The Realities of Travelling Alone In Korea
as someone who’s quite comfortable with being out alone back in Singapore, I didn’t know id be facing this issues with travelling alone at times in Korea!
here’s some of the realities I’ve learnt about travelling alone in Korea:
1. carrying your luggage around is extremely torturous and bad for your mental health, especially if you have >1 luggage + using public transport 🤡 I think there was this day when I moved out from my airbnb to a hotel myself (hongdae > sungshin women’s) and I had to change line once! and I almost cried carrying the luggages alone around. the grounds of Korea are super uneven, especially when you cross the road, and surprisingly not every subway station has an elevator 🫠 I dropped my luggages a few times and struggled to even get on the train with all my luggages and not everyone will be willing to help you! anyways if you’re a solo traveller would advise you to pack light and keep to one luggage 🥹 or if not just take the taxi even though the prices can be ridiculous sometimes
2. yeah it can be really hard to find food for 1 since a lot of food items are for sharing! for example, there was this one particular day I really craved for fried chicken but most places sell servings for $20 and above (which are meant for sharing).. 🥲
3. honestly when I have no plans back in sg, I can just chill at home and dabao food back myself! but I guess it’s something about being overseas that makes you feel like you should be out doing something fun all the time, which made me feel guilty for having stay-home days where I do nothing… (which is 100% inevitable especially when you’re overseas for 5 months) but I think it’s completely okay to waste an entire day away since that’s how I recuperate! 👍🏻 no shame in doing that and sometimes we just need to do nothing to feel more productive/energised the next day!
4. facing language barrier in korea is pretty common since not all locals know English… the embarrassment comes when you can’t order your food/face communication issues when asking something while shopping outside! 😳
anyways all in all I’d say it takes some courage to travel alone & feel comfortable and I’m glad I got to experience the struggles of that while I was on exchange! helped me to really know what it takes to be comfortable being by myself + become more independent 😊 these experiences have definitely made me respect solo travellers more, and it’s a reminder that though solo travelling may look like a super cool thing to experience, it may not be an enjoyable one for all!
From my experience traveling solo in Korea, one important tip is to plan your luggage carefully. Korea's public transport isn't always beginner-friendly for solo travelers with heavy bags—elevators can be scarce and streets uneven, making travel exhausting. Choosing accommodations near subway stations with elevator access can reduce some of this hassle. Food portions are another challenge; many restaurants serve large meals meant for groups, which can feel wasteful or expensive alone. I found that convenience stores and street food stalls offer great alternatives—perfect for solo portions and budget-friendly too. Don't hesitate to try local snacks on the go! Another thing I noticed is the cultural pressure to stay active on trips, which can make you feel guilty for taking rest days indoors, especially when abroad for long periods. It’s okay to embrace downtime and recharge; sometimes doing nothing is the key to staying energized and enjoying your travel experience more. Communication can be tricky since English is not widely spoken, especially outside tourist areas. Simple phrases in Korean or translation apps can be lifesavers and help bridge gaps when ordering food or shopping. Don't be afraid to smile and ask for help—locals appreciate the effort. Ultimately, solo travel in Korea teaches resilience and independence. It’s not always glamorous, but the personal growth and confidence gained are worth it. If you’re planning a solo trip to Korea, pack light, manage your expectations, and embrace every moment—even the frustrating ones—as part of your unforgettable journey.
omg 100% relate to everything 🥹