Never Ending Footsteps

The Cost of Travel in South Korea: My 2024 Budget Breakdown

Jagged mountain peaks on the left meet dense forest on the right. In the centre, a calm turquoise river trickles past boulders and pebbles

I was so excited to return to South Korea.

I haven’t been to many places where I’ve felt such a cohesive blend of old and new, but South Korea is one of them. Steeped with 5000 years of culture and history, but integrated with modern music, technology, and infrastructure, it’s a country that surprised and delighted me at every turn.

And Seoul? It’s one of my favourite cities in the world. If you think New York City is the place that never sleeps, just wait until you arrive in Seoul. During my first visit to the country, I landed in the South Korean capital expecting to spend three or four days in town, but ended up leaving after three weeks . Yes, I loved this city so much that I simply couldn’t bring myself to leave.

I’d be walking the bustling streets of popular neighbourhood Hongdae in the early hours of the morning and realise that there was nowhere on earth quite like it. Street performers are sharing their best routines to the latest K-pop songs, shops are bright and open, karaoke is everywhere, and clubs have lines out the door. Talk about a sensory overload, but in the best possible way. 

On my return visit, though, I knew I needed to see more of this wonderful country. South Korea is so much more than it’s biggest city.

From the colourful houses in Busan to the scenic coastal views and tea plantations on Jeju Island to the towering mountains of Seoraksan National Park: I loved each and every destination I visited in the country. Get ready to be swept away by all that Korea has to offer, from Korean BBQ, K-pop, karaoke, palaces, temples, and arcades.

But how are the prices? In this post-pandemic world, the cost of travel has been skyrocketing, but this country has managed to remain relatively inexpensive.

Today, I’m going to be revealing exactly how much you can expect to spend on a trip to South Korea.

I’ve been recording every single dollar, peso, and baht that I’ve spent on my travels since 2011 (I now have  over 65 budget breakdowns on the site !), aiming to give you an accurate picture of how much you can expect to spend in every country around the world. Today, it’s South Korea’s turn and I’m so excited to start sharing.

Grab yourself a cold bottle of soju because this post’s a long one!

trip to south korea cost

What’s Included in this Post 

This budget breakdown covers how much I spent on accommodation, transportation, activities, and food during my trips to South Korea.

The amounts in the guide are listed in U.S. dollars, simply because the vast majority of my readers are from the U.S. I’ve also included prices in the South Korean won (KRW) — the local currency — as you’ll be using that throughout your time in the country.

At the time of writing (February 2024):

  • 1 USD: 1,300 KRW
  • 1 EUR: 1,450 KRW
  • 1 GBP: 1,675 KRW
  • 1 AUD: 875 KRW

Yes, this does make calculating the prices of things rather tricky when you’re in South Korea! For me, I kept in mind that 10,000 KRW is roughly 8 USD (€7, £6, or 11.50 AUD) and it made figuring out the prices of things far easier.

One quick note I do want to make about travel in South Korea is that it’s kind of complicated to pay for things! Korea is, these days, a cashless society — everybody pays with cards and there aren’t a lot of places that are happy to accept cash.

Now, that would be all well and good if it wasn’t for the fact that the vast majority of payment terminals don’t accept foreign bank cards. Apple Pay is very limited and Google Pay doesn’t exist at all.

Yes, really.

I’d say that we were able to successfully use our debit/credit cards 30% of the time in South Korea — and it made no difference whether we were using our U.K., Australian, or New Zealand cards.

So, what to do?

Honestly, there isn’t an elegant solution. Expect that every time you try to buy something, you might need to try four cards until one of them works. Carry a lot of cash with you in case none of your cards are accepted. It didn’t end up being a huge problem for us, as we were able to pay with cash whenever our cards were declined, but it was frustrating to have to continually deal with payment rejections everywhere we went!

Okay, let’s get started! Up first: accommodation!

trip to south korea cost

The Cheapest Accommodation Options in South Korea

Like practically every country in the world, prices have increased post-pandemic in South Korea, so you’ll be paying a little more for everything than you would have done a few years ago. Despite that, costs are lower than most Western countries, so accommodation in the country still offers up good value for money.

Let’s start on the lower end of the spectrum. If you’re willing to put in the time and effort, it’s possible to avoid paying for accommodation entirely.

Couchsurfing  exists in South Korea and allows you to stay with a local for free, usually sleeping on their sofa and enjoying a local’s insight into life in their country. It’s not the most comfortable of living situations, but if your budget’s tight, it’s worth sending out a few requests to hosts to see if anything comes of it. You can browse through the 150,000+ Korean hosts on  the Couchsurfing site .

Housesitting  is a more upmarket option, aimed at mid-range and luxury travellers. Housesitting involves taking care of somebody’s house for free while they’re away, often (but not always) looking after their pets, too. It’s best for long-term travellers or retirees, as you can’t pick and choose dates and destinations, so you’ll need to have a lot of flexibility as to where you go and at what time of year. If you do have that freedom, though it’s a wonderful way to cut down your travel expenses, soak up some home comforts, and live like a local for a while. Trusted Housesitters  is the best site for getting started with housesitting, as they have the highest number of listings.

And then we have hostels . In South Korea, you’ll come across hostels all over the country, finding them on tiny islands, large cities, and even within the national parks. They’re one of your best options for saving money.

All prices are in U.S. Dollars, by the way, as that’s where the vast majority of my readers are from.

Hostels in Korea  are on a par with the rest of major cities in East Asia, and you can expect to spend between  $18 a night for a dorm bed  for a well-reviewed hostel, with the price increasing slightly to about  $24 a night  for the absolute best of the best.

When it comes to private rooms in hostels, you’ll be looking at  $30 a night  for a clean, basic room in a good location, so if you’re travelling with friends or with your partner, you may find it cheaper to grab some privacy over settling for two beds in a dorm room.  $70 a night  will get you an exceptionally well-reviewed private room in a hostel.

I use  HostelWorld  to find the cheapest hostels, as they tend to have the greatest number of listings at the lowest prices.

And then there are hotels, which I’m going to jump into next.

trip to south korea cost

The Cost of Accommodation in South Korea 

I found hotels in South Korea to be pretty reasonably priced. You won’t get the cheap, cheap rates that you do in places like Southeast Asia, but prices are generally lower than more expensive countries in Western Europe.

  • As mentioned, well-rated hostels come in at an average price of $18 a night for a dorm bed, while private rooms are around $30 a night .
  • Inexpensive guesthouses are typically around $50 a night .
  • Four-star hotels are between $150 and $200 a night
  • And five-star hotels are $250-350 a night

As always with these posts, I like to share where I personally stayed in the country and what I thought of each of my accommodation choices. On my most recent trip, I splurged in Seoul because I wanted to stay in two of the best-rated hotels in the country, but kept my accommodation costs relatively low in the other destinations I visited.

Seoul (Hongdae): RYSE Hotel (240,000 KRW, or $183 per night)

If you’re going to stay anywhere in Hongdae (my favourite Seoul neighbourhood), RYSE Hotel is the place to be. It’s one of the best hotels in the city! It’s in the perfect location, in the heart of Hongdae’s cafe-and-nightlife scene, but so well-insulated that you don’t hear any of it. The rooms had a modern, industrial design, great views over the city, and there were tons of gifts, from facemasks (this is Korea, after all!) to local games to even a bottle of wine. There’s a rooftop bar with some of the best views in Seoul, one of the best equipped hotel gyms I’ve ever used, and the staff were amazing. I’d absolutely stay here again on future visits!

Seoul (Myeongdong): Hotel 28 (189,000 KRW, or $144 per night)

Our itinerary in South Korea saw us spending two separate stints in Seoul, so for our second visit, I dragged myself away from my beloved Hongdae and gave Myeongdong a try — this is the neighbourhood to head to if you want to shop ’til you drop then eat ’til you’re… replete! We chose Hotel28, which is the best-rated option in the area; one of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. It’s a cinema-themed hotel (you get bags of free popcorn when you check in!) in one of the best areas for eating in the city. The rooms are spacious, the bathroom had the best bathtub ever, and the staff were so sweet. It’s right by one of the city’s best night markets, too, which was so much fun to eat my way around! The hotel gym was great, too.

Gyeongju: Maison Mini Hotel (62,000 KRW, or $49 per night)

Dave and I loved our stay at the adorable Maison Mini Hotel in Gyeongju and found it to be a fantastic mid-range accommodation option. The rooms were spotless and cleaned everyday throughout our stay. The owner was so sweet and welcoming, and the shared kitchen and laundry facilities were definitely appreciated. Having access to a proper coffee machine was particularly useful! The guesthouse is a 10 minute walk from all of the wonderful sights of Gyeongju and a five minute walk from the main bus station, so it made for a great base while we were in town. I can’t recommend this place highly enough!

Busan: Urbanstay Seomyeon (61,000 KRW, or $47 per night)

Like Seoul, Busan is a big old city with plenty of neighbourhoods to choose from. Seomyeon, however, is the best spot for new visitors to town — it’s in a convenient location for visiting all of the most popular spots and has plenty of vibrant nightlife and restaurants to explore. Urbanstay is right beside a metro station, which makes getting around even easier. The rooms are clean, modern, and basic — very minimalist! — with lightning-fast Wi-Fi. There actually aren’t any staff at the hotel, so you’ll be emailed a key code to get into your room, which works well. The washing machines are, as always, very much appreciated!

trip to south korea cost

Seoraksan National Park: Smile Resort (70,000 KRW, or $53 per night)

If you’re going to be hiking in Seoraksan National Park, you’ll want to be staying as close to the park entrance as possible. Unfortunately, this area of South Korea seems to be full of mediocre accommodation options. Still, Smile Resort was the best option that was close to the entrance while not being obscenely expensive. While the interior was a little old and tired, it was a perfectly acceptable place to stay! The owners were welcoming and kind, the free breakfast (a rarity in South Korea) was definitely appreciated before a big day of hiking, and it’s just a five-minute walk from the bus that takes you to the national park entrance. Rooms also have a private kitchenette and fridge, which was useful for keeping our water cold overnight.

My partner, Dave, wrote an in-depth itinerary on how to spend 10 days in South Korea after our most recent trip, so do check that out if you’re looking for advice how to structure a trip to the above places!

trip to south korea cost

The Cost of Transportation in South Korea 

I’m somebody who doesn’t get an awful lot out of travel days in unfamiliar places, but even I can admit that travelling around South Korea is a joy! From the buses to the high-speed trains to the comprehensive subways: getting around this country is convenient, comfortable, and hassle-free.

Your first encounter with the transportation system will be at the airport. There’s two options for getting the train from Incheon International Airport to Seoul: the Airport Railroad Express (AREX) or the All Stop Train. The former takes 43 minutes and costs 9,500 KRW ( $7.20 ), while the latter is half the price at 4,150 KRW ( $3.15 ) and takes 53 minutes.

I recommend jumping on the All Stop Train, then, as it’s cheaper, takes just 10 minutes longer, and runs more frequently than the AREX so will most likely get you into Seoul faster anyway.

I wouldn’t recommend taking the bus or the taxi, as both are more expensive and slower than the train. The bus costs 10-15,000 KRW ( $9 ) and takes around 80 minutes, while taxis cost a whopping 70,000 KRW, or $55 , and take around an hour.

trip to south korea cost

What to Know About T-Money Cards

Before we go any further, it’s time for a primer on T-Money! This is my one travel essential in South Korea and I highly recommend getting your hands on one before you leave the airport.

A T-Money card is designed to make your public transportation experiences seamless. You simply buy your T-Money card from any convenience store, or the vending machines at the airport, and then you can use it on subways, buses, taxis, and even vending machines and grocery stores — all across the country. Simply tap your card on the T-Money scanner and you’re good to go!

I recommend buying yours at the airport, where there are T-Money vending machines located beside the All Stop Train (and then you’ll pay for said train journey with the card). You’ll pay 4,000 KRW ( $3 ) for the card.

Once you’ve bought your card, remember to top it up with some cash. I topped-up with 40,000 KRW ( $30 ), which was the perfect amount for two weeks in the country — I had 2,000 KRW left over at the end. If you do end up with any money left on your T-Money card at the end of your trip, you can get that refunded to you at any subway station (including the airport) in Seoul.

I mentioned in the photo caption above that Dave’s T-Money card came free with his SIM card purchase. He bought his SIM card in advance from LG and picked it up in the arrivals hall at the airport. The SIM card included unlimited data (35,000 KRW or $25 for 10 days of usage) plus a Korean phone number — the latter of which is surprisingly useful in Korea (you often need a local phone number just to join a queue for a restaurant!) but tricky to get from many other providers.

trip to south korea cost

The Cost of Trains in South Korea

If you’ll be venturing outside of Seoul then odds are, you’ll be travelling by train. This is one of the best ways to explore the country, thanks to the modern carriages and speedy services. And expect your trains to be punctual — just as in nearby Japan , this country thrives on an on-time departure.

I’m a huge fan of the KTX — the Korean Travel Express — which whips you up and down the length of the country at speeds of 300+ kilometres an hour (190 mph). It’s the priciest option, for sure, but the amount of time you’ll save will likely make it worth it.

As an example, the KTX from Seoul to Busan — running from the top to the bottom of the country — takes just over two hours (at a price of 59,800 KRW/$45 ). In comparison, the equivalent buses and slower trains complete the journey anywhere between four and six hours (but costing 28,000 KRW/$21 ).

Buy your KTX tickets through the official Korail website to score the cheapest fare — we had no problems using it with our foreign debit/credit cards.

I’ll briefly mention the existence of the Korea Rail Pass (KR Pass) here, which works similarly to the Japan Rail Pass or a Eurail Pass. You can choose from either a consecutive pass or a flexible pass, but to be honest, the prices are around the same amount as the individual tickets, so I didn’t see the point. If you’ll be racing around the country and visiting multiple places in a single day, it may be worth it, but it wasn’t for us.

trip to south korea cost

The Cost of Buses in South Korea

You can take the bus to just about anywhere in South Korea.

There are two types of long-distance buses in the country: express and intercity; due to time constraints, we opted for the express option for every journey we took (intercity buses are cheaper but take way longer because they make stops all along the way; express buses take you directly to your destination). Our two-hour express bus from Seoul to Sokcho ( 21,000W, or $16 ) was bordering on luxurious with wide, comfortable reclining leather seats, tons of legroom, and even power sockets.

You can find bus departures either through Kobus (express buses only) or Bustago (express and intercity buses). However , you can only purchase through these sites if you have a Korean bank card and a local number — yes, it’s frustrating and only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Korea making travel difficult for foreign visitors.

We used these booking sites, therefore, to see which departure time we wanted to aim for and to check there were still tickets available. We then bought the tickets from the bus station an hour or so beforehand — departures typically run multiple times an hour so you don’t have to worry too much about buses being booked.

To give you a sense of ticket prices, here are some average one-way costs for a few routes you might take: 

  • Seoul to Busan: 33,000 KRW ($26)
  • Seoul to Gyeongju: 20,000 KRW ($15)
  • Busan to Daegu: 12,000 KRW ($9)
  • Seoul to Jeonju: 20,000 KRW ($15)

trip to south korea cost

The Cost of Flying in South Korea

South Korea isn’t a gargantuan country. And with fast and frequent overland options available throughout, you probably won’t need to fly very often — if it all. But if you plan on going to wonderful Jeju Island (which you should), then flying is the easiest way to get there.

A one-way direct flight from Seoul to Jeju will cost around $42 , and if you’re flying from Busan, a one-way fare is roughly $33 . 

In terms of alternative options to flying, you do have the ferry from Busan. At a journey time of around 12 hours, though, and a cost of 60,000W ($45) , there’s no real reason to put yourself through the discomfort.

trip to south korea cost

The Cost of the Metro in South Korea

The underground systems in Seoul and Busan are in a league of their own. In fact, Seoul has one of the most extensive subway systems in the world — it’s clean, modern, and safe. If you don’t have to use it during rush hour, it’s pretty calm, too. It’s one of the best and most efficient ways to get around Seoul, and with the exception of a couple of local bus trips, I relied on the subway during my entire stint in the city.

Fare is calculated by distance, so a subway ride of less than 10 km will cost 1,350 KRW ($1) with 100 KRW added on for every additional 5km (you’re unlikely to take a journey this far, though). When taking the subway over a typical day of sightseeing, I usually averaged around 5,000 KRW ($4) per day . 

Overall, my daily transportation costs in South Korea worked out to: $10.20 per day

trip to south korea cost

The Cost of Food in South Korea

Long-time readers of the site will already know that food is my primary driver to travel. It won’t come as any surprise, then, to learn that my favourite thing to do in Korea was eat .

There are so many incredible local dishes to sample in this country that I often found myself panicking that there weren’t going to be enough meals in the day. By the end of my weeks in the country, I was officially inducting South Korea into my list of the top five places to eat in the world (the others being India, Vietnam, Mexico, and Greece).

Yes, you’ve got all the classics you’ve probably come across before, like kimchi, bibimbap, and bulgogi, and you’ll be able to find them on practically every street you walk along. But for me, the delight came in wandering into a crowded restaurant without any idea what was on the menu, sitting down and being presented with one of the best dishes I’ve ever tried. Yes, I’m looking at you, samgyetang.

trip to south korea cost

Of course, Korean BBQ reigns supreme and provides a super-fun food experience — I definitely recommend trying it at least once while you’re in the country. Gather around a table with a group of friends, order yourselves an inordinate amount of meat, marinate it in a variety of sauces, then cook it up at your table on your own little grill.

And let me tell you that Korean fried chicken may have ruined me for all of my future fried chicken experiences. Before arriving in the country, I’d made a vow to never eat the same thing twice while I was there. After my first taste of crispy fried chicken, however, I found myself meekly eating it again a couple of days later. It was just so freaking good!

The kimchi in South Korea is amazing and I was regularly blown away by the depth of flavour that was contained in such a simple dish. You’ll be given a couple of versions of it (cabbage and radish) as a free side with practically every meal you order, and it was nearly always a flavourful highlight for me.

One particularly epic food experience we had in the country is depicted in the photo at the very top of this section — the one where I’m surrounded by about 35 different dishes! Hongsi Hanjungsik in Gyeongju offers up a traditional Korean banquet, run out of the owner’s home, with so many high-quality, tasty things to try. And despite the multitude of dishes, we didn’t come away feeling overly full. At a price of 20,000W (or $15.50) each, it felt like phenomenally good value!

trip to south korea cost

So let’s get into the food prices.

In general, if you’re eating out at a Korean restaurant, look to spend around 10,000 – 15,000 KRW ($7.50 – $11.50) for a meal. When eating at a more Western restaurant (which you absolutely should not do because the Western food in Korea is probably the worst I’ve ever eaten — a ham and cheese sandwich I ordered was drizzled with condensed milk!) then you might spend 20,000 KRW ($15) for a meal. Fast food, street food, or a smaller meal will range around 5,000 – 7,000 KRW ($4 – $5) . 

Here’s some examples of what we spent on some of the various dishes we tried:

  • Fried chicken for lunch: 10,000 KRW ($7.50)
  • Bibimbap for lunch: 9,500 KRW ($7)
  • Bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) as a street food snack: 5,000 KRW ($4)
  • Dakgalbi (stir-fried chicken) for dinner: 6,500 KRW ($4.50)
  • Unlimited Korean BBQ on a weekday lunch: 15,000 KRW ($11.50)
  • Samgyetang (chicken ginseng soup) at a fancy restaurant for lunch: 19,000 KRW ($14.50)
  • Street food snacks: 3,000 KRW ($2) each
  • A pint of local draft beer in a restaurant: 4,000 KRW ($3)
  • A bottle of soju in a restaurant: 4,000 KRW ($3)
  • A 750ml bottle of makgeolli in a restaurant: 4,000 KRW ($3)
  • An extremely fancy cocktail in a world-class bar: 23,000 KRW ($17.50)

Dave and I are usually intermittent fasters when we travel, so we rarely opted for breakfast while we were travelling in South Korea. Instead, we’d have a large meal for an early lunch and often hit the street food carts for dinner. Our daily meal costs were sometimes then as little as 15,000 KRW ($11.50) a day but averaged out at 25,000 KRW ($19) a day .

trip to south korea cost

The Cost of Activities and Entrance Fees in South Korea    

When it comes to activities in South Korea, there’s so much to keep you entertained — and it’s pretty affordable, too.

If there’s one activity to cross off your list when you’re in Seoul, it has to be the royal palaces. For just 10,000 KRW , you can purchase a combo ticket that gives you entrance to Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung (and its separate secret garden), Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung, and Jongmyo Shrine. To visit each of these individually would cost 14,000 KRW , so it’s well-worth getting the combo and crossing all of them off. We managed to see all of them in a single day of hardcore sightseeing, and while we were undoubtedly templed-out by the end of it, we were still glad we’d made the effort to do so.

