Is Busan Safe? (Personal Experience as a Solo Female Traveler)
I’ve been to Busan in South Korea a few times now, and all as a solo female traveler.
I also tend to roam around in non-touristy sites in South Korea at night.
Is Busan safe and have I felt safe traveling Busan alone? In short, yes, but keep reading if you plan to visit Busan by yourself.
First time visiting Busan?
📖 Read next: 13 Free Things to Do in Busan (Popular + Underrated Spots!)
🚌 Plan your trip: The Best Busan Itinerary for 2-5 Days (+ Hour Breakdown)
Crime Rate in Busan
Busan has a rating of 4.7/5 on TravelLadies for “Is Busan Safe for Solo Female Travelers?”
Busan is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. The crime rate in Busan is low compared to many other major cities worldwide.
Violent crimes against tourists are rare, and petty crimes like pickpocketing are quite infrequent.
Choosing Where to Stay as a Solo Traveler
I’ve stayed in different hotels each time I visited Busan. While South Korea is generally safe and less shady than other countries I’ve visited, it’s always good practice to opt for well-reviewed hotels, hostels, or guesthouses.
Look for accommodations that offer secure access, 24-hour front desks, and good lighting in common areas.
Here’s the last hotel I stayed at in Busan, Best Western Hotel in Haeundae Beach, which is on a main and busy area, so there were always lights and people out.
Is Busan Safe at Night?
Is Busan safe at night? While I’ve walked through dark or dim-limited alleys in Busan at night and I was fine, it’s always good to avoid this if you can and walk routes that have lots of lighting.
There’s usually always people out at night, including women walking alone at night too, which made me feel comfortable.
Beaches in Busan are open 24 hours, and felt safe at night.
Safety Tips for Busan
That being said, you still have to practice safe measures wherever you go.
Especially if you’re a woman or femme, and that’s unfortunately a reality we still have to live with.
Some safety tips for Busan:
- Trust your instincts: if a place or situation doesn’t feel safe, it’s best to move on or seek assistance.
- Stay in well-lit, populated areas when walking alone at night, and be cautious when accepting invitations or drinks from strangers.
- While you can trust that if you leave your things out no one will take them, don’t make it a habit or leave it out for too long.
- If a taxi ride is feeling at all uncomfortable, ask to stop near a well-lit or crowded area, or send a screenshot of the driver’s details to someone you know.
- If you’re out drinking alone or without any designated sober friends, make sure to stop below your limit and send your location and plans to a friend before you drink.
Local Contacts and Emergency Services
- Police: 112
- Medical Emergencies: 119
Familiarize yourself with the local emergency services number (usually 112 or 119 in South Korea) and how to dial it from your phone.
Keep a written copy of important addresses, including your accommodation’s address.
In case of an emergency, don’t hesitate to call for help; authorities in Busan are generally responsive to tourists’ needs.
If you don’t have travel insurance in case you need it, I recommend affordable ones like Safetywing.
Tours For Solo Travelers
Another way to enjoy Busan as a solo traveler is to look for safe and enjoyable activities for solo travelers.
Here are some tours in Busan to join as solo travelers:
🌌 Busan Night Tour and see popular sites at night
🚌 Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan Skywalks and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple Tour
Language Barriers
Basic Korean Phrases for Communication
While many people in Busan may not speak fluent English, knowing a few basic Korean phrases can go a long way.
Learn essential phrases like “hello,” “thank you,” “please,” and “help.” Locals often appreciate the effort, and it can make interactions more pleasant too.
Utilizing Translation Apps
Use translation apps like Papago and Google Translate to communicate with others. Download these apps before you travel and ensure they work offline just in case.
While English may not be widely spoken, many locals and businesses in Busan are accustomed to interacting with tourists and can provide assistance when needed.
Summary: Is Busan Safe and is Busan Worth Visiting Solo?
Absolutely. I always appreciate how safer in my body I feel when visiting Busan and South Korea in general.
I grew up in California where it’s not always safe, so visiting Busan is always refreshing as a solo female traveler.
Just take your regular precautions, save emergency contacts with you, and trust your instincts. People in Busan are friendly and if you ask, they are likely to help!
Have a great trip in Busan, I’m sure you’ll love it!
Busan Checklist: have you booked these yet?
▢ Busan Tour Pass for access to 30+ Busan attractions
▢ Book from the best hotels in Busan (what I use)
▢ Busan Night Tour Including a Cruise w/ Fireworks
▢ Prebook your ride from the Busan airport or Busan station
▢ Browse through the most popular Busan tours
More Busan Posts
Best Day Trip to Busan Itineraries (+ Hour Breakdown)
The Best Busan Itinerary for 2-5 Days (+ Hour Breakdown)
13 Free Things to Do in Busan (Popular + Underrated Spots!)
5 Best Beaches in Busan (+ Events to Look Out For)
5 Things to do in Gwangalli Beach at Night
Don’t Miss This Free Busan Observatory Deck at Lotte Mall
Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan: Travel Tips & How to Get Here
🎥 Watch my Busan vlogs:
