There are advantages. Most people are extremely polite to you. However, you may not see this at first. You might instead think that the people around you are very stiff, formal, and reserved. You must remember that the extreme formality that probably makes you uneasy is the Korean way of showing respect. Just deal with it. Eventually, you'll come to expect it and start feeling peeved if strangers are less than formal.
When walking in a crowded street, my boyfriend (yes, he's Korean) likes to walk behind me because my foreigness tends to clear somewhat of a path for us. Oncoming people usually veer to the left or right on seeing me. This is not to be polite because it's simply too crowded to be polite. This is a shyness to get too near a foreigner and maybe accidentally bump into one. If you dress in Korean style and cover all your skin, wear a hat and sunglasses, they won't notice you look different and you'll get jostled about as much as everyone else. But if your blonde or red hair or your pale, pale skin is shining in the sunlight screaming, "Look at me!" then you will probably only be bumped when it's totally unavoidable.
You'll find that in any group of students, there is usually at least one dared into being brave enough to say, "Hi," "Hello," or "How are you?" I've found that the best response is simply a reply with no following questions or further attempts at conversation. In fact, if I pause in my walk or start towards them, they usually either scatter or run away as a group. I've even seen grown men collapse into giggles when I attempted to draw them into a conversation. Adults have more confidence as individuals. Students tend to think safety in numbers. Males are more likely to talk to me. Woemn never do until prompted or forced by their fathers, boyfriends, or husbands.
I don't think Western women need to be especially wary about coming to Korea. I've never been treated with anything but respect. If I'm out late, I'm always at least escorted to a taxi even if I only met the guy once, can't remember his name, and will probably never see him again.
I also always get asked if I have a husband or a boyfriend. And once I say I have a boyfriend, they show interest in only being my friend. However, if a single, unattached woman comes to Korea, she will have many Korean men vying for her attention. And from what I've seen and heard, Western men have the same luck with Korean women.
I HAVE heard horror stories about female teachers getting raped by their directors. However, I think that in any job you ever have, you have a chance of your boss raping you. Just take precautions and don't do anything stupid. Remember that you are in conservative Korea and act accordingly. Don't get drunk with your boss. Never smoke in his sight. Don't stay out late if he can find out about it. Watch what you wear. Showing too much skin or your shoulders is a big NO-NO. Don't flirt with him AT ALL! If shown the slightest bit of attention, Korean men tend to think you favor them in a way that you never thought of. Watch how Korean women act. Imitate. Coy is okay, suggestive is not. Never be alone in your house/apartment/room with your boss or any other man. Unless he's your father or blood brother, everyone will think you are having sex or something. Don't use foul language. Don't talk about past sexual exploits EVER to ANY Korean unless you are planning to marry them and want to come clean. Basically, think 1930s and be a lady. You will be treated accordingly.