If you only have a limited amount of time, then just head to Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung — the two most impressive of the palaces. You’ll be able to catch the impressive changing of the guard in the morning at Gyeongbokgung, then take a tour of the wonderful secret garden at Changdeokgung in the afternoon.

trip to south korea cost

Many visitors to Seoul spend their time shopping, eating, and partying. This is one livable, lively city, crammed full of excellent skincare products, world-class vintage stores, delicious street eats, and more karaoke bars than you could possibly imagine. There’s lots to keep you entertained.

Simply strolling through the different neighbourhoods provides a way to keep costs down. I loved spending my time cafe-hopping in student-filled Hongdae, shopping in bustling Myeongdong, picking up traditional souvenirs in Insadong, and admiring the street art in Itaewon.

One particular highlight from my most recent trip was walking the 10 kilometre, or seven mile, Cheonggyecheon Stream, which runs through downtown Seoul from Cheonggye Plaza to Dongdaemun. Once a busy highway, it has since been transformed into a peaceful oasis, where friends come to chill beside the water, surrounded by plants, trees, and fun water features.

Most visitors to South Korea want to hit up the DMZ: the border between South and North Korea, and specifically the Joint Security Area (JSA) — those famous blue barracks where North and South Korean soldiers stand face-to-face. It’s the closest you can get to North Korea without actually entering it.

You’ll want to be careful, then, when you do book your DMZ tour. There are plenty of these general DMZ tours running (priced at 76,000 KRW/$56 ), but the closest you’ll get to North Korea is standing on a hill and looking into the country from afar with binoculars. You won’t visit the JSA on these trips. It is, however, a third of the price of the JSA tours, so a great option for budget travellers. These non-JSA tours are incredibly popular, so do book early to ensure you manage to get a space. You can check availability for your travel dates using the widget below:

The JSA-specific tours are even more popular, but unfortunately, they’re currently (as of early-2024) on pause. This is a common occurrence, especially during these post-pandemic years. It’s only been open to tourists for about three months in total since 2020!

VVIP Travel and Hana Tour are the two JSA tour operators to go with, so do check out their websites before your trip, just in case the tours are up and running again. Tours cost 195,000 KRW ($150) per person and last for a full day.

trip to south korea cost

I knew I wanted to get out into nature while I was in South Korea, as I didn’t want my entire trip to focus around gigantic, bustling cities. This country, after all, is 70% mountains. Seoraksan National Park provided the perfect opportunity to do just that. It’s a two-hour bus ride from Seoul and when you arrive, you’ll feel as though you’re in a whole other country.

With an entrance fee of just 3,500 KRW ($2.50), this was an affordable way to see a part of the country that few tourists opt to explore. The scenery was incredible and a couple of days in town enabled us to tackle all of the most popular hikes.

Speaking of gigantic, bustling cities: Busan!

Busan often ends up being most people’s favorite spot in South Korea and there’s plenty to do while you’re there. From beach-hopping your days away (my favourite free activity!) to hitting up bustling fish markets; eating allll the street food then exploring amazing colourful villages, blanketed with murals. Busan is well-worth visiting, that’s for sure. But for us? We quickly realised that nearby Gyeongju was more our type of place.

trip to south korea cost

Dave and I adored Gyeongju, a compact city that’s perfect for some respite after a few days in Busan. Gyeongju is crammed full of cultural sites and attractions, from royal tombs to ancient observatories, to one of the most impressive Buddha statues we’ve ever seen. The vast majority of attractions in town were free to visit, so we spent very little money while we were there, too — an added bonus!

And I can’t write about South Korea and not include beautiful Jeju Island — the iconic volcanic island off the southern coast of the country that’s known for its beaches, waterfalls, and mountains, as well as its local delicacies. Just wait until you try the local black pork! There’s tons to do on the island — you could spend two weeks on Jeju alone — but so much of it is focused around landscapes and scenery (so much hiking!) that you can easily visit on a budget.

With all that being said, here’s a breakdown of the main activity costs you may encounter in South Korea:

  • Entry to Donggung Palace, Gyeongju – 3000 KRW ($2)
  • Bulguksa Temple & Seokguram Grotto, Gyeongju – 5,000 KRW ($4)
  • Gyeongju Expo Park – 8,000 KRW ($6)
  • Daereungwon Tomb Complex, Cheomseongdae Observatory, Woljeonggyo Bridge, Gyochon Traditional Village – Free
  • Royal palaces combo ticket, Seoul – 10,000 KRW ($7.50)
  • N Seoul Tower – 21,000 KRW ($16)
  • Kimchi Museum entrance – 5,000 KRW ($4)
  • Nanta cooking show – 44,000 KRW ($34)
  • Lotte World entrance – 62,000 KRW ($47)
  • Bukchon Hanok village, Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Cheonggyecheon Stream, War Memorial of Korea, National Museum of Korea, Seoul – Free
  • Entrance to Seoraksan National Park – 3,500 KRW ($2.50)
  • Busan Sky Capsule – 15,000 KRW ($11.50)
  • Songdo cable car, Busan – 15,000 KRW ($11.50)
  • Busan Tower Observatory – 7,000 KRW ($5)
  • Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Gamcheon Cultural Village, Busan – Free
  • Jeongbang Waterfalls entrance, Jeju Island – 2,000 KRW ($1.50)
  • Camellia Hill entrance, Jeju Island – 7,000 KRW ($5)
  • Jeju Folk Village, Jeju Island – 12,000 KRW ($9)

As you can see, there’s very little that’s going to break the bank in South Korea — there’s tons of free attractions and any entrance fees are reasonable.

Over my two weeks in Korea, I averaged just $3 a day on activities and entrance fees.

The Cost of Miscellaneous Expenses in South Korea

An eSIM:  A few years ago, I made the switch to eSIMs and it’s an act that’s significantly improved my travels.

I used to hate having to spend my first few hours in a new country wandering around in search of a way to get connected. There’s locating a store that will sell you one, language barriers to deal with (I was surprised to discover South Korea has one of the highest language barriers I’ve ever encountered!), various forms of ID and information you might need to bring, scams to navigate, and… well, it’s a headache.

These days, I buy my SIM cards in advance through AloSIM , which sells local e-SIMs for travellers. What that means is that you can buy your SIM card online  before  you arrive in South Korea, and then as soon as you land in Seoul, can switch on your phone and be online before the plane’s even come to a halt. It’s worked flawlessly for me in over a dozen countries, including South Korea.

I paid  $15 for 5 GB of data for 30 days in South Korea. Readers of Never Ending Footsteps can get a 5% discount on AloSIM eSIMs by using the code FOOTSTEPS.

There’s one small detail I need to mention. Before arriving in South Korea, I read dozens of articles insisting that you need a local Korean phone number to successfully travel in the country.

Most of the taxi apps require a local number (especially if you want to pay by card in the app), and most popular restaurants operate a waitlist where they call or text you on a local number when a table is ready — if you don’t have one, you can’t join the queue!

Dave specifically bought an LG SIM card that gave you a local phone number and… we used it close to zero times. It turned out, we didn’t need to call a taxi even once and none of the restaurants we went to had waiting lists. A couple of takeaway joints that we went to required a local number to place an order, but that was it. I’m glad we had at least one SIM card with a Korean number for peace of mind but we also didn’t really need to use it, so I don’t think it’s as much of a travel essential as people say.

Travel insurance : If you’ve read any other posts on Never Ending Footsteps, you’ll know that I’m a great believer in travelling with travel insurance. I’ve seen far too many Go Fund Me campaigns from destitute backpackers that are unexpectedly stranded in a foreign country after a scooter accident/being attacked/breaking a leg with no way of getting home or paying for their healthcare. In short, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. These costs can quickly land you with a six-figure bill to pay at the end of it.

Travel insurance  will cover you if your flight is cancelled and you need to book a new one, if your luggage gets lost and you need to replace your belongings, if you suddenly get struck down by appendicitis and have to be hospitalised, or discover a family member has died and you need to get home immediately. If you fall seriously ill, your insurance will cover the costs to fly you home to receive medical treatment.

I used  SafetyWing  as my travel insurance provider in South Korea. They provide worldwide coverage, don’t require you to have a return ticket, and even allow you to buy coverage after you’ve left home. If you’re on a long-term trip, you can pay monthly instead of up-front, and can cancel at any time. Finally, they’re affordable, and have a clear, easy-to-understand pricing structure, which is always appreciated.

The cost of two weeks of travel insurance with SafetyWing was $21, or $1.50 a day.

trip to south korea cost

How Much Does it Cost to Travel in South Korea? 

It’s time to tally up all of my expenses to see my total travel costs! In U.S. dollars, my average daily costs in South Korea were:

  • Accommodation: $104.50 per day
  • Transportation: $10.20 per day
  • Food: $19 per day
  • Activities/Entrance Fees: $3 per day

Average amount spent in South Korea: $137 a day!

As I mentioned in the accommodation section, I did splurge a little when it came to accommodation, so if you’re on a tighter budget, that’s where you’ll be able to cut costs.

For example, if you’re a backpacker who plans on staying in dorm rooms, you can expect to spend $18 a night on accommodation, making your total daily costs around $50 a day .

Alternatively, if you’re part of a couple and staying in budget-to-mid-range guesthouses, you’ll be looking at $50 a night for accommodation, which will make your daily total costs $82 a day .

So what do you think? Is South Korea more or less expensive than you expected? Let me know in the comments below!

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Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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11 comments.

Thank you so much for sharing all your infos, they are always clear and straight to the point which makes it really handy, i have been reading you for a while and always enjoy, i am now doing a 3 months trip through bali, south korea and japan, and your infos on south korea are going to be usefull, once again, Lauren,thank you!

Thanks a lot for your excellent article Lauren! South Korea is much more affordable than I thought it was. And apparently there’s nature too :) We just decided against a South Africa trip this September due to the safely situation and power outages, but now adding South Korea to the wishlist for when the boy is a little older and traveling purely by public transport is more feasible.

We’ve been living in the SoKorea for almost 2 years now. A couple things …

* DMA/JSA tours ARE available through visitjsa.com. US military and USDoD-associated individuals have first dibs, but we booked the end of July as “general tourists” without an issue. These tours leave from right OUTside several US military bases in SoKorea, include lunch and are half the price of just DMZ tours from Seoul. There is a dress code, which is STRICTLY enforced.

* In regard to the language barrier. Many Koreans – especially “younger” generation Koreans – DO know English. They, as a whole, are EXTREMELY shy about using it, though. I have found most have excellent English skills – much better than my Korean skills!! Give grace here, folks. And, download the Papago app as EVERYONE (Koreans & foreigners) uses this to communicate. Don’t be shy – just Papago it!

* Korean phone number – during covid, you needed a Korean number to register at restaurants and retail shops for contact- tracing/tracking purposes. We haven’t been anywhere lately that required a Korean # to get a table or anything.

* For taxis, subway directions/maps, download Kakao – there are various Kakao apps – 1 for subway, 1 for taxis, etc.

* Credit cards – AMEX tends to work more places than my Chase or Citibank VISA cards. I carry a couple hundred kwon with me just in case my cc doesn’t work. If you have significant leftover kwon when you leave, I’d suggest looking for Americans at the airport and strike up a conversation – with so many US military bases here, there’s a good chance someone will buy your kwon off you at a reasonable exchange rate.

Thanks for all the extra information!

The language barrier wasn’t a criticism or complaint — just in case you interpreted it as one! I came across a few younger Koreans who spoke excellent English and I didn’t personally have any problems with the lack of English spoken. It was just a brief sidenote that after travelling to 100-odd countries, the language barrier was higher in South Korea than the vast majority of other places I’ve visited.

I used Papago and Naver and Kakao, etc while I was in the country, but as this is an article about the cost of travel, I didn’t want to turn it into a travel guide and add too much detail that was unrelated to the costs. I’ll definitely publish a more general travel guide over the coming months!

The Korean phone number thing wasn’t a reference to COVID contact tracing but rather that the popular restaurants operate waitlists — and to join those waitlists, you’ll sometimes be asked to give your phone number so that they can text/call/KakaoTalk you when your table is available. I had one restaurant turn me away because Dave wasn’t with me so I couldn’t give them a local number, and a couple of takeaway places, where you ordered from a screen, required a local number to confirm the order. I read about this on r/KoreaTravel ( example ) quite a bit before getting here — it wasn’t as bad as expected but it does still seem to be a good idea to get a local number just in case.

Good to know that AMEX works well — the one bank we don’t have accounts with! I’m not American so wasn’t sure if US cards would fare better than ours.

Great to see new articles again! Cant wait to hear what you have been up to!

Thanks so much! I’m relieved to see I still have readers after my extended break! Lots to share from the past year, but the biggest news is probably gaining my Australian permanent residency and setting up a new home base in Melbourne! Other than that, lots of travel in Southeast Asia, as always :-)

Hi! Thanks so much for this :) we are travelling in October to South Korea & Tokyo and I too have read about needing a korean number. Do you happen to know if you need a local number for Kakao app? Thank you!

Hi Lucy! Yes, you can use an international number to sign up for Kakao, but the app won’t let you add a credit or debit card. You’ll need to pay the driver directly with cash.

Just wanted to let you know I found this post incredibly helpful as I´m planning a South Korea trip for later this year! Great to have an idea of costs, and you´ve made me consider putting Jeju island on our itinerary (would mean cutting time in other countries on the way – still figuring it out!).

Thank you so much for all the info! I just have one more question: Do you happen to know of any budget travel agency that organizes Korean land tours for a week or so? I found a few, but the prices are rather high.

wow..learnt so much from your article. thanks a ton. planing a 4day trip to S.Korea and 4 days in Taiwan… do you have any info on taiwan? also is S.Korea clean and safe? Im planning to stay in Seoul. would love to know where i can do some clothes shopping……..also are there any night markets around?

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Meet Lauren Juliff

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South Korea Travel Guide

Last Updated: July 17, 2023

A colorful temple in South Korea near a cherry blossom tree on a bright sunny day

Though South Korea is small (about the size of the US state of Indiana), it punches well above its weight in terms of things to see and do. Boasting a vibrant culture, incredible history, natural beauty, delicious food, and a wild nightlife, it’s home to both major cities and untouched nature, offering something for every traveler.

Seoul, the capital city and fourth-largest metropolitan area in the world (over half the country’s population of 50 million is concentrated here), is a lively hub for food lovers and partying. But while it gets all the attention, there is much more to explore, including 22 national parks, lush Jeju Island, and the infamous Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) bordering North Korea.

Best of all, since South Korea is a manageable size, you can see a good portion of it in a limited amount of time. The transportation here is modern, clean, and efficient, so it’s easy to get around quickly.

The country is also a foodie’s paradise, with cheap street food and delicious dishes like bibimbap, kimchi, and the famed Korean barbecue.

It’s one of my favorite countries in the world and one that I think is super under the radar and often overlooked by travelers. You never see the tourist crowds found in other Asian countries.

This travel guide to South Korea can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit.

Table of Contents

  • Things to See and Do
  • Typical Costs
  • Suggested Budget
  • Money-Saving Tips
  • Where to Stay
  • How to Get Around
  • How to Stay Safe
  • Best Places to Book Your Trip
  • Related Blogs on South Korea

Top 5 Things to See and Do in South Korea

Historic buildings along the rugged coast of South Korea

1. Explore Seoul

Korea’s capital has a little bit of everything. It’s a bustling metropolis and global technology hub, with sleek and modern neighborhoods like Gangnam and iconic sights like the Lotte World Tower, the sixth-tallest building in the world. Yet there is a lot of history here too, including many museums, palaces, and temples, among them five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. When you’re done exploring for the day, Seoul has a robust street food scene, countless trendy restaurants, and fast-paced, soju-driven nightlife. You could easily spend weeks here and never get bored.

2. Tour the DMZ

The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separates North and South Korea and, despite the name, is the most militarized border in the world. You can only visit the Joint Security Area (JSA), which has military personnel from both sides, on a guided tour, but it’s a unique experience and an important way to learn about this ongoing conflict (the war started in 1950 and has not officially ended). On the tour, you’ll be able to actually stand in North Korea, visit the Third Tunnel of Aggression (which North Korea dug to sneak soldiers across the border), see the Freedom Bridge, and catch glimpses of North Korea from the Unification Observatory. Guided tours of the DMZ start from 80,000 KRW.

3. Visit Jeju Island

This volcanic, semitropical island is a popular domestic vacation spot. It’s accessible via cheap daily flights from Seoul that take just one hour. Known as “the Hawaii of Korea,” it’s a natural paradise, home to the tallest mountain in Korea (Mount Hallasan), lava tubes, beautiful beaches, and countless hiking and walking trails. Other attractions include visiting mythic Jeju Stone Park, wandering the Yeomiji Botanical Gardens, and watching the haenyeo divers — women who dive without any protective equipment to gather underwater treasures like shellfish and seaweed, which they then sell on the beaches. You can visit the Jeju Haenyeo Museum as well to learn more about this cultural practice that dates back centuries.

4. Sing karaoke

Known as noraebang , this is a cultural phenomenon and something worth experiencing at least once while visiting Korea. While the karaoke machine was originally invented in Japan, Koreans have adopted the pastime and made it their own. Here, you rent out a private room with a group of friends (instead of singing in a public bar, as is often the case in Western countries). Pricing is determined by the hour, with rates varying wildly depending on the number of people, time of day, day of the week, and whether snacks and drinks are included. Average group karaoke rates range from 5,000 to 15,000 KRW.

5. Step back in time at a hanok village

Other things to see and do in south korea, 1. visit changdeokgung palace.

One of the Joseon dynasty’s Five Grand Palaces, this 15th-century complex in Seoul was built in harmony with the natural environment at the foot of Bugaksan Mountain. Changdeokgung, or “Palace of Prospering Virtue,” was the main royal residence for 13 kings over the course of three centuries. The complex sprawls over 110 acres, 60% of which is taken up by the beautiful Huwon Secret Garden, home to over a hundred species of trees, flowers, and other plants (some of the trees here are over 300 years old!). The main draw is wandering around the exterior, with its restored buildings and gates, though you can also go inside Injeongjeon Hall, the palace’s throne room. Admission to the complex is 3,000 KRW; the Secret Garden is an additional 5,000 KRW. There are guided tours in English as well.

2. Explore Busan

Korea’s second-largest city is located just two hours from Seoul on the KTX high-speed bullet train. A coastal city, Busan boasts great beaches, such as Haeundae Beach, with its miles of sand, and Gwangalli Beach, known for its sunsets. Gamcheon Culture Village, the “mural village of Korea,” is a hillside neighborhood rich in street art and covered in murals, and nearly all the houses are painted bright colors. It’s a great place to wander around for a few hours, popping into the unique shops, cafés, and restaurants.

3. See the National Museum of Korea

If you visit only one museum in Korea, make it this one. Located in Seoul, it covers all aspects of Korean culture, art, and history, from prehistory to the early modern era. It also contains many national treasures and artifacts that have been designated as having special importance and value in Korean culture and history. Some of the most important ones include the sixth-century inscribed Bukhansan Monument, detailing military expansions; sixth-century gilt-bronze Buddhist statues; and the 10-story Gyeongcheonsa Pagoda, which dates to the 14th century. Don’t miss the exterior gardens, which feature indigenous plants, reflecting pools, and traditional Korean sculptures and lanterns. Admission to the main exhibitions and children’s museum is free.

4. Take a food tour

As a foodie, learning about a culture through its food is one of my favorite things to do while traveling. Korea has an incredible variety of amazing dishes to try, as well as a bustling (and delicious) street food scene. Taking a food tour with an experienced guide is one of the best ways to gain a deeper understanding of Korean cuisine. O’ngo Food offers a variety of tours in Seoul, Busan, Jeonju, and Jeju, with prices starting from 70,000 KRW per person.

5. Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace

Originally built in the 14th century by the kings of the Joseon dynasty, this palace in Seoul served as the seat of the government for two hundred years until it was destroyed by a fire and abandoned for centuries. Since the 19th century (and still today), it has been undergoing renovations to restore the complex to its former glory. It is considered the most stunning of all five royal palaces in Seoul, featuring grand gates, open courtyards, and terracotta-topped buildings set against the backdrop of Mount Bugak. In addition to wandering through the complex, you can also go into the many administrative halls and residential chambers set up to resemble the palace’s heyday. You can watch the changing-of-the-guard ceremony as well, every day except Monday. The National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum are also located in the complex. Admission is 3,000 KRW.

6. See the cherry blossoms

While cherry blossoms are often associated with Japan, festivities surrounding the blooms are incredibly popular in Korea as well. Here, the season runs from late March to late April, with many festivals throughout the country. Just be prepared for crowds at the more popular ones, like the Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival in Seoul.

7. Try taekwondo

Korean’s native martial art, taekwondo, is characterized by high kicks and punches and, like all such disciplines, emphasizes mental training. An Olympic event since 2000, taekwondo has only grown in popularity in recent years and is a point of pride in Korean culture. Kang’s Global Taekwondo in Seoul offers classes to adults and foreigners that cost around 43,000 KRW for one hour.

