These are some tips or notes you can use as a solo traveller if you are traveling to South Korea. I write this based on my experience from my recent trip to South Korea.
1. Visa
Check the requirements for entering the country. South Korea allows certain citizens to enter the country without applying for a visa. Check this link- CLICK HERE.
2. Accommodation
Hostels are the best way to travel as a solo traveller. I looked through booking.com, hostel world, Expedia and a few others. I cross referenced to see if all the reviews were similar in order to book my accommodation. As researching for accommodation, I found that South Korea hostels are cheaper than what I paid in Europe.
3. Money
Its best to look into what currency to take. I took a certain amount in cash ( British Sterling) and the rest I paid with credit card. If you are afraid of loosing money, you can put some of the money on T-money card. The T-Money card is another great way to store your cash and pay for transportation ( Underground , Taxis and Buses), and at the convenient stores.
If you wish to exchange money, its best to do it when you get into South Korea. I changed some money at the airport, and then some are varies banks. The banks to look for is KEB Hana Bank, Shinhan Bank and Woori Bank.
4. Wi-Fi/ Sim Cards
We all can not live without Wi-Fi especially if your a solo traveller or travel vlogger/blogger. At the airport you will be able to find 2 options for Wi-fi packs and even sim cards. These options are only rental so they must be returned when you get back to the airport. The wifi pack is good to have especially if your just in the country for a week to 3 weeks. Their internet is fast and can be used even underground.
5. Transportation
It is really easy to get around Seoul and Busan with underground. If you have certain apps like Maps.me, Korea Tour, Naver , Kakao map( if your good with korean) you will also be able to use the bus services. T-money works on the Underground, buses and even to pay for taxis.
Traveling from Seoul to Busan and back, there is a difference service and ways. There is an option of flying by plane or train, I suggest train. The train stops at varies stations between Seoul and Busan. They can been booked online or in person. As a solo traveller sometimes its easier to just book it online. The 2 website I suggest is Rail Ninja or Letskorail .
6. Tours
I did not to alot of tours of both cities. I tried Seoulful which is great if you want to get to know specific areas of the city (more to come on their tour). There is also other websites like Klook , KKday , or the typical hop on and hop off buses in each city.
7. Food
Korean food is really good and there is so much to choose from. In both Seou and Busan there is a variety of restaurants, cafes and food chains. Check for Tripadvisor or google for where to go in the area. If you are a vegetarian or vegan you might need to check online. Eating out is easy and cheap especially if your in a group. Example: Korea BBQ ( Usually pork but there is sometimes beef), Chicken and beer, Bibimbap, Soups and many more. WARNING for Vegetarians and Vegans – the broth of most soups are made from fish.
8. Making Friends In Seoul
As a solo traveller meeting new people is all part of the experience. I was fortunate to make friends through a variety of channels. In South Korea, I managed to make friends through my hostel. There is also travel communities on Facebook and Booking.com. There is also apps like Hellotalk and Tandem for language exchange. I also managed to make even more friends through Meeff.
I don’t think I ever tried Korean food but it sounds good to me 🙂
It’s been years since I went to South Korea. These are great tips.
That was good information about Korean food. Never been to Korea or been to a Korean restaurant. So obviously your post fascinated me to try it.
These are excellent tips for traveling alone. Technology makes everything so much easier now too. It looks like an awesome trip!
It doesn’t look like a solo trip to me–it’s amazing how you get to meet lots of people while traveling alone.
I’ve never done that. I haven’t done any backpacking or even experienced a hostel. But my sisters have.
Maybe one of these days.
Wow I always wanted to go to Korea. GReat tips thanks
These are some amazing tips for solo travelers. South Korea is in my bucket list from long and I am planning to visit soon. I already bookmarked this post for future
The tours are really helpful. It helped us during our last visit there. Some developments can still be done but if it is your first time, it will help you big time.
Great tips for a solo traveler! I especially liked the wifi pack idea, so smart!
That food looks amazing! There’s nothing better than proper Korean kimchi. I’ve also found it easiest to pay with my credit card when travelling. Or in places like Taiwan (where everything is done in cash) I just draw what I need at the atm.
What a great experience. Solo traveling is a great way to find one’s soul.
We were supposed to travel to Seoul this November but we encountered some problems so we changed our plan to shanghai instead. I still look forward to our trip to shanghai but would really want to visit Seoul soon and eat all the delicious kimchi and barbecue and Street food
I really love your post! This is a great guide. I am so excited to try this Korean foods. I’m planning to place a visit in Korea someday. This guide is all I need when i Go.
Solo travel is something that I would not prefer to do, but if happens so – your blog is a guide for me. Great tips and absolutely useful ideas and places to see and try.
Great tips for a traveler! I have never been to South Korea. Glad to know that I do not need a SK visa.
This is so helpful guide. I always traveling alone. and this could really a big help for me when i place a visit in there some day. Thanks!
This is really an awesome guide. absolutely useful and comfortable. This will be a great experience.
I would love to travel to South Korea. I keep hearing about how amazing it is and how delicious the food tastes. I’ll have to use these tips whenever I get a chance to travel there.
I need to pin this for future reference. I want to go to Seoul and I dont mind solo traveling there so this was helpful.
Looks like you had a wonderful trip even solo. Thanks for sharing.
Great point about the wifi! I’m not sure I would have thought of that – what a rude awakening that would have been!
I’ve been wanting to travel to South Korea for a while now with my boyfriend and this was a helpful post. Thanks for this!
These are all amazing tips! I have never solo travelled but really want to experience it! South Korea is on my travelling list and hope to visit soon so these will come in handy x