Seoul, South Korea
International district with diverse food and English everywhere. Expat community, foreigner-friendly but not much Korean culture. Good for comfort food and English when you need a break.
Itaewon is the international area where you hear more English than Korean. It grew around the US military base and became the expat hub. Walking the main street is like traveling the world - Pakistani restaurants, Mexican tacos, French bistros all next to each other. English everywhere since shops cater to internationals. The crowd is diverse - expats, military, travelers, adventurous locals. One of the few places with late-night international food beyond Korean fried chicken. The 2022 Halloween tragedy changed things, but it's still busy with more police around now. Main streets are lit and active late, but some side alleys near bars feel sketchy after midnight. More international city vibe than Korean culture - good for comfort food and English, not so much for cultural immersion.
Daytime Safety
ExcellentNight Walking Safety
GoodHarassment Risk
ModeratePublic Transport Safety
ExcellentPickpocketing Risk
ModerateScam Risk
LowPolice Visibility
ExcellentEmergency Services
ExcellentEvening Venues
ExcellentSolo Dining
ExcellentDrug Activity
Very HighHomelessness Visibility
Very HighGetting By in English
Excellent"Easiest to navigate as English speaker - felt familiar"
"Good international food but doesn't feel Korean"
"More police after 2022 but still crowded weekends"
"Met expats and travelers easily"
"Bar promoters can be pushy, just ignore them"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
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Main shopping and tourist area with Korean beauty stores and street food. Very safe with heavy police but no local atmosphere. Good for shopping and cosmetics.
Wealthy, modern district with good safety and upscale dining. More expensive than other areas but has high-end restaurants and shopping. Professional atmosphere.
Help other women stay safe in Itaewon
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.