8. Learn to cook classic Korean foods

If you’d like to take your knowledge of Korean food one step further, take a cooking class, where you’ll learn to prepare classics like bibimbap, kimchi, bulgogi, and Korean pancakes. Hello K Cooking in Seoul offers a class where you’ll learn how to cook three main dishes and one stew — recipes and skills that you can bring home with you. Classes are 107,000 KRW.

9. Go hiking

Korea is an incredibly mountainous country, so hiking is a favorite pastime for locals. Be sure to immerse yourself in nature while visiting this lush land. There are even hiking spots near the bigger cities if you don’t have enough time or don’t want to venture too far afield. Bukhansan National Park, just outside Seoul, is a popular place to go hiking, offering panoramic views over the capital (expect crowds due to its proximity to the city, though). Yet with 22 national parks spread across the country, there are plenty of opportunities to escape the crowds (including lots of guided hikes if you don’t want to organize one yourself). For a multiday hike, the Jirisan Ridge Trek in Jirisan National Park is one of the most famous — a four-day walk from mountain shelter to mountain shelter.

10. Wander around Seoul Olympic Park

In 1988, Seoul hosted the Summer Olympics, which was only the second time the summer games had been held in Asia (the first was in Tokyo in 1964). Today, you can visit the massive park where the games were staged, and while Olympic Park does have many sports facilities, there’s much more to explore here as well. The park is divided into four sections, focusing on the arts, history, nature, and sports. In the arts section, you’ll find the SOMA Museum of Art and a park with over 200 sculptures, while in the history section, you can see the third-century defensive Mongchontoseong Earthen Fortifications, excavated dugout huts and storage pits left in the state in which they were uncovered. You can easily spend an entire afternoon here. Admission to the park is free.

11. Discover Jirisan National Park

Located in the southern part of the country (Namwon is the nearest city), this park is named after Jirisan (Mt. Jiri for short), the tallest mountain on mainland Korea. As it’s South Korea’s first national park (as well as its largest), hiking trails and cultural sites abound. You can visit seven major Buddhist temples and see several of Korea’s national treasures of ancient carved stonework from the seventh to the tenth centuries. One of the most important sites here is Samseonggung, or Three Sages Palace, a mountainside shrine dedicated to the legendary founders of Korea. Admission to the park is 1,600 KRW.

South Korea Travel Costs

Locals and tourists on a busy street in Seoul Korea at night with lots of bright signs

Cheap hotel rooms start at 28,000 KRW for a room that sleeps one, while a double room generally costs at least 40,000 KRW. Expect basic amenities like Wi-Fi, a TV, air conditioning, and an electric teapot. Breakfast is usually not included at budget hotels.

Airbnb is available around the country, with private rooms starting at 25,000-30,000 KRW. For an entire home or apartment, expect to pay at least 50,000-70,000 KRW per night.

While wild camping is illegal in Korea, there are plenty of campgrounds should you want to pitch a tent. Expect to pay 7,000-20,000 KRW for a plot with access to bathroom and shower facilities, and usually even Wi-Fi.

Food – Korean cuisine has developed its own traditions and flavors over the centuries, with a unique emphasis on using uncooked, fermented, and pickled vegetables. Traditional Korean meals are often composed of a variety of side dishes, eaten with short-grain rice. A meal isn’t considered complete unless there’s kimchi on the table.

Common dishes include bulgogi (marinated, grilled beef), samgye-tang (chicken and ginseng soup), bibimbap (a mixed rice bowl), chap chae (a glass noodle dish), and many other noodle and rice dishes. Popular street foods include hotteok (a sweet, filled pancake), tteokbokki (spicy cylindrical rice cakes), and bungeo-ppang (a fish-shaped pastry filled with red bean paste).

Dining out in South Korea is relatively inexpensive. A meal at a casual restaurant serving traditional Korean food is around 9,000-15,000 KRW, while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant is around 25,000-30,000 KRW. Expect higher prices in larger cities.

Western food is more expensive. Expect to pay at least 20,000 KRW for a pasta dish at an Italian restaurant.

In terms of fast food, a combo meal (think McDonald’s) is around 7,000 KRW, while a burger is around 4,500 KRW. A typical Korean street food dish is 1,500-3,000 KRW.

A pint of beer is 4,000-5,000 KRW, a glass of wine is 6,000 KRW and up, and a cocktail is 7,000 KRW and up. A latte or cappuccino is 5,000 KRW.

If you cook your own food, expect to pay 50,000-70,000 KRW per week for basic staples like rice, pasta, vegetables, and some meat. Shopping at local markets is the best way to get great fresh produce for cheap.

Backpacking South Korea: Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget of 75,000 KRW per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all your meals, use public transportation and intercity buses to get around, skip the alcohol, and do mostly free activities like walking tours and hiking.

On a mid-range budget of 135,000 KRW per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb or cheap hotel, eat out for most meals at casual restaurants, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi as well as trains between cities, and do more paid activities like museum visits and food tours.

On a “luxury” budget of 255,000 KRW or more per day, you can stay in a nicer hotel or entire Airbnb apartment, eat out pretty much anywhere you want, drink at the bar, get a high-speed rail pass, and do as many guided tours and activities as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury, though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in KRW.

South Korea Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

I find South Korea to be one of the best value countries out there. It’s a really affordable place to visit. Accommodation can add up but food and drinks are generally cheap. Here are some ways to save money when you travel around South Korea:

  • Visit the free attractions – With countless museums, shrines, temples, historic neighborhoods, and parks, Korea is filled with opportunities to become immersed in its culture. Many of the nation’s museums and cultural attractions are free, so don’t pass them up!
  • Purchase a KORAIL Pass – If you want to travel by train, getting a rail pass is the most economical way to do so. You’ll get unlimited train travel for the time period you choose (2-5-day increments). Prices start at 121,000 KRW.
  • Get a transit pass – Most major cities in Korea offer a day pass for public transit, which means great savings if you plan to hop around using buses and subways. Seoul’s day pass costs 15,000 KRW, though the longer you stay, the more you’ll save (a seven-day pass is 64,500 KRW).
  • Buy a city pass – If you plan on visiting a lot of attractions, buy a city pass . Seoul and Busan both offer ones that include admission to popular sights, a transit pass, and discounts to restaurants and other attractions. A one-day pass starts at 33,000 KRW.
  • Eat from the convenience stores – Convenience stores in Korea offer not only snacks and drinks but prepared boxed meals and cheap alcohol. If you’re on a tight budget, shop in those.
  • Take the bus – While the trains are fun, the cheapest way to get around Korea is by bus. They take longer but are much cheaper, so if you have the time, opt for long-distance buses. Just show up at the bus station to reserve your tickets in advance, as most websites and apps are in Korean.
  • Stay with a local – Couchsurfing lets you stay with a local for free, cutting your accommodation costs drastically. You’ll get to spend time with someone who can share their tips and advice in exchange for your own travel stories and culture. You can also use the app to meet people for activities (coffee, museum visits, etc.) if you don’t feel comfortable staying with a stranger.
  • Drink like the locals – Soju, the national alcohol of Korea, is incredibly cheap, as is domestic beer. Just be careful to not let it sneak up on you — both monetarily and physically. Korea’s drinking culture is infamous!
  • Stay in capsule hotels – If you don’t want to Couchsurf or stay in hostels but still want to save money, capsule or pod hotels are great options. These offer just what you need to sleep (a small, basic pod) yet can be surprisingly comfy and much more affordable than a traditional hotel. Prices start as low as 45,000 KRW per night.
  • Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink, so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand, as its bottles have built-in filters to ensure that your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in South Korea

South Korea has plenty of budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Here are some of my recommended places to stay when you visit:

  • Time Travelers Relax Guesthouse (Seoul)
  • Zzzip Guesthouse (Seoul)
  • Time Travelers party Hostel (Seoul)
  • INSIDE Busan (Busan)
  • Jeju Hiking Inn (Jeju)
  • Backpacker’s Home (Jeju)

How to Get Around South Korea

The rugged mountains and greenery of South Korea

Bus – Taking a long-distance bus is the cheapest and most popular way to get around the country. There are two types: express (which makes few to no stops) and intercity (which travels between smaller destinations and makes more stops).

Your best bet for reserving tickets in advance is to go directly to the bus terminal, as most bus websites and booking apps are in Korean and only accept Korean credit or debit cards.

Pricing depends on what class ticket you choose: standard, luxury, or premium. The four-hour bus ride from Seoul to Busan costs around 36,000 KRW for a standard ticket, Incheon to Busan takes just over four hours and costs 38,000 KRW, and Seoul to Daegu is 29,000 KRW and takes just under four hours.

Train – South Korea has a robust train system that can take you all over the country. Korean Train Express (KTX) is the country’s bullet train, regularly running at speeds up to 305 kilometers (190 miles) per hour. However, these only go between major cities, have limited schedules, and are more expensive, so KTX may not always be the most convenient choice.

KORAIL (the national railway service) operates slower-speed, intercity trains that offer a wider range of schedules and destination choices. You can also get the unlimited KORAIL Pass, which is offered exclusively to international tourists. A two-day adult pass is 121,000 KRW; a five-day adult pass is 210,000 KRW.

As a comparison of the two train types: the journey from Seoul to Busan on a KRX train costs around 90,000 KRW and takes 2.5 hours, while on a regular intercity train, it takes 5.5 hours and costs 47,500 KRW.

The further out you book, the cheaper KTX train prices get, while intercity prices stay about the same. You can book up to a year in advance.

Flying – South Korea is so small that flying around the country doesn’t really make sense. Trains can get you anywhere pretty quickly. However, if you’re very pressed for time and have cash to burn, there are a few budget airlines offering domestic flights between major cities. Most are around one hour long.

The flight from Seoul to Busan is around 30,500 KRW, Seoul to Jeju is 55,000 KRW, and Busan to Jeju is 22,000 KRW. However, you can find flights even cheaper when you book further in advance.

Low-cost airlines in South Korea include the following:

Car rental – Renting a car isn’t incredibly cheap in South Korea. However, it is one of the best ways to explore all the natural wonders that the country has to offer, many of which are inaccessible by public transportation. Expect to pay around 50,000-55,000 KRW per day on a multiday rental. Drivers need to be at least 21 years old.

When to Go to South Korea

Generally, the best times to visit South Korea are March-May and September-November. During these periods, the weather is mild, with temperatures of 10-24°C (50-75°F); prices for accommodation and transportation are lower; and there are fewer crowds.

In the spring, the cherry blossoms are in bloom all over the country, while the fall brings the beautiful colors of the changing leaves. Also, if you plan on doing a lot of hiking, the fall is the best time to visit.

The summer starts with monsoon season, from June through mid-July, and the rest of the summer is hot and humid in the cities (though it cools down in the mountains and along the coasts). Prices for accommodation are also very high during this time.

Winters in South Korea get very cold, with temperatures dipping as low as -6°C (21°F), so unless you plan on skiing, visiting from December through February might not be the best option (though the temples and landscapes look beautiful covered in snow).

How to Stay Safe in South Korea

South Korea is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel around. Petty crime is rare here, though it never hurts to be cautious on public transportation and around popular tourist landmarks. Always keep your wallet and valuables secure and out of reach, just in case. Violent crime is even more rare.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here. However, the standard safety precautions apply as always. For specific tips, consult one of the many solo female travel blogs on the web.

While scams are super rare in South Korea, to avoid getting ripped off, you can check out this list of common travel scams to avoid .

When hiking, always bring water and sunscreen. Be sure to check the weather before you depart and dress accordingly.

Earthquakes occur regularly in the region, so it’s best to be prepared and download the Emergency Ready app, which the Korean government developed to provide information in English to foreign residents and tourists. It has all kinds of advice and tips for natural disasters, shows you where nearby emergency shelters are, and sends out warnings and notifications should a disaster occur.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID, and forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

South Korea Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

  • Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
  • Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
  • Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
  • Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
  • SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
  • LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
  • Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
  • Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

South Korea Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Asia travel and continue planning your trip:

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Cost of a Trip to Seoul, KR & the Cheapest Time to Visit Seoul

The average price of a 7-day trip to Seoul is $1,705 for a solo traveler, $3,062 for a couple, and $5,741 for a family of 4 . Seoul hotels range from $47 to $201 per night with an average of $58, while most vacation rentals will cost $130 to $340 per night for the entire home. Average worldwide flight costs to Gimpo International Airport ( GMP ) are between $1,307 and $1,841 per person for economy flights and $4,101 to $5,777 for first class. Depending on activities, we recommend budgeting $37 to $75 per person per day for transportation and enjoying local restaurants.

See below for average , budget , and luxury trip costs. You can also look up flight costs from your airport for more tailored flight pricing.

The Cheapest Times to Visit Seoul, KR

On average, these will be the cheapest dates to fly to GMP and stay in a Seoul hotel:

  • January 8th to March 18th
  • August 20th to December 9th

The absolute cheapest time to take a vacation in Seoul is usually late October to early November .

Average Seoul Trip Costs

Average solo traveler.

The average cost for one person to visit Seoul for a week is $1,287-$2,473 ($184-$353 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $37 to $75 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $698 to $1,546 for economy

Lodging : $62 to $62 per night for one 2 or 3-star hotel room

or $55 to $67 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Average Couple’s Trip

The average cost for a couple to visit Seoul for a week is $3,462-$5,134 ($495-$733 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $74 to $150 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,396 to $3,092 for economy

Average Family Vacation

The average cost for 4 people to visit Seoul for a week is $4,356-$9,028 ($622-$1,290 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $148 to $300 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $2,792 to $6,184 for economy

Lodging : $124 to $124 per night for two 2 or 3-star hotel rooms

or $88 to $94 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Traveling Cheap to Seoul

How cheap can you make a vacation to Seoul? The cheapest trip to Seoul is about $134 per person per day for travelers willing to take standby flights, deal with inconvenience, and otherwise limit travel expenses. About 1% of rentals are available in the $0 to $100 range for an entire place, and vacation rentals can be booked for as low as $21 per night. These inexpensive rentals must be booked as early as possible and may not be in the most desirable areas. 1-star hotels are more likely to be available, with rooms starting at around $39.

Even cheaper trips are possible depending on where you live and whether you can drive. Check the cheapest times to fly for more saving ideas.

Budget Solo Traveler

The lowest cost for one person to visit Seoul for a week is $936-$2,052 ($134-$293 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $16 to $32 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Lodging : $39 to $47 per night for one 1-star hotel room

or $21 to $41 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Budget Couple’s Trip

The lowest cost for a couple to visit Seoul for a week is $1,746-$3,822 ($249-$546 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $32 to $64 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Budget Family Vacation

The lowest cost for 4 people to visit Seoul for a week is $3,414-$7,644 ($488-$1,092 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $64 to $128 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Lodging : $78 to $94 per night for two 1-star hotel rooms

or $29 to $62 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Overall it is very possible to travel to Seoul cheaply.

The Cost of a Luxury Seoul Trip

There is no true ceiling on the cost of a luxury trip, so our estimates are based on what most people do in Seoul.

Luxury Solo Traveler

The high-end price for one person to visit Seoul for a week is $3,010-$8,102 ($430-$1,157 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $67 to $158 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,989 to $3,324 for first class

Lodging : $92 to $201 per night for one 4 or 5-star hotel room

or $340 to $612 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Luxury Couple’s Trip

The high-end price for a couple to visit Seoul for a week is $5,468-$12,532 ($781-$1,790 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $134 to $316 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $3,978 to $6,648 for first class

Luxury Family Vacation

The high-end price for 4 people to visit Seoul for a week is $10,936-$22,862 ($1,562-$3,266 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $268 to $632 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $7,956 to $13,296 for first class

Lodging : $184 to $402 per night for two 4 or 5-star hotel rooms

or $476 to $857 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Seoul Hotel Prices

The cost of staying in Seoul is slightly lower than the average city. On average hotels are less expensive than vacation rentals. Luxury vacation rentals are more expensive in Seoul due to very high property costs. The graphs below show how much cost can vary depending on the type of experience you’re looking for.

Seoul Lodging Cost by Star Status

The average price for the class of hotel is on the (y) axis. The hotel class (out of 5 stars) is on the (x) axis.

Prices are based on Seoul hotel averages and may not reflect current prices. In some cases, we extrapolate prices to estimate costs, and hotels with your desired star rating may not be available.

Vacation Rental Prices

The percent of vacation rentals in the price range is on the left (y) axis. Price range is on the bottom (x) axis.

There are a healthy amount of vacation rentals serving all budgets in Seoul.

Flight Costs to Seoul

Averaging flights around the world, prices go from a high of $1,841 average in late July to a low of $1,307 in late October to early November. Median flight price is $1,309. These prices are based on millions of flights. For Seoul our data includes 138 originating airports, and 74 airlines. The area has average variance in price compared with other locations. Flying to Seoul from an airport like Henry E. Rohlsen ( STX ) in Christiansted, VI (the United States) for an average $9,536 trip fare will obviously cost a lot more than from an airport like Taegu International ( TAE ) in Taegu (South Korea) at an average of just $88.

Average Flight Cost by Season

Average flight cost by day of week.

The cheapest day to fly in is typically Wednesday, and the cheapest day to fly back is usually Wednesday. Click here to see data for the cost of flights from your airport. In Seoul, the difference between the cheapest and the most expensive week is about $535, so you can easily save about 41% simply by using our free flight guides and booking in advance.

Daily Expenses Budget

Daily vacation expenses vary more based on what you’re interested in doing. A fine dining restaurant with drinks around Seoul can easily cost $240 per person or more, while a standard nice meal might be about $16 per person. Private tours can cost $481 per day, but self-guided tours to see the outdoor sights can be free. Costs vary wildly, so recommendations are made based on the cost of living and averages we see for this type of vacation.

Other Seoul Guides

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  • How to Plan a Trip to South Korea in 2024/2025

South Korea is a popular destination for many travelers, especially for families with teenagers and couples. Besides its history, nature, and modernity, South Korea offers unique and lively experiences, such as K-pop, the hanbok, Hanok hotels, bibimbap, and more, which continue to draw travelers from all over the world.

In this article, we'll explain everything you need to know to plan a wonderful trip to South Korea, including the top places to visit, how long you should spend there, the best times to visit, and the costs.

  • 1. Do I Need a Visa to Visit South Korea
  • 2. Top 4 Places to Visit in South Korea
  • 3. Best Times to Visit South Korea
  • 4. How Many Days to Spend in South Korea
  • 5. How Much Does a Trip to South Korea Cost
  • 6. How to Get To and Around South Korea

Do I Need a Visa to Visit South Korea?

Nationals of many countries are exempt from needing a visa to enter South Korea, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Most travelers could stay in South Korea without a visa for 90 days.

Top 4 Places to Visit in South Korea

With so many wonderful destinations in South Korea, we know it could be difficult to narrow down where to visit. Below are some recommended places to visit for your first trip, based on our knowledge and feedback from our clients.

1) Seoul — Capital City with a Perfect Blend of History and Modernity

As the bustling capital city of South Korea, Seoul is a must-see city when planning a first trip to South Korea. It offers plenty of experiences that would enrich your trip.

If you want to explore history-filled attractions to deepen your understanding of South Korea, don't miss a visit to one of the oldest royal palaces, Gyeongbokgung, and the quiet Korean traditional village of Bukchon Hanok.

Beyond the representative attractions, you could also wear a traditional hanbok and stay in Korean-style accommodation to enrich your trip.

If your children are interested in K-pop, you could see the idols at the famous broadcasting buildings and visit the renowned Korean Wave music companies.

2) Busan — Bustling Seaside City

Busan is a charming seaside city known for its glistening beaches. You could enjoy the comfortable sea breeze and feed seagulls at Haeundae Beach and sample fresh seafood.

As well as beautiful sea views, Busan has many culture-rich attractions. Visit Korean Buddhist temples with stunning sea views, such as Haedong Yonggung Temple, and enjoy the unique art of Gamcheon Culture Village with its multicolored houses.

You can just tell us your preferences and requirements, and we will customize a tour for you.

3) Gyeongju — Ancient Capital with a Long History

Gyeongju, the ancient and medieval capital of South Korea , has a rich history that spans thousands of years and has well-preserved ancient buildings. There, you could explore some UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Bulguksa Temple, which has stood for over a millennium, and Yangdong Folk Village, which is home to the largest hanok village in Korea with Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897) buildings.

4) Jeju Island — Formed by Volcanic Activity and Suitable for Relaxation

Known all over the country for its picturesque natural views, Jeju Island is one of the most popular destinations for travelers to escape from the country's larger cities and relax for a few days.

Jeju Island was formed by volcanic activity, resulting in various natural landscapes, such as the Manjanggul lava tube, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

You could enjoy exciting sea outdoor sports, such as surfing, deep diving, and snorkeling. Additionally, you could relax by basking in the wonderful sunrise or sunset on the sandy beaches.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Best Times to Visit South Korea

South Korea has four distinct seasons and it's suitable to visit all year round.

The best times to travel to South Korea are in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) , when you could enjoy pleasant weather, clearer days, and the best scenery. In spring, you could admire the blooming cherry blossoms and in autumn, you could view the vibrant red foliage.

