How much does a trip to South Korea cost? Less than Japan in many areas, especially for food and transport, but Seoul has become more expensive in recent years. I lived in Seoul for a year as an exchange student and have been to Busan three times, so this guide gives you realistic prices for hotels, food, transport and sightseeing, plus daily budgets and money-saving tips.
South Korea Trip Cost at a Glance (per person, per day)
- Budget: about 80,000 to 110,000 won (hostels, street food, subway).
- Mid-range: about 160,000 to 220,000 won (3-star hotels, restaurants, some paid sights).
- Comfortable: from about 270,000 won (upscale hotels, taxis, fine dining).
- Flights are extra.
- Exchange rate: roughly 1,300 to 1,400 won per US dollar recently.
Accommodation Costs
| Type | Seoul (per night) |
|---|---|
| Hostel dorm bed | about 15,000 to 25,000 won |
| Hostel private room or guesthouse | about 35,000 to 60,000 won |
| Business or 3-star hotel | about 80,000 to 160,000 won |
| Upscale hotel | from about 250,000 won |
Where you stay matters. Sinchon and Hongdae are better value than Myeongdong or Gangnam; see my guide on where to stay in Seoul and compare Seoul hotels on Agoda.
Food Costs
| Meal | Typical price in Seoul |
|---|---|
| Kimbap roll | about 3,500 to 4,500 won |
| Bibimbap | about 11,000 to 12,000 won |
| Korean BBQ (samgyeopsal) dinner | about 20,000 to 35,000 won per person |
| Fried chicken and beer to share | about 20,000 to 30,000 won per chicken |
| Americano in a café | about 4,500 to 7,000 won; budget chains around 2,000 won |
| Convenience store meal | about 4,000 to 8,000 won |
Korean BBQ restaurants often require at least two portions, so it is cheaper as a group. My Korean food guide lists the dishes to try.
Transport Costs
| Transport | Price |
|---|---|
| Seoul subway ride with T-money | from about 1,550 won |
| City bus | about 1,500 won |
| KTX Seoul to Busan | about 59,800 won (standard) |
| AREX Express from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station | about 13,000 won at the counter, cheaper online |
| Taxi start fare in Seoul | about 4,800 won |
All details are in my guide to getting around South Korea. You can buy a Korail Pass if you plan several long train trips, or book AREX tickets for the airport.
Sightseeing Costs
| Attraction | Approx. price |
|---|---|
| Gyeongbokgung Palace | 3,000 won (free in hanbok) |
| N Seoul Tower observatory | about 21,000 to 26,000 won |
| Lotte World (1 day) | about 59,000 to 67,000 won at the gate |
| Everland | about 46,000 to 68,000 won depending on the date |
| DMZ tour | about 55,000 to 75,000 won |
Seoul tickets and tours, often cheaper online:
Sample Budgets
| Trip | Budget | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| 5 days in Seoul | about 450,000 to 550,000 won | about 850,000 to 1,100,000 won |
| 7 days Seoul and Busan | about 700,000 to 850,000 won | about 1,250,000 to 1,600,000 won |
Other Costs
- K-ETA: many visa-free visitors need it; it costs 10,000 won. See my K-ETA guide.
- Mobile data: a Korea eSIM for a week or two costs roughly US$10 to 25.
- T-money card: a few thousand won for the card itself.
- Tipping: not expected in Korea.
How to Save Money in Korea
- Stay in Sinchon, Hongdae or Dongdaemun instead of Myeongdong or Gangnam.
- Eat at local restaurants, markets and convenience stores; lunch sets are great value.
- Use the subway and buses with T-money and transfer discounts.
- Book attraction tickets online in advance.
- Avoid travelling during Seollal and Chuseok, when prices and crowds peak.
For the best season, see my guide to the best time to visit South Korea, and for planning, my Seoul itinerary.
Compare hotels in Seoul and Busan:
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cost of a Trip to Korea
How much money do I need per day in South Korea?
About 80,000 to 110,000 won on a budget, 160,000 to 220,000 won for a mid-range trip, and more for upscale travel.
Is South Korea cheaper than Japan?
Food and transport are often a bit cheaper, and hotels can be similar. Overall, Korea is usually slightly cheaper than Japan for most travellers.
How much does food cost in Korea?
A kimbap roll costs around 4,000 won, bibimbap around 12,000 won and a Korean BBQ dinner about 20,000 to 35,000 won per person.
Do I need cash in Korea?
Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but keep some cash for markets, street food and T-money top-ups.
How much is the KTX from Seoul to Busan?
About 59,800 won for a standard seat; the cheaper SRT from Suseo costs around 52,600 won.
Do you tip in South Korea?
No, tipping is not part of Korean culture.
Final Thoughts
South Korea is great value if you eat local, use public transport and stay in the right neighbourhoods. Budget for Korean BBQ nights and a few attractions, and you will get an amazing trip without spending a fortune.
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