apply but paranoia is unnecessary. Night safety is remarkable. Walking alone late at night, even in entertainment districts, is normal for Koreans of all genders. 24-hour businesses and CCTV coverage contribute to safety. Drinking culture can be intense. If joining Koreans for drinks, pace yourself. Refusing drinks politely is acceptable despite pressure. Having a return plan is wise. Scams are rare. Taxi meters should run; if offered a flat rate, decline and request the meter. Counterfeit goods are sold openly but aren't scams—you know what you're buying. Emergency numbers: 112 for police, 119 for fire/ambulance. 1330 is the tourism hotline with English support. Most officers and emergency responders have limited English but manage. Healthcare is excellent and affordable. Pharmacies handle minor issues; clinics are accessible. International hospitals in Seoul have English-speaking staff.

Language exchange meetups happen regularly in Seoul, particularly in Hongdae and Itaewon. Platforms like Meetup.com, Facebook groups, and apps like HelloTalk connect travelers and Koreans. Hostels remain the easiest places to meet fellow travelers. Even if booking private rooms, hostel common areas facilitate connections. Couchsurfing events (not just hosting) bring together travelers and locals for hangouts, language exchange, and city exploration. Koreans are reserved with strangers but open to connection once introduced. Language barriers ease with younger, English-speaking Koreans, particularly in universities and tourist areas. Guided group tours provide built-in social structure. DMZ tours, temple stays, and cooking classes connect solo travelers with shared-interest groups. Expat communities in Seoul are substantial. Bars in Itaewon, community groups, and activity clubs welcome newcomers. Longer-staying solo travelers find communities easily.