Summer (June to August) is hot and humid in South Korea, and it is the rainy season as well. But it does not rain every day and you could still enjoy a flexibly planned trip. Compared with July and August (the summer vacation months), June is cooler and less crowded, which makes it a better time for families to visit South Korea.

Winter (December to February) is cold and dry in South Korea, making it a good time to bathe in the hot springs. Christmas and New Year are two of the busiest periods to travel so we suggest that you plan ahead at least 3–6 months in advance as hotels are easily booked up.

Just contact us  if you are thinking of a trip to South Korea. We'd like to create a wonderful trip based on your needs and interests, whatever the weather.

How Many Days to Spend in South Korea

For a first trip to South Korea, we recommend a 10-day trip to explore the highlights in the top cities from north to south covering Seoul, Busan, Gyeongju, and Jeju Island.

Below are three well-selected South Korea itineraries ideal for vacations of three popular lengths (7, 10, and 14 days), each offering authentic activities to enrich your trip.

1) 7-Day Essence Itinerary: Explore Seoul and Busan

Here is the handpicked itinerary, for inspiration:

  • Days 1–4: Seoul
  • Days 5–7: Busan

7 days are enough to explore South Korea's top two cities of Seoul and Busan. You could wear a traditional hanbok to stroll around culturally-rich Bukchon Hanok Village and stay at a traditional Hanok hotel in Seoul, take a day trip to explore well-preserved UNESCO sites in Gyeongju, and relax with the sea breeze in Busan.

2) 10-Day Classic Itinerary: the Most Chosen Korea Tour Plan

  • Days 1–3: Seoul
  • Days 4–5: Gyeongju
  • Days 6–7: Busan
  • Days 8–9: Jeju Island
  • Day 10: Departure

This 10-day itinerary is based on the 7-day itinerary with the addition of Jeju Island. It's perfect for first-timers to explore the best of South Korea without rushing and to enjoy its natural beauty.

On Jeju Island, you could explore unique volcanic landscapes, enjoy sunrise or sunset on a sandy beach, and enjoy some free time doing outdoor activities such as snorkeling and surfing.

3) 14-Day South Korea and Japan Itinerary

14 days is ideal for a trip to both South Korea and the neighboring country of Japan, spending 1 week in each country. Not only could you immerse yourself in Korean culture, but also you could experience kid-favored anime elements, stay at a ryokan with an onsen, and watch a geisha performance in Japan.

  • Days 4–5: Busan
  • Day 6: Fly to Osaka in Japan
  • Days 7–9: Kyoto
  • Days 10–11: Hakone
  • Days 12–14: Tokyo

Week 1 in South Korea: Seoul–Busan

Start your wonderful trip in South Korea. Experience traditional activities in Seoul, such as trying on a hanbok to meander around Bukchon Hanok Village, and relax on a sandy beach and feed some seagulls in Busan.

Week 2 in Japan: Osaka–Kyoto–Hakone–Tokyo

Fly to Osaka to continue your trip in Japan. In the impressive medieval capital of Kyoto , you could dress up like a ninja to learn techniques from a ninja master, wear a kimono to visit the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, and feed friendly deer in Nara.

Take the Shinkansen to Hakone , the well-known home to hot springs, and stay at a Japanese-style ryokan with an onsen.

In Tokyo, the capital city perfectly combines history and modernity. You could meander around the Asakusa district with its Edo-era vibe, make sushi with an experienced chef, and buy your favorite anime products at Pokémon Center.

Check more details about plan a 12-Day or 2 Week Itinerary in South Korea and Japan.

How Much Does a Trip to South Korea Cost?

The private tour cost in South Korea is about US$400–500 per day per person based on a family of 3–5 people , including 4-star hotels, a full-day itinerary, tickets for attractions, private cars, and private guides.

Travel costs are typically one or two times higher in peak times such as the cherry blossom season in March to April, Christmas, and New Year. Therefore, we recommend that you plan your trip at least 3–6 months in advance.

How to Get To and Around South Korea

Most flights from international starting points, such as North America, Europe, and Australia, land at Incheon International Airport in Seoul or Gimhae International Airport in Busan . These airports are conveniently close to their corresponding cities and are international hubs for some of South Korea's leading airlines.

Most cities in South Korea are conveniently connected by the KTX (South Korea's high-speed railway) , which is the most comfortable and efficient way of traveling. For instance, the journey from Seoul to Busan takes approximately 2½ hours.

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trip to south korea cost

It was a whirlwind across a number of cities, but a very comprehensive experience across the many sides and cultures of China. Most days had sufficient activities, but weren’t overwhelming, which was great.Across cities, we had excellent tour guides, like Kitty (Beijing), Jenny (Xian), William (Guilin/Yangshuo), Kris (Shanghai), and Tony (Yellow Mountains.)

trip to south korea cost

From the time we landed in Beijing until we left, we were well taken care of. My wife and I had Lily Liu as our guide and she was amazing. From arranging visits to all the different sights, to teaching us the history, it was fantastic.

The tour was excellent. Selinda was very knowledgeable about all the aspects of our tour. Selinda was very interesting and knew so much Chinese history

We made a private tour through South China in January 2024. Altogether Chengdu was the highlight. We had an incredible day at Emeishan. In Chengdu our guidewas Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.

Other highlights are too many to mention but here are a few Ken taking us to the Terracotta Warriors and our food tour in Xian was amazing,

Our day volunteering at the Panda Base was truly unforgettable. Helen, our guide, provided us with invaluable insights about Chengdu and the pandas, enriching our tour with her knowledge and expertise. We're grateful to Helen for accompanying us throughout the day and showcasing the highlights of China.

We had a booking with China Highlights through Silvia Ye who guarenteed a perfect organisation. In Chengdu our guide was Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.

We traveled to China during the Chinese new year and we had Kris as our guide and he is simply knowledgeable,helpful and great.

We visited Guilin for 2 days and stayed in the Guilin Waterfall hotel. Guilin was absolutely beautiful! Our guide, William, was very knowledgeable and kind! He taught us so much about Guilin and the surrounding area! We really enjoyed trying the specialty rice noodles of Guilin. Our highlight was the Li river cruise.

Amazing tour and the guide Mr. 贺霄 was very accommodating with our needs and request as we have bought our 2 years old with us. Well explained for all the place we visited. Any additional cost were informed well ahead and didn't felt any pressure if we opt not to go for additional detour. The trip was relaxing/ laid back/no rushing with zero shopping!

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trip to south korea cost

Find cheap flights to South Korea from $368

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from the united states to south korea departing on 7/29. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to south korea.

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Good to know

Faqs - booking south korea flights, which nearby cities are accessible to visitors arriving at the gimpo international airport (gmp) in south korea.

Travelers are able to explore a few additional sites close to GMP Airport. You can take a taxi, hire a car, or take public transit from the GMP Airport to the adjacent cities of Bucheon, Gwangmyeong, Goyang, and Incheon. Each of the aforementioned cities' central business districts are fewer than 19 miles from GMP.

If I want to be close to sporting events in South Korea, which airport should I use as my arrival point?

When visiting South Korea, American sports enthusiasts should think about flying into Gimhae International Airport (PUS). Busan Asiad Main Stadium, Gudeok Stadium, and Sajik Baseball Stadium are stadiums close to PUS that hosts international and domestic sporting events, particularly on weekends.

Are there any specific services or rules for bringing pets on the flight to KR0 from USO?

Yes. When traveling to South Korea on the USO-KR0 route, passengers do not need to worry about the security of their dogs. The majority of US airports, like Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and JFK, that provide USA-South Korea flights permit visitors to enter the airport with their pets.

Which airport in the northwest of the United States has the most visitors going to South Korea?

The majority of Americans traveling from the country's northwest to South Korea prefer to fly through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Unfortunately, there are currently no direct flights connecting SEA with KR0. Passengers can only take indirect flights.

Are there nonstop flights to South Korea?

There are several nonstop flights to South Korea from US cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, Honolulu, Chicago, New York and other major cities, but only if you’re traveling to Seoul. Flying to other areas in Korea from the US will involve at least one stop, with common layover points including Seoul, Taipei and Hong Kong.

Is a visa necessary to visit South Korea?

United States citizens can visit South Korea for up to 90 days without a visa; however, you must present a passport that’s valid for the entire duration of your stay when you arrive in South Korea.

Where should I fly into South Korea to be convenient to Japan?

If you’ll be traveling on to Japan after spending time in South Korea, flying to Busan will set you up for a convenient onward flight. Busan is located on the southern coast of South Korea and is located only 519 mi away from Japan. Flights between Busan and Fukuoka are generally less than 1h long and operate via Air Busan, Korean Air and Jeju Air.

Which Seoul airport should I fly into?

There are two large airports in Seoul: Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) and Gimpo Airport (GMP). Incheon is a little further away from Seoul than Gimpo, but you’re unlikely to find a flight from the United States that arrives in Gimpo, often making it the only choice unless you’re making a stop between the US and South Korea.

How long is the flight to South Korea?

An average nonstop flight from the United States to South Korea takes 17h 37m, covering a distance of 6471 miles. The most popular route is Los Angeles - Incheon with an average flight time of 12h 55m.

What is the cheapest flight to South Korea?

The cheapest ticket to South Korea from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $481 one-way, and $661 round-trip. The most popular route is Los Angeles to Incheon Intl and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $661.

Which airlines fly to South Korea?

Korean Air, Delta & Asiana Airlines fly the most frequently from the United States to South Korea.

What are the most popular destinations in South Korea?

The next most popular destinations are Busan (1%) and Daegu (0.3%). Searches for flights to Jeju City (0.2%), to Cheongju (0.1%) and to Ulsan (0.0%) are also popular.

How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

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Top tips for finding cheap flights to South Korea

  • Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest South Korea flight deals.
  • The majority of Americans who visit South Korea choose to fly through John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). This airport is well-liked since it serves as a hub for so many reputable airlines that fly internationally from the United States. Due to pricing competition, travelers departing from this airport for South Korea are likely to receive ticket discounts.
  • If your flight from the US is planned to land in South Korea at night and you're taking the Incheon International Airport (ICN) from the JFK route, you might want to think about reserving a hotel next to the ICN Airport. Choosing the Incheon Airport Transit Hotel, located at Terminal 1, is one of the best considerations. This airport provides a complimentary shuttle service to and from ICN Airport.
  • The best option for US parents who want to take their kids on holiday to South Korea is likely to be a flight on Korean Air 86, Asiana 221, or Korean Air 82 through JFK to ICN. Non-stop flights from the USA to South Korea are available year-round from this airport. There is a lower likelihood that your children will be exhausted before landing in South Korea from the USA thanks to the availability of direct flights, which make it possible for travelers to get there in the minimum period of time.
  • The best spot for travelers to unwind while waiting for a flight to their intended destinations is in airport lounges. The majority of low-cost American passengers who want to unwind in an airport lounge on their way to South Korea opt to depart through Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). Travelers on a tight budget can comfortably relax at Delta Sky Club at the SLC Airport, which provides first-rate amenities at a competitive price.
  • Passengers suffering from mobility challenges need to think about departing from JFK Airport and landing at Jeju International Airport (CJU) when going to South Korea. Visitors with particular requirements and mobility issues can request free aid with their bags, medical support, plus wheelchair transfer from a cab to an aircraft at JFK and CJU Airports.
  • When you’re booking your flight to South Korea from the US, there are a few different cities you can fly into. Seoul and Busan are the biggest cities in South Korea, making them popular choices to fly into. Flying into Seoul will give you better access to northern South Korea and Busan will give you better access to southern South Korea.
  • While some hotels in South Korea may accept US Dollars, you can often get a better rate by using the country’s local currency: The South Korean Won. Visa and Mastercard are accepted by most businesses, though it can be handy to have some cash on hand for street vendors and other instances where cards aren’t readily accepted.
  • For travelers looking to visit the border with North Korea, you’ll benefit by flying into Seoul. Most of the international flight traffic from South Korea to the United States comes through Seoul and flying there puts you in close proximity to the DMZ. From Seoul you can take the designated DMZ Peace Train straight to the Demilitarized Zone.
  • If you’re looking to fly into a city where you can have equal access to the rest of South Korea, it can be handy to fly into Daegu. Not only is Daegu a popular destination and a major South Korean city, it is located conveniently towards the center of the country.
  • Jeju Island is one of South Korea’s most popular tourist destinations outside of the major cities, and there are a few different ways to get there. You can take a flight to Jeju from the US, with a likely layover in Taipei or Seoul, or you can fly to Busan and take a ferry the rest of the way.

Top 5 airlines flying to South Korea

Korean Air had great service and the Bibimbap dish was the best airplane food I’ve ever had. It was a long flight so in between the two meals they served customers could get Shin ramen. The flight attendants let my children use a pair of nice headphones for the flight and had earbuds and slippers for all the adults. The flight was long but the time passed by relatively quickly because they have many great shows in their entertainment TV. I watched the BTS Love Yourself and Speak Yourself concerts 💜

Stewardess are nice. Food could have been better and should have a better dessert. They do not offer scotch or beer. You have to ask for it. I also was not happy that you do not serve ginger ale and or cranberry juice. This is my first time that an international flight do not have this. I go home overseas every year and when I travel through ANA, Delta, Qatar, JAL, Asiana Air, United Air. they all serve this two very famous drink. You do not have a great snack tray.

You did not put me on a Korean Air flight! so I do not have nothing to say

Wonderful cabin crew!!!!! Food was poor, in flight entertainment was just ok. They need to serve more water on a 15 hour flight--we were dehydrated and kept asking for water.

Going through security a second time to get on the next Korean Air flight was utterly ridiculous and unnecessary. We were in a International secure area.

Always fly with Korean Airlines. Best service great food. Nice and clean as always.

Crew was awesome, absolutely the best, Food was excellent also. Movie selection was mostly modern duds. However, I love Korean Airlines

The website is difficult if you don't have an account and sign in as a guest. Seat selection/change is only allowed after they send you an email which I would never received. Otherwise, the Korean Air flight crew was great. Just go to back of plane for snacks and drinks. They provide pillow, blanket and headphones. Movie selection wasn't great imo.

Food was just ok, not as tasty as in other airlines. The temperature in the aircraft was a bit warm so it was not comfortable for me and my husband.

I was handled by some very rude CSA's in DFW. I was forced to check my carry-on as I was flying economy. You are now allowed only 10 kg total on all carry-on items. As my carry-on was 10 kg, and my backpack was 2 kg, I was made to check my luggage. I find this procedure unfair, as many other passengers in economy CLEARLY had more than 10 kgs. If KA insists this is their policy, then it should be enforced uniformly for everyone. TO INCLUDE Business and First Class. They are allowed 18 kg now. From my perspective....absolutely ridiculous. This was the first time in over 35 years I have been made to check my carry-on. I am EXTREMELY disappointed 😞

Flight attendants rude, they disappear for almost 3 hours not doing rounds to see what people needed. The laboratories were full of empty water cups, because they never come back to collect them.

Flew on an Airbus 350-900. Excellent aircraft properly cleaned and serviced. Flight crew was excellent plane departed and arrived on time. The A350 has excellent air circulation far better than the 777. I would recommend Asiana to anyone looking to fly in a clean comfortable environment. This is my second round trip flight from New York to Bangkok via Asiana and I will book Asiana again!

I could not choose my seat prior to check in

I had the most wonderful experience from CEB bag drop through deplaning. The staff, the aircraft, food, and cabin crew were all amazing. I want to give a kudos to Marky from Mactan Cebu's Asiana airport staff for his exceptional customer service and assistance.

JetBlue's check-in was great, but there was an in-flight attendant who was very rude and unkind. I didn't realize that the bathrooms were already locked 30 mins prior to landing and needed to use the restroom. Instead of politely asking me to return, she rudely told me, 'NO, bathrooms are locked! Go back to your seat!' The JetBlue flight was more than an hour delay, which made me almost miss my connecting flight with Asiana. I understand the reasoning, but the action they took to get a hold of maintenance was time consuming. It took them more than 30 mins to get a hold of maintenance and for maintenance to get started. The Asiana flight and crew were wonderful, in general. They waited for us who were delayed from the previous flight before they took off and were very kind to take my checked baggage's info. Seats were a little uncomfortable for such long flight, but service and flight attendants were great! However, my 3 checked baggages are missing! They're lost somewhere in the transition. I'm writing this review 3 days after my arrival to the Philippines, and my 3 checked baggages, where my wedding dress is, are all still missing! I and the CEB airport crew have sent multiple emails to both JetBlue and Asiana, and neither has responded to any of our emails. Although, I was able to get in contact with JetBlue's Interline Department who confirmed that the bags were turned over to Asiana without confirmation details.

The full flat bed was not that comfortable, hard and lumpy., too much space wasted with those bulky walls and divisions instead of making the bed 3-4 inches wider. The compartment where you put your feet is like a shoebox, poor design. Toilets of A350 are just too small, sink is too small

Aside from a LOT of turbulence the flight was perfect! The flight crew was superb and the food was delicious!

The seats (legroom) are tight and chairs cushion is stiff (not comfortable). The crew was courteous, professional and friendly. There was no food / snack for this flight (very short flight, but still would be nice to provide some snack for the enjoyment).

FA were very great, plane was A350 new and clean

The crew attended to my needs and the foods served are delivious.

This form doesn’t work. Can’t type in, had to copy-paste. The crew constantly telling everyone about minor things is unnecessary. Did you put the belt on, push your bag more under the seat… The seat space was good for tall people, the food was decent for airplane.

Roomy seats for the given price! I couldn’t ask more!

Great airline, but there was no English entertainment (movies or shows)

Check-in was an absolute disaster, taking more than an hour and half because they offered no online check-in and Kiosks were not available to use. In-flight entertainment was exclusively Korean media with a selection of only 5 or 6 movies to choose from. Korean television shows were also available. The food was lackluster. My chicken and tomatoes had 3 small pieces of chicken next to a mountain of soggy wedge potato fries. The seats were more comfortable than other airlines I’ve flown with and the staff aboard was extremely pleasant and helpful.

One of our luggage items was damaged during our flight to Newark from Incheon. Although our email communication was not responded to, when discussing the matter with the staff at the Newark checkin before our return flight to Incheon, we were provided with a free replacement luggage item. This customer service was, overall, very satisfactory.

I would have enjoyed some hot tea, preferably green tea, but they only serve hot coffee.

10 Hours delay on departure of the return flight and in-flight Wi-Fi was not available entire flying time all that caused monetary loss to my business.

Some favorite food ran out of service and I have to eat what was left available. Also I had to drink cold red wind! Why could not have been kept in room temperature?

It was a good flight, with great crew and service. I will definitely fly with them again. Excellent experience and very friendly. Excellent value.

Crew members are very friendly. Airplane is very clean and organized. Nothing can be better then now•• Thanks Air Premia

Had to run to make it only to have the flight delayed to wait for all the late connectors Second drink service skipped up

Boarding was a sh!t show. JFK BOARDING was awful. The agent called three sections at a time Clogging the area then yelling at people to not block the walk way. How are you going to call delta one , premium select and comfort plus at once and the yell at highest paying passengers. Need to do a lot better and the flight attendants in the galley need to understand that their voices travel. They were talking about others and everyone in the cabin heard them

Uncomfortable seats on 14 hour flight. Mediocre food. On time and great crew.

Please see my lengthy description on MSP to Atlanta survey. Tailbone is killing me from old hard seats. Seat would not recline and were not near exit row. Entertainment did not work properly and couldn’t use. No audio and touch screen failed. 3 plus hours of discomfort in narrower seats than previous flight not in comfort plus. Very dissatisfied and deserve comfort plus charges refunds, at the very least, for both my wife and I. The plane needs to be retired. Please feel free to contact me directly for further details.

MSP to Atlanta was much better than Atlanta to St. Kitts. Paid $180 each for myself and wife for Delta comfort from Atlanta to St. Kitts. Seats were more narrow and obviously old and worn out. Tailbone is killing me. Seat would not recline. Seats behind reclined and we were not an exit row or in front of an exit row. Entertainment did not work in that the movie jumped forward and back and there was no audio. The plug in the arm rest was loose. Flight attendant tried “resetting” the video for my seat but no good. She never checked back. Someone else near me had the same issue. Touch screen was unresponsive. No where near as comfortable as MSP to Atlanta flight. 3 plus hrs. flight time without the basic amenities and not even remotely close to comfortable but paid for Comfort plus. I will be very disappointed if I have the same on my return “Comfort Plus” flight St. Kitts to Atlanta. At the very least my wife and I should be refunded for round trip “Comfort Plus” charges. Please feel free to contact me directly for more details.

public website still broken for years randomly blocking browsers with privacy options active after loading a page maybe once. check-in on laptop was almost impossible but eventually randomly worked. had to print pass at airport since couldn't get back in to load digital pass on mobile firefox or chrome. red eye flight so smooth onboarding, plenty of room to spread out, easy offboarding. onboard wifi instructions mention vpn can cause problems connecting but fails to also mention private dns. no printed or built in menu list, seems weird to require personal device to point at qr code link for menu which does not even allow direct ordering. people with health condition risk related dietary restrictions trying to avoid for example cholesterol and sugar are left guessing what they can order either way without nutritional info highlights (cranberry juice was minute maid cocktail with as much suger as typical can of soda). tap to pay wasn't working and always seems sketchy to manually enter card info. good movie variety, so limited tv was okay.

