Solo female travel to China and South Korea

Question

Hi all - I am planning a trip to Asia in September, ending in Japan. My current plan is to fly into Shanghai and travel around China solo for 10-12 days, then spend five days in South Korea before heading to Japan.

I am an American female in my 40s. I’ve traveled alone before in other Asian countries but I do not speak Chinese. I am not a fan of tours but I would love advice on whether this is needed.

I’d like to see Shanghai and some surrounding areas like Suzhou, and following that Xi’an and Beijing.

I would then like to spend some time in South Korea (Seoul, Busan). I know it’s not much time but I have a rare break from work and I want to make the most of it.

Questions:

• ⁠Is it advisable to take a tour?

• ⁠Are there any tours that encompass both China and South Korea?

• ⁠If I stay in China for only 10 days; do I need a visa? I’m seeing conflicting information.

• ⁠Any potential call outs for solo female travelers?

Appreciate your help!

Answer

Traveling solo as an American female in China and South Korea is very doable, though there are a few practical considerations to keep in mind for a smooth experience.

Regarding tours:

If you prefer flexibility and are comfortable navigating trains, airports, and city transit, a tour is not strictly necessary in either country. Both China and South Korea have well-developed transport networks, especially for the cities you are visiting (Shanghai, Suzhou, Xi’an, Beijing, Seoul, Busan).
Guided tours can be helpful if you want deeper insights, skip language barriers, or avoid logistical stress, especially for places like the Great Wall or Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors. Short day tours are a good compromise.
There are very few tours that cover both China and South Korea together; most organized tours are country-specific due to visa and logistical reasons. It’s generally easier to plan them separately and handle travel independently between the countries.

Visa considerations:

For U.S. passport holders, a visa is required for mainland China regardless of the duration. There is no visa-free stay for 10 days in general travel scenarios. The typical tourist visa is an L visa, usually valid for 30 days single-entry.
For South Korea, U.S. passport holders can enter visa-free for up to 90 days, so no visa is needed there.

Solo female travel tips in China and South Korea:

China:

Language can be a barrier; having a translation app (like Google Translate) and hotel/restaurant addresses in Chinese is very helpful.
Book trains in advance, especially bullet trains between Shanghai, Suzhou, Xi’an, and Beijing. High-speed trains are efficient and safe.
Stay in reputable hotels or guesthouses. Major cities have plenty of international-standard hotels with English-speaking staff.
Be mindful of local customs, especially regarding personal space, photography rules (e.g., some museums and sites prohibit photos), and crowded places.

South Korea:

Seoul and Busan are very safe for solo female travelers. Public transport is easy to navigate and well-signed in English.
Carry a local SIM card or portable Wi-Fi to stay connected.
Be cautious at night in less busy areas; tourist areas are generally safe.

Overall, you can comfortably do this trip independently without a full tour. Consider day tours or guided visits for key sites where language or navigation might be tricky. Plan China travel logistics carefully, book train tickets in advance, and ensure your visa is in order before arrival.

Solo female travel to China and South Korea

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