Seoul is a majorly underrated solo travel destination, said Meredith Carey, deputy editor of content at
Tripadvisor . Its incredibly easy to get around, thanks to a great public transit system and trains that can connect you to cities across South Korea. Theres a bit of something for everyone, whether youre a die-hard K-pop fan, a vintage shopper, a foodie or a spa lover, which means you can be supremely selfish in planning your itinerary to fit your passions and appetite.
She recommended staying either in the young, hip enclave of Hongdae, or the shopping district of Myeongdong to wander around the many cafes and stores. You can eat out at plenty of Seoul restaurants as a party of one dining solo is called honbap here, Carey added.
But if youre looking to taste some of Koreas communal cuisines, like KBBQ, Id recommend joining a
group food tour , or you can look for a restaurant that specifically serves solo diners, like
Hongojib or the
Shinssihwaro Express in Lotte Mall.
Travel host
Samantha Brown also believes Seoul is an excellent destination for solo female travelers due to its safety, walkability and distinct culture. She recommended timing your visit to cherry blossom season and exploring the up-and-coming neighborhood of Yeonnam-dong.
One noteworthy spot is
Happy Cheese Smile , an amazing casual restaurant known for its generous portions of pork cutlets and tteokbokki, or simmered rice cakes, Brown said. Seoul also has a strong coffee culture, with popular chains towering up to four stories. Personally, I opted for a local experience at
Coffee Libre a small and welcoming space inspired by Lucha Libre wrestling in Mexico.