It wasn't really their fault it was the horrible winds and we just got unlucky.

Great experience overall. Check in at Austin was congested as they only have about 6 check in kiosks, one was broken, and there was a lot of Spring Break travelers.

The main person that was coordinating everything was a short white/light skin Spanish man and he was very rude. It honestly made me feel like it was everyone’s First day at work. His announcements were very not reasonable and they did not make sense. The stewardess on the flight that made the announcements she didn’t even know what she was talking about she sounded inebriated. There were no snacks or drinks on our flight there wasn’t even much turbulence. This flight was not enjoyable nor was it what a Delta flight should be and just this past week I flew with Delta 3 times.

The landing was bad and the hostess came two times and i was sleeping but when she served the person that nexts to me I woke up and she didn’t even asked me if I need any drink or snacks two times!!!!

Food choice is limited, entertainment better than average, seat leg room terrible

Horrible. Flight was delayed and very bumpy. I was super unhappy

While I received notice that AA 478 was delayed, the flight departed PHX and arrived PHL more than two hours late. The first class cabin service was mediocre; there were no pre-departure beverages offered; there were no warm mixed nuts served with cocktails; there was no personal greeting to me as an Executive Platinum member by the first class flight attendant. While the flight operated safely, its arrival at 0219 in the morning in PHL ended a very long day. I do not feel that American provided first class service.

Don't often sit in 1st class. Our experience was great.

No meal on a cross country flight? SFO-MiA is pretty much the definition of a coast to coast flight. No meal provided. Sky high wi-fi rates too. Stop nickel and diming your customers.

The 2 hour delay was frustrating but our crew did a great job getting us out quickly and keeping communication especially with the people who had connecting flights

Got a much appreciated surprise upgrade to an exit row and the crew was very friendly and helpful.

The only problem experienced was a ground stop in Chicago due to weather. But the crew handled everything professionally. They prioritized rebooking those passengers who had connecting flights and then deplaning the other passengers. When the hold was lifted, they efficiently re-boarded all the passengers so that we could depart before our departure limit expired.

The staff was unprofessional and didn’t communicate very well. The boarding process was very disheveled, potentially due to a power outage the previous day but there was no contingency plan to properly get passengers boarded the following day. Once boarded the aircraft stayed on the tarmac for over 45 minutes due to high winds. The communication was sporadic but an announcement was finally made an additional 30 minutes later that the flight was cancelled but we couldn’t get off the plane. Prior to deplaning one of the gate agents came on the plane and made an announcement for everyone to pickup their checked bags and take a card to rebook a new reservation because they didn’t have adequate staff. Flights were missed, passengers went to different airports and there was little to no assistance from AA.

Boarding time was easy & quick. Crew was excellent. In-flight entertainment was great/easy. Seats are too small and not enough room between rows: felt like a sardine/very cramped.

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The Best 10-Day South Korea Itinerary: Budget and how to plan

If you’re looking for a travel destination that offers a rich cultural experience and a glimpse into history, South Korea is the perfect choice. Despite its small size, this country is packed with diverse attractions and a unique charm that will captivate any traveler.

Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient palaces, indulging in delicious street food, or immersing yourself in the vibrant K-pop culture, South Korea has something for everyone. With this ultimate 10-day South Korea itinerary , you’ll be able to make the most of your time in this fascinating country.

South Korea will give you the perfect opportunity to create a storming itinerary to explore the bustling cities quiet mountains and countryside. South Korea has a synchronized harmony of traditional culture and modern history.

Tourists can enjoy the cultural heritage through the UNESCO sites and can enjoy the variety of food, local culture, and lifestyles. Along with Korea’s Buddhist temples, and UNESCO sites you will find beautiful mountains, hiking trails, and port cities will let you experience the full range of diversity in the country.

Planning a Trip to Korea Preparations

Though you cannot plan to see all there is in 10 days you surely can have the most rejuvenating experience. Planning a trip to Korean districts and there are many cultural sites. Before flying to Korea, it will require that you have ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) for Korea.

You can apply online on their website and when granted you will be eligible to live in the country for 30 to 90 days. You will also require a valid passport, accommodation, and permit if you were to travel across the country. The required travel duration for most travelers are 10 to 15 days. And it is always recommended to get started on your preparation one or two months ahead.

Documents Required for Visiting South Korea:

  • Valid Passport & Visa
  • K-ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) For citizens of Selected Countries
  • Cash for Currency Exchange

To have a hassle-free trip to South Korea there are few more things you can do to prepare. Few of them are using a language translator app, using specialized local maps, downloading cab app, and getting cashless money transfer systems. Here are the top apps for planning South Korea itinerary 10-days you can use to make your journey easy.

10-Day South Korea Itinerary: Provinces, Day to Day

You must start your visit from the capital of South Korea, Seou l and you will get to learn the royal history, Korean cuisine. Then on 3rd Day, you can travel to Suwon to watch the folk village and enjoy the folk village view. Then continue your journey to the South and move to Andong where you will find the beautiful Hahoe folk village, and you should visit the Soju Museum, Bongjeongsa Temple.

After spending a few days in Andong, it’s time to visit the cultural and Spiritual heart of Korea, Gyeongju. Visit the attractions like Tumuli Park, Bulguksa Temple, and more. Then for the last days of your trip, you will travel to the bustling fishy port city of Busan where you can roam around the fish markets and taste heavenly fish or go on a fish-catching trip. With this itinerary, you will be able to see the most remarkable culture and attractions of Korea.

Seoul: 2 Days

Namsan-Tower

Seoul offering a modern yet traditional lifestyle should be the first place in your south Korea itinerary for 10-days.  The Seoul trip for two days will be your first step in familiarizing yourself with the city’s cultural, historical, and traditional sides. Take the first day slow and visit the royal palaces and UNESCO sites. You can start your trip with Gyeongbokgung Palace, and then continue to visit Cheonggyecheon Stream, Gwangju Traditional Market, and Insadong Shopping Street.

Gyeongbokgung is one of the most popular and oldest palaces in Seoul . This served as the main official palace during the Joseon dynasty. The entrance fee to the palace is $2.50 and you can also rent hanboks if you want great pictures in the traditional dresses. After the tour head over to the Cheonggyecheon Stream where you can enjoy a nice walk and enjoy the art murals, greenery, and scenic beauty.

Make your way to Gwangju Market, where you will be enjoying a whole array of foods. Some of the famous foods there as one of the oldest markets in Seoul are bindaetteok, mandu-guk, and bibimbap. From there you can go to visit the traditional Bunchon Hanok village.

For Day 2 in Seoul , start your day with a delicious breakfast in Hongdae. Hongdae is a vibrant area where young people hang out and Hongdae shopping street is also a great area to hang out. From there you can go to museums of the city and during the sunset hike up the N Seoul tower where you will enjoy the beautiful city’s nighttime landscape view. You can also have an amazing dinner on the restaurants of N Seoul tower.

Day 3: Trip to DMZ

The DMZ tour from Seoul takes a whole day. You must keep aside a one-full day for this historic area. You can only have guided tours of the DMZ area. The Demilitarized Zone portrays the rich history of the Korean Wars. The DMZ tour packages are available from $25. Visit the freedom bridge, DMZ exhibition hall, and other monuments. You will get a brief recap of the historical moments throughout the trip to DMZ.

Day 4 & Day 5: 2 Days in Andong

By Korean standards, it’s a long journey between Seoul and Gyeongju . For this itinerary, there’s no better place to break up the trip than Andong. Long known for its traditionalism, Andong is a center of culture and folklore. It’s one of the best places to visit in South Korea for a glimpse of its ancient past.

For Day 1: Explore the impressive grounds of the historic Neo-Confucian Academy with a trip to the historic Dosan Seowon and for Day 2: Admire a stunning view of the surrounding natural landscapes from the top of the Buyongdae Observatory.

Also, the Woryeonggyo Bridge, a wooden footbridge crossing the Nakdong River, provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and is a popular spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

Day 6: 1 Day in Gyeongju

No place during your 10 days in South Korea will live up to expectation better than Gyeongju. This fascinating city is nothing short of the cultural and spiritual heart of Korea. Gyeongju checks off all the boxes that drove you to visit South Korea in the first place.

Compared to the hubbub of Seoul and brash Busan, Gyeongju is a relaxing respite. And it’s as fulfilling as either. The top attractions in Gyeongju are spread far & wide. They encompass some of Korea’s finest cultural moments. Tumuli Park is one of the few Gyeongju tourist attractions smack dabs in the middle of town. The park is an ancient burial site. About two dozen Korean royal tombs sprout from the earth here.

Day 7 & Day 8: 2 Days in Jeju Do

Jeju is South Korea’s one of the most vibrant islands to experience beautiful braces, local markets, and more. On the first day arriving in Jeju, you can visit the Jeju Folklore and Natural Music and Halla Arboretum. And you can then visit the Jeju five-day folk market and Dongmun Traditional Market.

The next day you can catch the sunrise at Hallasan or at Sarabong Peak early in the morning. Then you can go visit the Hamdeok beach and Manjangul cave. There are a lot of places to explore in the south of Jeju-do and you will have a refreshing experience while travelling here.

Day 9: Busan

Busan is one of those take-it-or-leave-it places. Apparently, suggests that anyone should fall in love with, or even like, this brash Korean port city. And that’s usually where the story ends. When you are in Busan, don’t leave out the bustling J agalchi Fish Market.

It’s one of the city’s top cultural attractions, and an absolute must-see and must-do. This is not just the port city’s most significant market; it’s the biggest fish market in South Korea. All types of seafood caught around the Korean peninsula find their way to the market stalls of Jagalchi Fish Market .

With your trip coming to close soon, make time to fit one more temple into your Korea itinerary : Beomeosa Temple. This ancient temple is Busan’s top tourist attraction. The original temple was founded in AD 678 by Ui Sang, a monk in the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It has since been rebuilt multiple times. Most of the current buildings hail from the 16th and 17th centuries.

From stone pagodas to ornate wooden gates, the beauty of the city entrances you. The temple also benefits from a spectacular location. It sits at the foot of Mount Geumjeongsan. Visiting Beomeosa Temple, it’s easy to forget you’re in Korea’s second-biggest city.

Day 10: Departure

On Day 10 return to Seoul, and get your things packed. On the last day you can visit some famous places in Seoul or have a last traditional meal of Korean cuisine. You will have a lot of memories and an experience of Korean culture by the time you live.

Most Popular Tourist Attractions in South Korea

There are a lot of beautiful places across South Korea where you can experience a diversity of landscapes, culture and food. Taking a trip to South Korea is a phenomenal way to experience the joys of life. Here are the top few tourist attractions and landmarks of South Korea that any first-time traveler must cover.

DMZ is a zone between South Korea and North Korea near the 38th parallel north. And the demilitarized zone is a walk through the history for tourists where you can understand the value of the war history of the country. This area works as a buffer zone between two countries and is a place for maintaining political peace.

Changdeokgung Palace:

One of the most popular UNESCO sites in Seoul is the Changdeokgung Palace. Changdeokng Palace is an official residential building built in the Joseon dynasty. This complex was built as a secondary palace from Gyeongbokgung Palace to have the administrative work done.

Gyeongbokgung Palace:

The Gyeongbokgung palace is a South Korean first palaces for administrative work. It was built in 1935 in Hanyang, currently the heart of Seoul. This is quite famous for taking pictures in hanbok, traditional korean dress and visiting the historical settings, and artefacts. At the entrance, you will also find the historical Gwanghwamun gate located at the three-way intersection.

Hwaseong Fortress:

Hwaseong fortress is a one-of-a-kind brick and pilestone fortress made in Joseon dynasty. It’s located in the centre of Suwon, a few kms away from Seoul. It was built by King Jeongjo to honour his father, Prince Sado.

Namsan Tower:

Namsan tower located in Seoul is an observatory tower on the highest hill in Yongsan-gu district of Seoul. It gives undeniably the best view in the city and is worth a visit. The lovelocks there for couples are also quite famous. You can also enjoy the views from the cafe or the restaurant on the N Seoul tower.

Lotte World:

Lotte World is a major theme park in Seoul with indoor and outdoor rides, shows and parades, and an aquarium. If you have come here with children, taking a day to go to Lotte world will really make the trip a lot of fun. The aquariums, ice rink and parades are a true treat to kids.

Jeju Island:

Jeju Island is one of the most peaceful and pleasant natural spaces that you can visit. It is one of the most beautiful volcanic islands on the planet Earth. Top attractions in Jeju-do are the lava tunnels, Hallasan, Cheonjiyon waterfall, and the hiking trails.

Nami Island:

Nami Island has gained popularity as a scenic and romantic spot, and you can go there to enjoy cherry blossoms and the tree-lined pathways are quite romantic during Autumn and Spring. You can also enjoy different types of activities like cycling, zip lining and boating in Han River.

Traditional Villages:

There are a beautiful Korean village like Bukchon Hanok, Yongin-si in Seoul where you can get roam around the beautiful streets, visit artisans and traditional arts.If you travel to Andong during your trip, you must visit Andong folk village to visit the Andong folk museum, thatched house. You can also visit the Jeonju-si for old shrines, Boseon-gun in South Jeolla province for the entrancing beauty.

Dodohaehaesang National Park:

Dodohaehaesang National Park is the largest natural park in South Korea and if you are a nature lover you will have a great time as there are 1500+ plant species and 1200+ animal species. The scenic beauty of the island the park is located on is all the is also an attraction.

  National Museum of Korea:

National Museum of Korea has collections of Korean traditional products, and you will find a lot of art exhibitions going on every day worth visiting. You will see the collection of art, artifacts, and crafts from Korean and international artists at the National Museum.

  South Korea Food Markets

South Korea has a lot of vibrant food markets which are worth visiting for tasting local foods and get immersed in the local lifestyle. A few of the top South Korean food markets are Gwangjang Market, Namdaemun, and Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul for tasting the most famous traditional foods. You may also visit the jagalchi fish market in Busan for fresh fish and seafood and tasty foods.

Budget for South Korea 10-Day Itinerary

Your travel tastes, style, and the time of year you intend to travel all affect how much money you allocate for a 10-day itinerary in South Korea. I can give you a general idea of the expenditures related to a traveler on a medium budget, though. Please be aware that these projections were created using pricing as of my September 2021 update and may have altered since then.

Accommodation: The price of lodging can change based on the area and the type of lodging you select (hotels, hostels, guesthouses, etc.). Budget travelers should budget $30 to $100 per night for a mid-range hotel or guesthouse, on average.

Food: There are numerous culinary alternatives available in South Korea at various pricing brackets. For roughly $5 to $15 each meal, budget-conscious travelers may savour delectable street food and regional cuisine. The price range for meals at mid-range restaurants could be between $15 and $30.

The public transit system in South Korea, which includes buses and subways, is good. Spend between $100 and $150 on transport over the course of ten days, which includes getting around cities and possibly taking the train to various locations.

Activities and Sightseeing: Different attractions and activities have different entrance prices. Budget, on average, $5 to $20 per attraction. You can budget between $100 and $150 for this category if you’re going to numerous paid attractions.

Shopping and souvenirs: Depending on your shopping tastes, this expenditure can vary greatly. Budget travelers should set up $100 to $200 for shopping and souvenirs.

Other: It’s a good idea to have some extra cash on hand for unanticipated costs like tips, extra snacks or drinks, or any emergency requirements. Set aside between $100 and $200 for other costs.

Without factoring in international flights to and from South Korea, a ballpark estimate for a 10-day moderately priced vacation in South Korea could vary from $800 to $1,000. Remember that this is only a rough estimate, and that the actual cost of the trip may change depending on your choices. It is advised to conduct detailed pricing and expense research for your planned route and travel duration in order to obtain a more precise budget.

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Gyeongbokgung Palace in South Korea

How much does a trip to South Korea cost?

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  • South Korea travel costs

If you’re planning on travelling to South Korea, you’re probably wondering how much you need to budget for your trip. While your travel costs will depend on your travel style, generally speaking South Korea is best for travellers with some spending money.

Accommodation costs are generally affordable and food and drinks are reasonably-priced. Many of South Korea’s best attractions are very affordable or even free and, while some activities could set you back a fair amount, there’s plenty to do at lower price points too.

How much should I budget for a trip to South Korea?

A reasonable budget for two for a week in South Korea is around ₩1,508,000 .

The above cost is based on staying in good, mid-range accommodation and having a few meals out per week, while preparing some yourself . It makes allowances for a couple of sightseeing activities, but doesn’t take into account expensive activities like adventure sports or private tours.

Generally speaking, the longer you travel, the cheaper it costs per day, while fly-in, fly-out trips can be more expensive.

How much does accommodation cost?

You can expect to spend between ₩80,000-₩120,000 a night, per couple, on accommodation in South Korea. This will get you a private room with your own bathroom in a 3-4-star hotel or apartment rental.

Hostels are, of course, cheaper, but a private room with a shared bathroom will still cost around ₩50,000 per night. A bed in a dorm room also averages around ₩20,000 per night, per person, although there are definitely cheaper options out there.

Keep in mind that accommodation can be more expensive in Seoul, so budget accordingly if you'll be spending more time in the city.

How much should I budget for food and drinks in South Korea?

Budget to spend around ₩548,037 for two for a week in South Korea. This assumes you’re cooking some of the time and drinking some alcohol.

If you enjoy eating out, you can expect to pay around ₩61,500 for a nice dinner for two, including an alcoholic drink. A meal at a pub is likely to be around ₩32,943 for two, with cheaper meals available (especially for lunch) for around ₩11,255 each.

Assuming that you’ll be eating out some of the time, budget at least ₩100,363 a week for groceries. If you enjoy a few drinks, you’ll need to increase this amount – beer costs around ₩2,301 for a 500ml bottle and good bottle of wine is around ₩25,778 , from a shop, although there are cheaper options available. Milk typically costs around ₩2,358 for a two-litre bottle and you can expect to pay around ₩4,846 for a cappuccino from a local café.

How much does it cost to get around South Korea?

Getting around South Korea is easiest with a train. Transport costs fluctuate depending how much you travel, but budgeting around ₩155,000 for two per week is a good starting point. This should allow you to take a couple of intercity train routes. If you’re planning on doing any tours or using hop-on hop-off buses, you’ll need to up your budget a bit.

Inter-city trains connect major cities in Korea, and it's possible to be almost anywhere in the country within a few hours. Fares do depend on the class of ticket you book, so if you're planning to do a few day trips travelling first class, you may want to budget a bit more.

Buses and the subway are both very convenient if you're travelling in Seoul. Get the T-Money card from any convenience store in town, add money, and validate it every time you get on or off a bus, or enter and exit the subway.

What should I expect to spend on activities?

A lot of the best things to do in South Korea are free. However, there definitely are some attractions that cost money – entry fees to a museum or an art gallery are usually around ₩19,000 - ₩50,650 per person. If you want to do organised day trips or join smaller tour groups to learn more about some of the sites, budget around ₩108,000 per activity per person.

South Korea is a beautiful destination to visit and although it’s not cheap, it’s definitely possible to travel there for less. Cooking your own meals, carefully selecting accommodation or limiting meals out will definitely help you to reduce your travel costs. Slow travel is another great way to help your budget to stretch further, while exploring a place in more depth.

Travelling through South Korea is definitely possible on a budget – just pick your priorities and compromise on the rest or consider travelling in the off-season and avoiding school holidays to cut down on costs. And, if you’re on the luxury end of the scale or wanting to treat yourself, the sky’s the limit.

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Last Updated 5 May 2022

Gyeongbokgung palace with cherry blossom tree in spring time in seoul city of korea, south korea.

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Discover the Surprising Trip to South Korea Cost in 2024

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by Trip.com

July 28, 2023

trip to south korea cost

Planning a trip to South Korea? Wondering about the trip to South Korea cost? Look no further! In this article, we'll provide you with the best tips for saving money without compromising on quality. From affordable hotels and delicious street food to efficient public transportation and exciting activities, we've got you covered. So, let's dive in and explore the cost of traveling to South Korea!

When it comes to the cost of a trip to South Korea, there are several factors to consider. Flights to South Korea can range from around $500 to $1,500 for a round-trip ticket, depending on the season and your departure location. Accommodation costs vary as well, with budget hotels or hostels starting at around $30 per night and luxury hotels reaching up to $300 or more. Fortunately, South Korea boasts an extensive and efficient public transportation system, with a one-way subway or train ticket costing around $1 to $3.

Now, let's talk about food! South Korea is a food lover's paradise, and you can find a wide range of options to suit your budget. From delicious street food stalls offering mouthwatering treats for as little as $2 to $5 per person, to mid-range restaurants where you can enjoy a satisfying meal for around $10 to $20 per person, there's something for everyone.

For budget travelers, you can expect to spend around $50 to $70 per day in South Korea, including accommodation, food, transportation, and some activities. On the other hand, mid-range travelers can anticipate spending approximately $100 to $150 per day. Remember, it's essential to plan ahead and research activities and costs to create a budget that works for you. So, get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in South Korea without breaking the bank!

  • How much does it cost for 2 nights and 3 days when traveling to South Korea?

Planning a trip to South Korea? Wondering how much it will cost you for a 2-night, 3-day adventure in this vibrant country? Well, the cost can vary depending on your travel style, choice of accommodation, transportation, and activities. But don't worry, we're here to give you a rough estimate of the expenses for a budget traveler.

trip to south korea cost

Let's break down the costs for you:

First things first, let's talk about flights. The cost of a round-trip ticket to South Korea from major cities around the world can range anywhere from $500 to $1500, depending on the season and availability. It's always a good idea to keep an eye out for deals and discounts to snag the best price.

Accommodation

When it comes to accommodation, budget hotels in South Korea can cost you around $40 to $100 per night. So for 2 nights, you can expect to spend approximately $80 to $200. Of course, prices may vary depending on the location and amenities offered by the hotel.

Transportation

Getting around in South Korea is a breeze thanks to its efficient subway and train systems. A one-way ticket on the subway or train can cost you around $1 to $5, depending on the distance. For 3 days of transportation, you can expect to spend roughly $6 to $30.

Food and Drinks

Now let's talk about the delicious food and drinks you'll be enjoying during your trip. A meal at a budget restaurant in South Korea can cost you around $5 to $10 per person. But here's a tip - street food and convenience store meals can cost even less, so don't miss out on those tasty treats! As for drinks, the price can vary depending on the type and location. You can expect to spend around $1 to $5 for a refreshing beverage. Overall, for 3 days of food and drinks, budget around $50 to $100.

Sightseeing and Activities

South Korea offers a plethora of amazing attractions to explore. Some popular sights, such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village, may be free or have a small entrance fee of around $2 to $5 per person. If you're looking for more immersive experiences, attractions like Lotte World or Everland may cost a bit more, ranging from $30 to $50 per person. For 3 days of sightseeing and activities, budget around $20 to $100.

Total Cost for a Budget Traveler

So, to sum it all up, for a 2-night and 3-day trip to South Korea as a budget traveler, you can expect to spend approximately $700 to $1500. Keep in mind that these are rough estimates and actual costs may vary depending on your travel style, activities, and other expenses. It's always a good idea to plan ahead, compare prices, and make the most of your budget.

Now that you have an idea of the trip cost, it's time to start planning your adventure in South Korea. Get ready to immerse yourself in the rich culture, indulge in delicious cuisine, and create memories that will last a lifetime!

  • How much does it cost for flights when traveling to South Korea?

Planning a trip to South Korea? One of the first things you'll need to consider is the cost of flights. The price can vary depending on several factors, including your departure location, the time of year you plan to travel, the airline you choose, and the availability of tickets. Let's take a closer look at the general range of flight costs to South Korea from major cities around the world.

When it comes to booking flights, there are two main options: one-way tickets and round-trip tickets. The prices for both can fluctuate based on the factors mentioned earlier. It's important to keep in mind that these prices are just estimates and may vary depending on the specific circumstances of your trip.

If you're departing from a major city in the United States, such as New York or Los Angeles, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1500 for a one-way ticket to South Korea. The cost of round-trip tickets can range from $900 to $2500. These prices are for economy class seats, which are the most affordable option for most travelers.

For those seeking a bit more comfort and luxury, business class tickets are available at a higher price point. The cost of one-way business class tickets can range from $2000 to $5000, while round-trip tickets can cost anywhere from $3500 to $8000. Business class offers additional amenities and services, such as more legroom, priority boarding, and enhanced in-flight meals.

Now, if you're departing from major cities in Europe, such as London or Paris, the cost of flights to South Korea can be slightly higher. One-way tickets from Europe to South Korea can range from $600 to $2000, while round-trip tickets can cost anywhere from $1000 to $3000. Business class tickets from Europe are also pricier, with one-way fares ranging from $2500 to $6000, and round-trip fares ranging from $4000 to $9000.

It's worth noting that these prices are subject to change based on the time of year you plan to travel. Peak travel seasons, such as summer and holidays, tend to be more expensive. On the other hand, traveling during off-peak seasons can result in lower fares.

When booking your flights to South Korea, it's always a good idea to compare prices from different airlines and use online travel agencies to find the best deals. Additionally, flexibility with your travel dates can also help you secure more affordable fares.

Remember, the cost of flights to South Korea can vary greatly depending on several factors. By considering your departure location, time of year, airline, and ticket availability, you can better estimate the cost of your trip. Safe travels!

  • How much does it cost for hotels when traveling to South Korea?

trip to south korea cost

Planning a trip to South Korea? One of the important factors to consider is the cost of hotels. The price of accommodations in this vibrant country can vary depending on several factors, such as the location, season, and the type of accommodation you are looking for.

When it comes to hotels in major cities like Seoul, Busan, and Incheon, you can expect the prices to be on the higher side. These bustling urban centers offer a wide range of options for travelers, from budget-friendly hotels to luxurious accommodations. However, it's important to note that the cost of staying in major cities tends to be higher compared to smaller cities or rural areas.

If you're looking for a mid-range hotel room in a major city, you can expect to pay anywhere between $80 to $150 per night. On the other hand, if you're in the mood for a luxurious experience, be prepared to spend around $200 to $400 per night for a high-end hotel room.

Now, let's talk about other cities and smaller towns in South Korea. These hidden gems offer a unique charm and are often more budget-friendly compared to their metropolitan counterparts. In cities like Gyeongju, Jeonju, and Daegu, you can find mid-range hotel rooms ranging from $50 to $100 per night. For those seeking a touch of luxury, the price for a high-end hotel room in these areas can range from $150 to $300 per night.

So, whether you're exploring the vibrant streets of Seoul or immersing yourself in the rich history of Gyeongju, there are accommodation options to suit every budget and preference in South Korea. Remember, the cost of hotels can vary, but with a little research and planning, you can find the perfect place to rest your head during your trip to this fascinating country.

  • How much does it cost for food when traveling to South Korea?

When planning a trip to South Korea, one of the important factors to consider is the cost of food. The good news is that there are a wide variety of options available, catering to different budgets and tastes. However, it's important to keep in mind that the cost of food and dining in South Korea can vary widely depending on several factors.

trip to south korea cost

The first factor that influences the cost of food in South Korea is the type of food you choose. From delicious street food to fast food joints, casual local restaurants to mid-range dining options, and even high-end luxury restaurants, there is something to suit every palate and budget.

Let's take a look at some general price ranges in US dollars per meal for different types of food in South Korea:

  • Street food or fast food: $2 - $5
  • Casual dining or local restaurants: $5 - $15
  • Mid-range restaurants: $15 - $30
  • High-end or luxury restaurants: $30 and above

It's worth mentioning that South Korea also offers other affordable options for food. Convenience stores and supermarkets are scattered throughout the country, providing a range of ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and groceries at reasonable prices. These options can be a great choice for travelers on a tight budget or those looking for a quick and convenient meal.

Now, let's address the topic of tipping in South Korea. Unlike some Western countries, tipping is not customary in South Korea. In fact, it can even be considered rude or awkward to leave a tip. The service charge is usually included in the bill, so there's no need to worry about leaving an additional tip. Instead, it's common to show appreciation for good service by saying "thank you" or giving a polite bow.

So, when planning your trip to South Korea, keep in mind the wide range of food options available, the varying price ranges, and the unique cultural practices when it comes to tipping. With a little research and an open mind, you can enjoy the diverse and delicious culinary delights that South Korea has to offer without breaking the bank.

  • How much does it cost for souvenirs when traveling to South Korea?

Well, the cost of souvenirs in South Korea can vary widely depending on what you're looking for, where you're shopping, and the quality of the item. It's like a box of chocolates - you never know what you're gonna get! From trendy K-pop merchandise to traditional hanbok clothing, there's something for everyone. Let's take a look at some popular souvenirs and their price range in good ol' US dollars. First up, we have cute and cuddly K-pop plushies ranging from $10 to $30. Next, we have traditional Korean tea sets, which can cost anywhere from $20 to $100. If you're a fan of skincare, you'll be delighted to know that Korean beauty products, like sheet masks and serums, can be found for as low as $5 or as high as $50. And finally, for those who appreciate fine craftsmanship, Korean celadon pottery can range from $50 to $500. Keep in mind that while many souvenir shops in tourist areas have fixed prices, there may be room for negotiation in other types of stores, such as flea markets or antique shops. So, don't be afraid to haggle for a good deal! After all, a trip to South Korea is all about embracing the culture and bringing home a piece of it with you.

  • How much does it cost for transportation when traveling to South Korea?

Planning a trip to South Korea? One of the important aspects to consider is the cost of transportation. Whether you're exploring the bustling streets of Seoul or venturing into the serene countryside, getting around efficiently and affordably is key. Let's take a closer look at the cost of transportation in South Korea and how it can impact your travel budget.

trip to south korea cost

The cost of transportation in South Korea varies depending on the mode of transportation and the distance traveled. Here's a breakdown of some common transportation options and their approximate costs in US dollars:

  • Train: Taking the train is a convenient way to travel between cities in South Korea. The cost can range from $10 to $50, depending on the distance and the type of train.
  • Subway: South Korea's subway system is extensive and efficient. The fare typically starts at around $1 and increases based on the distance traveled.
  • Bus: Buses are a popular mode of transportation for both short and long distances. The cost can range from $1 to $20, depending on the distance and the type of bus.
  • Taxi: Taxis are readily available in South Korea, especially in urban areas. The starting fare is around $3, and the cost increases based on the distance traveled and the time spent in traffic.
  • Rental Car: If you prefer the freedom of driving yourself, renting a car is an option. The cost varies depending on the rental company, the type of car, and the duration of the rental.

Now, you might be wondering if South Korea offers any transportation passes or discount tickets for visitors. The answer is yes! South Korea provides various transportation passes that can save you money if you plan to do a lot of traveling in a short period. For example, the Korea Rail Pass allows unlimited train rides within a specific duration, offering great value for those exploring multiple cities. Additionally, cities like Seoul offer T-money cards, which can be used for seamless travel on buses, subways, and even taxis, with discounted fares.

So, when planning your trip to South Korea, don't forget to consider the cost of transportation. By understanding the approximate costs and exploring available passes and discount tickets, you can make informed decisions that suit your travel budget. Enjoy your journey through the vibrant landscapes and rich culture of South Korea!

  • How much does it cost for sightseeing when traveling to South Korea?

Planning a trip to South Korea? One of the most important aspects to consider is the cost of sightseeing. Whether you're a budget traveler or looking to splurge, it's essential to have an idea of how much you'll be spending on attractions and activities. In this article, we'll explore the varying costs of sightseeing in South Korea and provide you with some popular tourist attractions and their price ranges.

trip to south korea cost

When it comes to the cost of sightseeing in South Korea, it's important to note that prices can vary widely depending on the location, attraction, and activity. However, there are plenty of options available to suit every budget.

Let's take a look at some popular tourist attractions in South Korea and their corresponding cost ranges in US dollars:

  • The majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace: $3 - $5
  • The vibrant Myeongdong Shopping Street: Free
  • The breathtaking Namsan Tower: $8 - $10
  • The historical Bukchon Hanok Village: Free
  • The stunning Jeju Island: $20 - $30
  • The fascinating DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) Tour: $40 - $50
  • The enchanting Changdeokgung Palace: $3 - $5
  • The lively Hongdae district: Free

As you can see, the cost ranges for these attractions can fit various budgets. From free options like Myeongdong Shopping Street and Bukchon Hanok Village to slightly more expensive ones like Jeju Island and the DMZ Tour, there's something for everyone.

Moreover, South Korea offers numerous free or low-cost sightseeing options that allow you to explore the country without breaking the bank. Some examples include visiting the picturesque Han River Park, exploring the vibrant street art in Ihwa Mural Village, or taking a leisurely stroll through the beautiful gardens of Changgyeonggung Palace.

In conclusion, the cost of sightseeing in South Korea can vary greatly depending on the location, attraction, and activity. However, with a wide range of options available, there's something to suit every budget. So, pack your bags and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the wonders of South Korea!

  • How much does it cost for Wi-Fi & communication when traveling to South Korea?

trip to south korea cost

When planning a trip to South Korea, it's essential to consider the cost of staying connected. Wi-Fi and communication options vary, but fear not, we've got you covered! Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of accessing Wi-Fi in the Land of the Morning Calm. First up, rental Wi-Fi routers. Depending on the rental company and plan you choose, prices can range from around $5 to $15 per day. These portable devices ensure you have a reliable internet connection wherever you go, be it bustling cities or serene countryside. Say goodbye to the fear of getting lost in translation! Alternatively, you can opt for a SIM card. Prices vary depending on the data plan and provider, but you can expect to pay between $20 and $50 for a SIM card that will keep you connected throughout your South Korean adventures. With a SIM card in your trusty smartphone, you'll have the world at your fingertips. Now, let's not forget about free Wi-Fi. Some hotels and accommodations generously offer complimentary Wi-Fi for their guests, so be sure to check before booking. Additionally, certain smartphone apps like "WiFi Map" and "KT Wi-Fi" provide access to free Wi-Fi hotspots throughout South Korea. These apps are a godsend for budget-conscious travelers looking to save a few bucks while staying connected. It's important to note that the cost of Wi-Fi in South Korea can vary depending on the method of access and the data plan you choose. However, fear not, fellow wanderers! There are plenty of options available for travelers to stay connected while exploring the wonders of South Korea. So, pack your bags, grab your gadgets, and get ready for an unforgettable journey filled with seamless communication and endless adventures.

  • How much does it cost for visa when traveling to South Korea?

Planning a trip to South Korea? Well, let's talk about the cost of visas and passports! When it comes to exploring the wonders of South Korea, it's essential to know the financial side of things. The cost of visa applications can vary depending on your country of citizenship and the type of application you need. For example, if you're from the United States, the visa fee ranges from $45 to $90, depending on the type of passport application. However, some lucky travelers might be eligible for visa-free access, so make sure to check if your country falls into this category. It's important to note that visa application fees can differ for each country, and additional fees might be required for certain travel documents. To stay updated on the latest passport and visa requirements and fees, it's always wise to consult your local embassy or consulate. Don't let unexpected costs ruin your travel plans, so be prepared and informed!

  • How much does it cost for insurance when traveling to South Korea?

trip to south korea cost

The cost range of travel insurance for a trip to South Korea can vary depending on several factors. These include your age, the length of your trip, the type of coverage you require, and the insurance provider you choose. To give you a general idea, here are some guidelines for travel insurance costs:

For a single trip, the cost of travel insurance can range from 50 to 200 US dollars. This range is determined by the coverage you select and the duration of your trip. It's important to consider the activities you plan to engage in during your visit to South Korea and ensure that your insurance policy covers them.

If you are a frequent traveler, an annual travel insurance policy might be a more cost-effective option. The cost range for an annual policy can vary from 200 to 500 US dollars. This type of policy provides coverage for multiple trips throughout the year, making it convenient for those who travel frequently.

For comprehensive coverage that includes medical expenses, trip cancellation, and baggage protection, the cost range for travel insurance can be 100 to 300 US dollars. This type of policy offers extensive coverage and is suitable for travelers who want peace of mind during their trip to South Korea.

It is essential to compare travel insurance policies from different providers to find the coverage that best meets your needs and budget. Carefully read the policy details to understand what is and isn't covered, including any deductibles or exclusions. Additionally, some credit cards and travel booking sites may offer travel insurance as a benefit or add-on, so be sure to explore those options as well.

Comparing policies and understanding the coverage is crucial to ensure you have the right protection for your trip to South Korea. Remember, it's always better to be prepared and have the necessary insurance coverage in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

  • How much does it cost for family, couples or single when traveling to South Korea?

trip to south korea cost

The cost of traveling to the country can vary widely depending on a number of factors, such as the length of the trip, the type of accommodation, the level of luxury, the activities planned, and the number of travelers. Here's the lowdown on the estimated costs for a trip to the country:

Airfare: The cost of airfare to the can vary depending on the departure city and the time of year. You can expect to shell out anywhere between $500 to $1500 for a round-trip ticket from the United States to the country per person.

Accommodation: When it comes to accommodation, South Korea offers a range of options to suit every budget. If you're looking for a budget-friendly stay, you can find a decent hotel or hostel for as low as $30 to $50 per night. For those seeking a bit more comfort, mid-range hotels, luxury hotels, and ryokans can cost you anywhere between $100 to $300 per night.

Food and drink: South Korea is a food lover's paradise, and you can enjoy a variety of cuisines at different price points. A budget meal at a local restaurant can set you back around $5 to $10 per person, while a mid-range meal can cost you around $15 to $30 per person.

Transportation: Getting around in South Korea is a breeze, thanks to its efficient public transportation system. A single metro or train ticket can cost you around $1 to $3, depending on the distance. If you're planning on exploring the country, a long-distance bullet train ticket can range from $50 to $150. Taxis and car rentals are also available, but they can add to your transportation costs.

Overall, the cost of traveling to South Korea can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per person, depending on your travel style and preferences. Whether you're a family, couple, or a solo traveler, you can expect to spend around $1000 to $3000 for a trip to the country, taking into account all the factors mentioned above. So, start saving up and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in South Korea!

  • Methods to Save Money When Traveling to South Korea

Planning a trip to South Korea can be an exciting adventure, but it's essential to keep an eye on your budget to make the most of your experience. By implementing a few savvy strategies, you can save money without compromising on the quality of your trip. So, let's dive right in and explore some fantastic ways to cut down on your trip to South Korea cost.

trip to south korea cost

First and foremost, consider booking your accommodations in advance. By doing so, you can take advantage of early bird discounts and secure the best deals. Additionally, opting for budget-friendly guesthouses or hostels instead of luxurious hotels can significantly reduce your expenses without sacrificing comfort.

Another great way to save money is by indulging in the local street food scene. South Korea is renowned for its delicious and affordable street food, offering a wide variety of mouthwatering options. From savory pancakes to spicy rice cakes, you can satisfy your taste buds while keeping your wallet happy.

Furthermore, utilizing public transportation is a cost-effective way to explore South Korea. The country boasts an extensive and efficient public transportation system, including buses, subways, and trains. By purchasing a transportation card or pass, you can enjoy unlimited rides and save a substantial amount on commuting expenses.

When it comes to sightseeing, consider visiting free or low-cost attractions. South Korea is home to numerous stunning parks, temples, and historical sites that offer breathtaking experiences without an entry fee. Exploring these hidden gems will not only save you money but also provide a deeper understanding of the country's rich culture and history.

Lastly, keep an eye out for discounts and promotions. Many tourist attractions, restaurants, and shops offer special deals for foreigners. Take advantage of these opportunities by researching online, checking travel forums, or even asking locals for recommendations.

In conclusion, saving money during your trip to South Korea is entirely possible with a little planning and smart decision-making. By booking accommodations in advance, enjoying local street food, utilizing public transportation, visiting free attractions, and taking advantage of discounts, you can make your journey both memorable and budget-friendly. So, pack your bags, embark on this incredible adventure, and create memories that will last a lifetime!

  • Tips for Traveling to South Korea

trip to south korea cost

Are you planning a trip to South Korea? Well, buckle up and get ready for an adventure like no other! South Korea, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes, has become a popular destination for travelers from all around the world. But before you embark on your journey, here are eight essential tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience:

1. Learn a Few Basic Korean Phrases: While many Koreans speak English, knowing a few basic Korean phrases can go a long way in making your interactions more enjoyable. From greetings like "annyeonghaseyo" (hello) to expressions like "kamsahamnida" (thank you), a little effort can go a long way in connecting with the locals.

2. Try the Local Cuisine: South Korea is a food lover's paradise, so don't miss out on trying the local delicacies. From mouthwatering street food like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) to traditional dishes like bibimbap (mixed rice), your taste buds are in for a treat.

3. Experience the Traditional Hanbok: Immerse yourself in Korean culture by renting a traditional hanbok. These beautiful, colorful garments will not only make you feel like royalty but also provide the perfect photo opportunity at iconic landmarks like Gyeongbokgung Palace.

4. Visit the Palaces and Temples: South Korea is home to numerous palaces and temples that offer a glimpse into its rich history. Don't miss out on exploring the grandeur of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the tranquility of Bulguksa Temple, or the serenity of Changdeokgung Palace.

5. Discover the Bustling Markets: Get lost in the vibrant atmosphere of South Korea's bustling markets. From the famous Namdaemun Market to the quirky Myeongdong Shopping Street, these markets offer a wide range of shopping opportunities and a chance to experience the local culture.

6. Explore the Natural Beauty: South Korea is blessed with stunning natural landscapes. Take a hike in Seoraksan National Park, relax on the picturesque beaches of Jeju Island, or marvel at the beauty of the cherry blossoms in Jinhae. Nature lovers will be spoilt for choice.

7. Stay Connected with a Portable Wi-Fi: To stay connected and navigate your way around South Korea, consider renting a portable Wi-Fi device. This will ensure that you have access to maps, translation apps, and can share your incredible experiences with friends and family back home.

8. Respect the Local Customs: Last but not least, remember to respect the local customs and traditions. Bow when greeting someone, remove your shoes when entering a Korean home or temple, and be mindful of the etiquette when dining. Showing respect will not only make your trip more enjoyable but also leave a positive impression on the locals.

* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

Trip to South Korea Cost in 2024

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Top Cities to Visit in South Korea

Seoul which includes a city, a skyscraper and a river or creek

How much is the cheapest flight to South Korea?

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $372 for one-way flights and $694 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

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About Flying to South Korea

Stuff your suitcase, schedule your South Korea flights, and prepare for an excursion unlike any you've ever had before. Whether you're looking for an action-packed getaway or a peaceful sojourn, you'll find countless ways to customize your trip exactly to your liking. Treat yourself to every facet of the nearby culture, from sampling the local fare to enjoying the after-hours scene in South Korea. Visit the iconic landmarks on your trip and enjoy the views of the most scenic areas. It's easy to see why adrenaline junkies, amatuer historians, and wanderlusters alike are drawn to this inviting locale.

Here at Expedia, we're all about helping you find cheap flights to South Korea that won't drain your bank account.We know you want to put more of your hard-earned cash toward enjoying this area and less of it on the cost of getting there.. And That's the reason we offer you a sprawling selection of economical plane tickets, including both roundtrip and single-way reservations, to guarantee your South Korea travel plans stay under budget. Help yourself to our best rates on flights and have leftover funds to finance your travel adventures.

When It's time to find flights to South Korea that fit into your price range, we have the best options on the web. We offer a wealth of airlines, airports, and departure times, making it simpler for you to reserve your airfare. Whether you're looking for a redeye ticket or a flight to a specific terminal, you'll find exactly what you need. We also provide a hassle-free mobile booking app, which lets you reserve wherever and whenever is most convenient for you. Book your trip to South Korea today and get ready to embark on an unforgettable getaway tomorrow.

Here at Expedia, we’re committed to helping you find cheap flights to South Korea that won’t break the bank. We know you want to put more of your hard-earned cash toward exploring the sites and less on the price of your airfare. That’s why we provide you with a vast selection of affordable plane tickets, including roundtrip and one-way reservations, to ensure your Asia travel plans remain within your budget. Take advantage of our lowest rates on airfare and have leftover money to spare on your travel adventures.

When it comes to finding flights to South Korea that match your price range and itinerary, look no further than our options right here. We offer a variety of airlines, airports, and flight times making it easier for you to book your airfare. Whether you’re looking for a redeye ticket or a flight to a specific terminal, you’ll find exactly what you need. We also provide a hassle-free mobile booking app, which lets you reserve wherever and whenever is most convenient for you. Book your airfare to South Korea today and get ready to embark on an unforgettable getaway tomorrow.

South Korea Flights Information

Frequently asked questions.

  • Korean Air - 364 flights to or near South Korea each month, including 364 flights to Incheon Intl. Airport (ICN) per month.
  • Asiana Airlines - 186 flights to or near South Korea each month, including 186 flights to Incheon Intl. Airport (ICN) per month.
  • Delta Air Lines - 121 flights to or near South Korea each month, including 121 flights to Incheon Intl. Airport (ICN) per month.
  • Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) to Incheon Intl. Airport (ICN) - 13 hours and 14 minutes
  • San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Incheon Intl. Airport (ICN) - 12 hours and 30 minutes
  • New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Incheon Intl. Airport (ICN) - 15 hours and 25 minutes

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How much does a trip to Seoul Cost?

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How much money should you budget for your trip to Seoul?

How much does a weekend trip to seoul cost.

  • How much does a five-day trip to Seoul cost?
  • How much does a one-week trip to Seoul cost?
  • Hostel Prices
  • Hotel Prices

The Cost of a Trip to Seoul

A journey to Seoul will usually cost from $43 to $295 for an individual and $86 to $590 for two people. The mid-range tends to hover around $111 (₩148,114) per person daily, as calculated from our travel cost data from fellow travelers covering food, accommodation, sightseeing, and local transportation expenses. This is a fairly wide price range, and your individual expenses will vary by the level of luxury and travel style that you choose. For those seeking a balance between comfort and budget, booking standard accommodation and eating at typical restaurants, your expenses will be close to this calculated average. Read on for a detailed breakdown of travel expenses by category and a comprehensive overview of accommodation and activity costs tailored to your visit.

Budget travelers to Seoul often spend around $43 per day. This usually includes a stay at a hostel and meals at affordable restaurants around town. Many budget travelers also prefer free activities over those that cost too much money. If you have a bit more money to spend, you should budget around $111 (₩148,114) per day. This average includes a mid-range hotel and more meals in restaurants, along with a higher budget for entertainment and activities. Luxury travelers should plan to spend around $295 a day which includes higher-end accommodations, restaurants, tours, and activities. For more details, see our average travel costs for Seoul here .

Travelers spend, on average, $334 per person on a three-day trip to Seoul. This includes sightseeing, hotels, food, and local transportation. You can stick close to this average price by staying at mid-range hotels and eating at mid-level restaurants, while also paying for some entry tickets to popular attractions. If you wish to travel cheaper, it's possible to find lower-cost accommodations, eat at less expenive restaurants, and find more free activities. It's also common for many visitors to have a much higher travel budget, as many high-end hotels and restaurants can be found around town.

trip to south korea cost

How much does a five day trip to Seoul cost?

With five days in Seoul, you can expect to spend about $556 total, not including transportation to and from the city. It's possible to stay close to this daily average by booking mid-range hotels, eating at normal restaurants, and paying for some entry tickets to popular attractions. It's possible to find lower-cost accommodations, eat at less expenive restaurants, and find more free activities if you want to spent less money.

How much does a one week trip to Seoul cost?

Most visitors spend between $302 and $2,067 for a one week trip to Seoul, with the average being $779 . This includes sightseeing, local transportation, food, and hotels. One week is enough time to have a more in-depth experience in Seoul. Also, one week allows you to be more flexible with your time and money, so you can potentially save money on some aspects of your trip while spending more on others.

Hostel Prices in Seoul

With more than 20 hostels in Seoul, the average price is $18 per night for a dorm bed. The cheapest hostel costs $3 and the most expensive is $32. Usually popular with younger travelers, hostels are a great way to save money while also being social. But not all hostels are the same, and we've analyzed the prices of both dorms and private rooms to find the average prices and best places to stay. You can see more details about the hostel prices in Seoul here .

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Seoul.

  • $13 for a dorm bed at Time Travelers Party Hostel in Hongdae in Seoul more details
  • $3 for a dorm bed at Zzzip Guesthouse in Hongdae in Seoul more details
  • $16 for a dorm bed at Time Travelers Relax Guesthouse Seoul in Seoul more details

Hotel Prices in Seoul

The average price for a hotel room in Seoul is $45 per night. This average is based on our detailed analysis of available hotels in the area. If you want to save money, or if you're planning a more luxurious trip, it's important to look at hotel prices based on the overall star-rating as well as guest reviews. Also, prices can vary by location and amenities. You can see more details from our analysis of hotel prices in Seoul here , and below is a breakdown of hotel prices by star-rating.

Pacific Hotel Seoul

Marriott executive apartments yeouido park centre - seoul, should you do a tour in seoul.

You'll find a wide range of guided tours in Seoul and many visitors enjoy the convenience of having an expert guide leading them through the chosen activity. Tours range in price from $20 for the Seoul Pub Crawl by Absolute to $500 for the Full-day Seoul Private Guided Tour with Comfy Van .

  • Mini Van Private Guided Tour in Seoul (Optional Layover) Viator $ 220
  • Mini Van Private Guided Tour in Seoul (Optional Layover): $220
  • K-POP Fan One Day tour from Seoul: $48
  • [DMZ Adventure] DMZ and optional Boat Voyage in River: $55
  • Full Day Private Tour Nami Island, Light Festival(Garden)&Petite : $99
  • Private BTS Location Tour from Seoul City with Pickup: $230
  • Rare Chance : Korea's White House Walking Tour: $36
  • DIY Seoul Private Tour: Select 4 places you want to go: $183
  • Private DMZ Tour and Suspension Bridge + Korean BBQ: $250

More for Seoul

If you're planning a trip to Seoul, South Korea, check out these other informative travel guides.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis. 2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis. For example, the Food 2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment 1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.

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Travel Finances

What a 2 week south korea trip cost.

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South Korea is a perfect destination for some amazing food, the sweetest people, tons of culture, and even some modern twists. This is what a 2 week South Korea trip cost us!

south korea trip cost

We visited South Korea for over two weeks and loved our entire trip there. Even though, we did have a pretty unexpected blip in our trip.

There is so much to see in South Korea but this expense guide covers two weeks in Seoul and all the costs that come with it!

We’ll cover what a South Korea trip cost, how much money to bring to Korea for 2 weeks, if South Korea is expensive to travel, cost of meals in Korea, and more!

As a quick note, we are not backpackers, we rarely stay in hostels, and are very cautious with street food. We like to save money where we can, be we certainly spend it on what is important to us.

This is not representative of what you will spend in South Korea, even for the same period of time or season. This is merely an overview of what we spent and some of our tips and reasons for the amounts. Please use it as a guide to your future trip to Seoul, South Korea!

This post is all about what our 2 week South Korea trip cost.

South korea trip cost:, south korea itinerary.

korea trip cost calculator

Dates: 08/31 – 09/16/22; 17 nights

In total, our trip was 17 days, and we ended up spending the entire time in Seoul due to an unexpected quarantine (more on that below). I am going to break down what our quarantine cost us at the end, but first, I’ll breakdown what ten days in Seoul looks like so you can get a full idea of what a “normal” trip to South Korea costs.

Quarantine – 7 nights

Seoul – 10 nights

Better safe than sorry...

Are you covered for your next trip? Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a long-term adventure,  SafetyWing  has you covered. From medical emergencies to lost luggage, they’ll take care of it all. Plus, they even offer emergency response and natural disaster coverage – pretty cool, huh? 

10-Day South Korea Trip Cost

Now, on to the good stuff. We spent our first seven days looking outside at the gorgeous weather longingingly. Our next ten days were filled to the brim with as many activities as we could possibly fit. 

south korea trip budget philippines

Total: $241

We flew directly from Hanoi, Vietnam, on VietJet Air. This was a budget airline that charged for our baggage, but we found it to still be affordable and their customer service was wonderful!

Flights will be different for everyone since everyone is coming from somewhere different. However, this gives a good idea of how affordable it is to fly around Asia once you are there.

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Total: $138

Oftentimes, travel entry fees are nothing. You simply get a visa on arrival and go on your merry way. This is especially true for US citizens or one of the  most powerful passports in the world . South Korea was easy to enter as a US citizen but it did cost us a little bit. 

This is because at the time we went we needed a  South Korea e-visa  and COVID tests upon arrival. The e-visa cost us $9 per person but the COVID tests at the airport were $60 each! Super expensive for COVID tests, given the fact that we had just paid $3 each in Vietnam before we left.

Entry requirements can and do change all the time. The best way to stay up-to-date is to check your local embassy’s website for the most accurate information. 

>> Pro Traveler Tip: Register your trip on STEP as a US citizen to be kept in the know on your destination!
  • Find your entry requirements and make getting a visa a breeze!

Accommodations

how much money to bring to korea for 2 weeks

Total: $652

Average: $65 / night

Candidly, our budget is $45 a night for accommodations. South Korea, Seoul especially, didn’t really fit in that budget. But we were able to make the most of it and find deals here and there. We did end up staying at 3 different properties as we had to move when the deals did. The best way to find deals in Seoul is book ahead of time. The closer you get to the day of arrival, the more expensive it will be. Weekends are definitely more expensive so if you can plan your trip during the week, that’s best.

Luckily, there is a great transportation network in Seoul, so you can stay in areas a little farther away and still be able to get around easily and affordably! Also, the level of cleanliness in Seoul was incredible. Even if we booked a lower rate place, it was due to location or the size of the room and never because of the quality of the accommodation or the cleanliness.

🛌 Our favorite accommodations in Seoul

trip to south korea cost

Bukchonmaru Hanok Guesthouse

trip to south korea cost

L'Escape Hotel

trip to south korea cost

RYSE, Autograph Collection

  • FIND YOUR SEOUL HOTEL

Food & Drink

2 week trip to south korea cost

Total: $631

Average: $63 / day

Average: $31.50 per person per day

The food in Korea is one of my new favorites. Even though we spent quite a bit on food every day, it was worth it! We ate a few meals that were a little more expensive. Or in the case of our food tour , we ate 12 meals in one day…

Korean BBQ can be quite expensive at touristy spots (like $100 per person), so be on the lookout for more local places. There are also tons of street food options. The Gwangjang Market was amazing and had some delicious food for cheap. And we met some of the kindest people there!

Transportation

estimated travel cost in korea visa

Average: $6.50 / day

We took the public transportation in Seoul as much as possible. It’s clean, efficient, and went near enough to everywhere we were looking to go. We even took the train all the way to and from the Incheon airport into Seoul. It was a long trip, but definitely the better option financially. It was also comfortable and if you can get a seat, really not that bad. 

The only times we didn’t take the train were when we were out past midnight when they stop running. This surprisingly happened more often than we thought, but there is so much to do even late at night in Seoul! In those instances, we took a cab either by waiting in a cab line or called for a taxi through the Kakao T app and paid cash for the metered price.

1 week trip to south korea cost

We were able to easily enjoy our time in Seoul with mostly free activities. The day we visited the Gyeongbokgung Palace was a free entry day but it normally is 3,000 won (unless you’re wearing Hanbok). We visited the Namdaemun Market, saw the closing ceremonies at the Sungnyemun Gate, walked along the Cheonggyecheon, explored Bukchon Hanok Village, and even saw deer at the Seoul Forest Park all for free. 

The only thing we did pay for was our first international baseball game. The KBO (Korean Baseball Organization) game was a blast! I could not figure out how to book tickets online, so we had the concierge at our hotel book them for us and we paid the hotel in cash, much easier. And for only $30 we were able to sit right on the field in the midst of all the action!

Top Activities in Seoul

korea travel budget

Everything was aesthetically pleasing in Seoul which is my kryptonite. I really had to restrain myself on shopping there. However, we did get a few things as gifts for friends and family. We also saw a movie as a date night. We saw Top Gun: Maverick (Nate’s new favorite movie) in IMAX for only $25 for the two of us!

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Total Spend for 10 Days in South Korea

budget for korea trip 7 days 2022

Total: $1,613

Average: $161 / day

Average: $80.50 per person per day

Overall, our spending was definitely higher than our budget. But we fit a LOT into the 10 days we had. Accommodations were a bit more expensive as we had to re-book everything last minute. We tried so much food that it definitely cost us more than it could have. But there are so many free things to do in Seoul and the transportation in the city is amazing. Cheap and efficient!

Overall, we LOVED Seoul and cannot wait to go back and visit South Korea again. Seriously… real Korean BBQ in Seoul is just next level.

  • Check out more of our Travel Finances!

Quarantine in South Korea

how much money to bring to korea for a month

We had an unexpected blip in our visit when we tested positive for COVID-19 upon arrival (with no symptoms). We visited in September of 2022 when COVID testing was still a requirement. In fact, testing prior to departure for South Korea and   upon arrival was required. Before leaving for South Korea, we tested negative for COVID in Vietnam, leaving us with an unexpected quarantine when we both tested positive on arrival in Seoul.

quarantine Requirements

The restrictions and requirements have changed and likely will continue to change. However at our time of visit, in September of 2022, we were instructed to stay in a government mandated quarantine for the next 7 days. Little other information was given so we did our best and stayed away from as much contact with the outside world as possible.

Here is quick breakdown of what that unexpected quarantine cost us:

quarantine Accommodations

Total: $676

Average: $96.50 / night

In total, we had seven nights in a quarantined location. Our first hotel was meant to be a one-night stay at a really nice hotel. We got a great deal for the one-night but unfortunately their rate went way up after 2 nights, to the tune of $300/night. We were able to stay for two nights (one originally booked and then extended one night) at the nice hotel. 

From there we had to move to something more affordable. We were able to find a last minute Airbnb that was much closer to our budget though still more expensive. Since we had to stay inside for the week, an Airbnb allowed us more space, a kitchen to cook our own meals, laundry, and windows that opened so we could at least get some fresh air! When we moved hotels we also had to check-in early at the Airbnb and that cost us $25.

quarantine food & drink

cost of meals in korea

Total: $385

Average: $55 / day

Our first hotel took the quarantine very seriously (as they should) and we had absolutely no contact with anyone. Since we didn’t know we were going to be in quarantine, we weren’t able to stock up on snacks for the room ahead of time. In fact, we couldn’t even order groceries or delivery food to our room per the hotel’s policy. That left us with ordering all of our meals on the hotel’s room service menu. And it was not cheap. In total, we spent over $200 on just 4 meals from the hotel room service where we shared some meals and we didn’t order any alcohol. 

Once we got to the Airbnb, we tried to figure out grocery delivery services. It took us over 7 hours to finally get an order through with an American credit card and US phone number. Once we did it was only for delivery the next day. So we spent $115 on grocery delivery for the week and $30 on a delivery pizza for the first night at the Airbnb. 

trip to south korea cost

quarantine transportation

Obviously, we were in quarantine so it’s not like we were traveling around Seoul. But we did have to move hotels during the quarantine process. The only way to really do this safely was a private taxi. Again we didn’t really have any instructions or guidance on our quarantine so we did the best we could. It cost us $17 in cash to go 45ish minutes and our hotel helped us to call the cab. 

  • Get all the best prices and routes in Asia with 12Go!

quarantine cancellations

Since the quarantine was clearly unplanned, we had our entire trip booked prior to arrival in Seoul. That meant that we had a lot to cancel once we couldn’t leave for 7 days. We had originally planned to head to Busan, Gyeongju, and Andong after only one night in Seoul. Since we would have to stay in Seoul for the first 7 days, we decided to make our entire trip in Seoul since 10 days was too quick for us to run around the entire country once the quarantine was over.

Luckily, we were able to cancel our train tickets for free after emailing the company minus only the service fee ($13). We also were able to cancel most of the hotels we had book free of charge. Only one hotel held their cancellation fee and we ended up paying $78 for two nights.

travel insurance

Total: +$700

Lastly, we actually were able to claim this on our travel insurance. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last year(+) and have loved their support on our travels. They have accident insurance for medical needs but also travel insurance for cancellations, lost luggage, and mandatory quarantine. We were both able to claim $50 per day as per our policy. This could be different for everyone depending on your policy and situation.

It did take a few months, but helped quite a bit with all the unexpected expenses (like cancellations and room service bills). 

Total Cost of Quarantine: $1,170

Total Out-of-Pocket Costs: $470

Entire Trip Cost

south korea trip cost from india

Quarantine (7 days): $1,169

Seoul (10 days): $1,613

Flights (from Vietnam): $242

Total: $3,024

Since we did have two totally different halves of our trip (quarantine + exploring), we broke down each section above. But here is our total spend for our 17 days + flights to South Korea!

This post was all about how much our South Korea trip cost. What country do you want to see next?!

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Planning a Trip to South Korea: a Step By Step Guide

By: Author Kris

Posted on Last updated: March 28, 2023

Planning a trip to South Korea can be a difficult and overwhelming process but with our extensive guide, you will be able to breeze through all the steps required.

Keep reading for our tips, advice, and information on the best way to plan a trip to South Korea.  

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Table of Contents

trip to south korea cost

Why Visit South Korea?  

If you are just starting out the planning process you may still be deliberating on whether South Korea is even the best place for you to visit.

We can help you finalize that decision with some of the best reasons to visit South Korea and why it is such a wonderful travel destination.

South Korea has an amazingly rich culture and long history.

There are many cultural sites to visit and incredible experiences, such as temples and palaces. This includes a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Bulguska Temple and the lava tubes in Jeju.

The cities are full of unique modern designs and high-tech displays and shopping malls while beautiful nature and scenery are also easily accessible.

Whether you like beach activities, hiking, shopping, cultural experiences, or a mix of everything, there is something for everyone to enjoy in South Korea.  

Here is a list of amazing things to do in Korea.

Best Time Of The Year to Visit South Korea  

South Korea is very seasonal and the climate is the only thing that changes.

There can be large differences in available activities, recommended places to visit, and things to do depending on the season. 

Gwangyang Maehwa Festival in Spring South Korea

Spring  

Spring is one of the most popular times to visit Korea and for good reason. The weather is clear, the temperature is moderate and flowers are blooming.

If you enjoy outdoor pursuits, this is one of the best times to be in Korea.

It is also the time of cherry blossoms, and if you time your visit right you could be treated to a magnificent display of pink and white blossoms.

However, the flowers aren’t limited to cherry blossoms, with flower fields across the country of plum blossoms, azaleas, and roses.

Spring can be cool at night and might be difficult for those who have bad hay fever or pollen allergies. 

view of the beach in gangneung south korea

Summer  

Summer in Korea can be very changeable with the monsoon season hitting in August.

It is also very humid in summer, so while the temperature isn’t too hot, the humidity can be difficult to deal with.

However, it can be a great time to visit if you plan on visiting some of the coastal areas or islands.

It can also be good for enjoying balmy evenings with casual outdoor eating and a relaxed holiday atmosphere as schools and universities are on summer vacation.  

Traditional Korean wall and gate in the Jeonju Hanok Village in autumn

Autumn  

Autumn is a beautiful time in South Korea with vibrant autumn foliage to be seen in many places. This time of year is ideal for hiking and climbing mountains.

It is also a good time to visit the many palaces populated by autumnal maple and ginkgo trees.

Autumn is also the time of Chuseok, the Korean harvest festival celebration.

Many Chuseok events are held during this time and can be a great way to have a unique cultural experience while in South Korea. 

Korean ski resort

Winter  

Winter in Korea can be very cold, with temperatures reaching negative and snowstorms.

However, it is also a beautiful time of year if you enjoy the winter scenery. The snow-topped mountains can be very picturesque and it is great for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Winter is also the time of the Lunar New Year celebrations, which can be easily enjoyed as a cultural experience.

It is also the time of Christmas and western New Year, which can be interesting to experience in a different country and culture than your own.  

Busan Tower, South Korea

How Many Days In South Korea?  

An essential part of planning a trip to South Korea is deciding how long to spend there.

Finding the balance between too short and too long can seem difficult, especially without already having experience in Korea.

Luckily, a visit to Korea can be quite versatile, depending on where you plan to visit.  

Longer is generally better, as it will give you more time to visit different cities, take various day trips and see more of the country.

However, it is easily possible to have a short trip and just stick to one city.

An example of this is covered in our 4-day and 3-7-day Seoul itineraries.

If you have a bit longer in the country, you can visit cities such as Busan, and utilize our Busan itinerary .

A longer itinerary can also allow for taking more time in each location and having more downtime.

The range of places to visit and things to do means it is unlikely that you could run out of things to do, and the variation from traditional temples to modern shopping malls, palaces to theme parks, means it is unlikely to become repetitive.  

In summary, the longer you can make your itinerary, the better, but if you only have a short amount of time available, it is still possible to have a great time on a shorter trip.  

  • 7 Days in South Korea
  • 14 Days South Korea Itinerary

Learn Korean inscription with flag and keyboard.

Dos And Don’ts In South Korea  

When visiting another country and culture, it is always important to be aware of cultural etiquette and common dos and don’ts of the country.

This can be related to social manners or simply making your trip easier.  

Learn Basic Korean Words  

While traveling in Korea, it can be beneficial to learn a few basic Korean words and phrases.

Important phrases like “Excuse me,” “I’m sorry,” and “thank you” can come in very helpful and will be appreciated by those around you.

Some simple words like ‘this’ and ‘that’ as well as question words, including what, where, and how much, can be very useful in getting around and working things out on the go.

Using translation apps or tools like Google Translate is another useful option.  Here is a list of more handy Korean apps.

Young asian woman paying her order.

Tipping In South Korea  

Tipping at a bar or restaurant in South Korea is not necessary or expected.

Some high-end restaurants may have the opportunity to tip if you want to, but it’s never an expectation.

In some cases, tipping can be seen as rude as it can imply that the employee or the business doesn’t have enough money and needs pity.

Overall, it is safer to just not tip in South Korea unless there is an explicit prompt. In these cases, it is still completely your choice and you are free to not tip.  

South Korean won and currency money exchange. background of money.

Bring Cash  

When traveling in Korea, having cash on hand is extremely useful.

While credit cards have become more common in recent years and many businesses do accept credit cards, not all credit cards will be available to be used and there is always the possibility of a restaurant or shop not accepting cards at all.

For this reason, having a good amount of cash with you is essential.

ATMs can also be hit-or-miss as some will work with foreign cards while others won’t.

It is a good idea to remove a decent amount at a time in case you can’t find another ATM to withdraw from easily.  

Seoul, Gwangjang market, South Korea

Photography  

It is common to want to take photos and document all the amazing sights, foods, and places you’re experiencing while on vacation.

However, it is important to be careful when taking photos in public.

In some countries, including South Korea, the right to privacy extends into the public sphere, meaning photos, where someone is easily identifiable, can be illegal.

Of course, a photo taken in a crowded place will likely have people in it and it is unlikely that you will be challenged over this but taking a photo of a specific person or group of people may bring issues.  

Marking seats for pregnant women on the Korean subway line This seat for interpretation is for pregnant women

Priority Seating  

Most buses and trains in Korea have a designated area for priority seating.

This seating is reserved for elderly, pregnant, or disabled people.

These seats should be left empty unless someone from one of those categories is using them.

While it may seem ok to sit down and just move if someone who needs them enters the train or bus, this can still be seen as rude and it is best to just stand if no other seats are available.  

Seoul NIghtlife South Korea

Korea Trip Budget  

A trip to Korea can be quite reasonably priced as the number of expenses is fairly low.

Categories like food are often cheap day-to-day.

The more expensive categories include accommodation, which can range from cheaper hostel-style accommodation to more expensive hotels.

Accommodation in the main cities tends to be more expensive than in smaller cities or the countryside.  

Transport costs can vary a lot depending on how much traveling around the country you wish to do and what transport methods you use.

For long-distance travel, there are some train passes that can offset the costs somewhat, or you can use a rental car.

While in the city, buses and trains are fairly easy to use and budget-friendly. Taking a taxi is more expensive but may be easier when visiting certain places.  

Overall, Korea is a very accessible country on a range of budgets.

There are a number of areas where you can cut costs for a more budget-friendly trip or spend a bit more to suit your preferences.  

Here is more information on the budget you should foresee.

Airport Check-In Counters With Passengers.

Your Korea Trip Planning  

Planning a trip can be done in stages with different steps being done at different times.

Here is our breakdown of what should be done when in order to best plan your trip to South Korea. 

The Timeline For Your Korea Trip Planning

6 months in advance

Book international flights

Join our Facebook group

Get travel insurance Plan your itinerary Check if you need a Visa

About 3 months in advance

Do you need an International Driving Permit? Book domestic flights

1 month in advance

Internet in South Korea Book Tours and other Fun Experiences

1 week in advance

What to pack

6 Months In Advance  

Join our korea facebook group.

Become a member of our Korea Travel Planning and Tips Facebook group. 

The purpose of this group is to help you plan an amazing vacation to Korea.  You can ask questions and exchange tips with fellow travelers.

Book Flights To South Korea  

If you have decided on South Korea and narrowed down your travel dates, it’s best to start checking flight prices as soon as possible.

Prices will change over time usually in a U-curve shape, starting high, slowly becoming cheaper, and then moving back towards expensive as it gets closer to the travel date.

The absolute lowest point is unpredictable but usually falls around 4-6 months before the travel dates.

The earlier you start checking the prices, the easier it will be to have a good idea of when you’re seeing ‘good’ prices and whether it is likely to fall further or not.

This can easily be done through price tracking or price alerts on various flight comparison websites.  

Cheap airline flights online mobile app

Tips To Find Cheap Flights  

If you are looking to save on flights, there are a number of things you can do.

The first is to make the best use of flight comparison websites.

This can be Skyscanner, Momondo, or even Google Flights. You can set up price tracking or alerts as mentioned previously and see various options at different prices.

You can also use a number of different limitations, such as flight duration, departure time, arrival time, and stopovers to get the best flights for your situation.

Using low-cost carriers (LCC) airlines can also be an opportunity to save some money on flights.  

Here is more information on finding cheap flights to South Korea.

Travel insurance concept on a laptop screen

Travel Insurance  

As soon as you have flights booked, the next step should be travel insurance.

An international trip is a big expense and can become even more expensive if something should go wrong while you’re out of the country.

It is easy for accidents to happen and a travel insurance policy can be very helpful when dealing with a medical or personal issue while in a foreign country.

Korea is generally a safe country with a modern and trustworthy healthcare system. Many doctors are able to speak English and will be ok dealing with foreigners.

This may be more difficult to find in more rural areas.

However, while the quality of medical care is high, costs as a tourist can also be quite high. Having a travel insurance policy in place to cover these costs can help relieve stress in a high-pressure situation.

It is important to make sure you know what your policy covers and not always go for the cheapest option, as sometimes this can lead to expensive surprises when an accident does occur.

It is also best to get a policy that can cover costs as they happen, rather than paying upfront and receiving reimbursement later.  

If you are looking for travel insurance, we recommend you to look at Safetywing . They offer very competitive prices for very decent coverage. 

Passport page with Korean visa and immigration control stamps.

Passports And Visa  

Many countries have a visa-waiver agreement with South Korea, meaning you do not need a visa to enter for tourism purposes.

This includes many parts of Europe, North America, much of South America, Oceania, and a number of Asian countries.

If you are unsure about your home country’s status, you can find more info here.

If you are from a country that is part of the visa-waiver agreement you will still need to apply for a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization or K-ETA.

This will require some personal details, your passport details, and a payment of 10,000KRW (approx. $10 USD).

This should be approved in a short period of time.

This application can be done on the official Korean website.

For more details, see our guide to travel in South Korea .  

covid travel certificate on a smart phone man going on holiday after getting Coronavirus vaccine

Covid Testing And Q Code  

Korea has had constantly changing and often strict rules regarding entry during the last few years.

Covid-19 has led to pre-departure tests, on-arrival tests, and varying quarantines.

However, as of 1 October 2022, travelers no longer need to have testing either pre-departure or on-arrival and quarantine is no longer necessary. 

You will need to apply for Q-code to enter South Korea.

This is a QR code that will be issued to you after applying and will contain your relevant health and contact information.

This application must be done no more than 3 days prior to entry.  

South Korea - Seoul - Bukhansan National Park

Plan Your Travel Itinerary  

Korea highlights  , seoul  .

With Seoul as the capital of South Korea, it makes sense to be one of the highlights of any Korea trip.

With its unique blend of old and new, Seoul is an amazing city to visit. Over the last few decades, Seoul has grown to be at the forefront of design, urban planning, technology, and more.

There is also a great celebration of traditional culture and historic sites.

Also setting Seoul apart from many modern cities is Bukhansan Park in the north of the city.

This national park borders the capital city and offers a welcome respite into beautiful nature and hiking trails.  

Here is our comprehensive list of Seoul posts that will help you plan your trip:

Things To Do And Itineraries:

  • Best things to do in Seoul
  • Best things to do in Seoul at night
  • What is Seoul known for
  • Best day trips from Seoul
  • Best Seoul itinerary
  • Best 4-day Seoul itinerary

Accommodation:

  • Where to stay in Seoul
  • 15 cool hotels in Seoul
  • Best Boutique hotels in Seoul
  • Best Hanok Stays in Seoul
  • Best vacation rentals in Seoul

Seoul Guide

trip to south korea cost

For the price of a single cup of coffee, you can get this Seoul itinerary as a nicely formatted PDF document.

It contains all the information in this post.

You can print it or store it on your phone so you can access it anytime during your visit to Seoul.

Have a look here for more information and a preview.

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Busan, South_Korea

Busan   

Busan is a coastal city in the southeast of the country.

In recent years it has grown from a small and quaint fishing village to a bustling city with its own unique personality.

As a coastal city, Busan has a great predilection for seafood and is a great place to try out various Korean seafood dishes.

There are also some beautiful beaches to visit and waterfront activities to enjoy.  

Here is our comprehensive list of Busan posts that will help you plan your trip:

Things to do and itineraries :

  • What to do in Busan
  • The perfect 2-day Busan itinerary
  • Best Busan day trips
  • Best Busan day tours
  • Best things to do in Busan at night

Accommodation posts:

  • Where to stay in Busan
  • Best Airbnbs in Busan

Planning a trip to South Korea? Book your DMZ tickets on time.

The DMZ  

Many people consider the DMZ a must-see while visiting South Korea.

The DMZ, or demilitarized zone, is the zone surrounding the border of South Korea and North Korea.

This is one of the few remainders of the Cold War that is still active, as the Korean War never officially ended and the two Koreas remain in an official state of conflict.

This border can only be visited on an organized tour due to the sensitivity of the area. Some tours also include the JSA or Joint Security Area, the actual borderline passing through the barracks on site.

Visiting this area is a unique look at how history and the present can intertwine.  

Note that the JSA is currently closed. We don’t know if and when it will reopen.

However, a visit to the DMZ stills gives you a unique understanding of North and South Korea’s history.

Book your DMZ tickets here, or read our full guide on how to choose the best DMZ tour.

Check prices and availability: Half or Full Day DMZ Tour

Hanok Village in Jeonju, South Korea

Jeonju  

Jeonju has a unique place in Korean history as the birthplace of the Joseon Dynasty, the rulers of Korea from 1392 until the early 20 th Century.

For this reason, the city is steeped in history and tradition, with many cultural sites.

This long historical period gave rise to many rich cultural pursuits and uniquely Korean innovations. These include traditional Korean wine, paper, and dolls.  

Jeonju is well-known for its Hanok Village, an area of the city with predominantly Hanok buildings.

This is a style of building based on traditional Korean ways of thinking and architectural design.

It involves the ideal placement of a home, how to keep the building comfortable and temperate throughout the changing seasons, and catering to the social needs of the time.

Many of these traditional houses are still in existence and can be seen in the Jeonju Hanok Village.   You can even spend the night in one of them.

There are also a number of historic sites in Jeonju as well as museums commemorating Korean history and tradition.

Jeonju is an ideal place to visit to truly soak in the long traditions and history of Korean culture.  Here is a list of the best things to do in Jeonju.

Sunset on Wolji pond Gyeongju South Korea. This is a must visit while you are in South Korea.

Gyeongju  

Gyeongju, one of the most beautiful places in South Korea, is another historic city in South Korea.

It was the main capital of the Silla Kingdom which ruled the Korean Peninsula from 57BC – 935AD.

This long history has led to a number of historic and culturally significant sites in Gyeongju, including a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

In fact, the sheer number of historic sites is the reason behind the city’s nickname of “the museum without walls” or “the museum without a roof”.  

There are many historical temples and palaces in Gyeongju, documenting the history of religion and the kingdom during this time.

It is also home to Cheomseongdae, one of the oldest astronomical observatories in Asia.

It dates to the 7 th Century and is amazing to visit for both historical reasons and the astronomical illuminations that are regularly displayed.  

Gyeongju is also home to the UNESCO Gyeongju Historic Area, an entire area of historic ruins and relics. This area has museums, ruins to explore, serene temples, and more.

The city of Gyeongju is a must-see for anyone interested in history, Korean culture, or both.  

From hotels, highlights, transportation, and other booking needs, this section of our Korea itinerary has got you covered.

Dae Yeon Le idea Hotel Busan South Korea

Hotels In South Korea  

There is a wide range of hotel accommodations available in South Korea.

The major cities, such as Seoul, are often more expensive, especially in the central areas.

Smaller cities can be cheaper, although it can depend on the time of year and location.

Accommodation prices in Korea can be quite seasonal generally, with spring being one of the most popular times of year to travel and prices reflecting this trend.  

However, regardless of when you travel, with some research and careful booking, you will always be able to find something to suit your budget.  

Choose a hotel from this list of well-rated hotels.

Check out our where to stay section in our Korea travel guide for all our hotel posts.

Open page of online booking service on screen of tablet computer

Best Booking sites For South Korea  

There are a number of booking sites that can be used to look for hotel accommodations in South Korea. Some of the top booking sites include: 

Booking.com  

The behemoth of accommodation Booking, Booking.com is just as active in South Korea as in other countries.

The majority of hotels can be found on Booking.com and the popularity of the site means there are often plenty of reviews which can be helpful in deciding on accommodation. 

Check prices and availability: Booking.com

Agoda  

Agoda is another big name in the accommodation booking business, although slightly less well-known than booking.com.

It is also part of the Booking.com group and so contains many of the same hotels.

However, as it was started in Asia, there are sometimes hotels listed which haven’t made it to Booking.com and sometimes deals are listed on Agoda but not booking.com. 

Check prices and availability: Agoda

VRBO  

If you are traveling with a family or just want a bit more space, staying in a VRBO or accommodation rental may be the answer.

Many hotel rooms in Korea can be small or feel cramped, and a full apartment to yourself may be a better alternative.

This also gives you the freedom to cook for yourself and more space if you need some relaxing time.  

Check prices and availability: VRBO

Great hanok stay in Jeonhu

Special Accommodations In South Korea  

If you’re looking for a more unique accommodation experience while in South Korea, a hanok stay may be ideal for you.

These traditional houses can be found in many places throughout the country and are a step back in time to traditional Korea and the architecture and design of the period.

Most hanok accommodations have futon-style bedding and traditional rooms, so they may not be your accommodation for the entire trip, but staying for a night or two is a great option and a unique way to experience Korean tradition.

If you’re looking for hanok accommodation in Seoul, check out our previous post here.

If you plan to stay in a hanok while visiting the historic city of Jeonju, you can see our top picks here .   

South Korea GPS

Getting Around In South Korea  

Once you have decided on your general travel plans and which cities you will be visiting, it’s time to look into how you will get around in South Korea.

This includes both between cities and inside the city.

We have three main means of transport. 

Driving is a great way to travel between cities and visit the regions that aren’t serviced by the railway.

It also provides the opportunity to plan your own journey, meaning you can make stops that wouldn’t be possible when traveling by train or public transport.

There are many rental car companies operating in South Korea and it is easy to rent a car from the airport.

However, driving isn’t really necessary or even very convenient while inside the big cities so if you are staying in Seoul before moving on, you may want to wait before renting a car.

If you plan on renting a car in South Korea, click here.

To see more about our experience of driving in South Korea, see our post here. 

trip to south korea cost

Train  

Korea has a rail network connecting many of the major metropolitan cities.

There are a number of trains available, including a high-speed bullet train, known as the KTX lines. The trains are reliable and easy to use.

This can be a great way to get between major cities quickly.

The six largest cities in Korea also have a subway or metropolitan system, which is useful for moving around the city or visiting different areas within the same city.

Korail also offers a number of tourism rail passes to foreign visitors, including 3- and 5-day passes.

However, it is important to check the prices of individual tickets before buying a pass, as sometimes the pass doesn’t work out cheaper.  

trip to south korea cost

Express Bus  

Buses offer another alternative mode of transport.

If you don’t like driving or just want to avoid driving in a foreign country, buses can be another road option.

They are slower than the train but cover more area and so might end up more interesting.

They also serve more cities along the way. An express bus tends to go straight from one city to another while an intercity bus will make stops at different cities along the way.

There are also many local buses for getting around the cities after you have arrived.

For more information on public transport in South Korea, see our guide here.   

Seoul Sign South Korea

Organized Tours  

Planning a trip itinerary can be difficult and organized tours can simplify the process.

There are many different types of tours available and there is most likely one to suit you. Some tours are more guided while others plan the itinerary and provide minimal guidance to allow you more independence and options while on your trip.

Tours can have varying group sizes and be fast-paced or slow-moving.

There are also tours that are more focused on a certain type of traveler or interest, such as tours for young adults who want to experience a lot of nightlife, or tours more centered around the history and culture of an area.

There are many different tour options available in South Korea and we have curated some of the best options into our list here.  

The car salesman and the key to the new owner.

3 months In Advance  

International drivers license  .

If you are planning on driving while in Korea you will need an IDP or International Drivers Permit.

This will give you permission to drive in Korea while holding an international driver’s license. Without an IDP or Korean driver’s license, there is no way for you to drive in Korea.

An IDP provides an official translation of your original driver’s license and can be provided by the official authority in your home country. You will need to show this when renting a car.  

Getting an IDP is a reasonably easy process and can help to provide a lot of freedom and flexibility in your travel planning and itinerary.  

Domestic Flights

Domestic flights aren’t necessary if you only visit the beautiful mainland of South Korea. However, if you also wish to go to the subtropical Jeju island you will need to fly. There’re multiple daily flights from Seoul and you should find reasonably priced flights if you book them 3 months out. Don’t wait too long if you’re traveling during the peak season.

If flights have become too expensive you can also take a ferry from Busan or some other places in the south of the country.

Check for flights on Momondo: Flights to Jeju

Black male demonstrating smartphone connected to free wifi hotspot.

1 Month In Advance  

Staying online in south korea  .

Staying online can be a key aspect of travel in general, especially so when traveling in South Korea.

Having a reliable internet connection will allow you to use helpful tools like Google translate and navigation and map apps.

It will also help you find on-the-go recommendations, last-minute additions, up-to-date currency conversions, and more.

On top of that, many of us like to stay connected to friends and family while traveling, and reliable internet can be very helpful.  

Many places in Korea have free wi-fi available but it is always useful to have your own internet connection for the times when public wi-fi isn’t working or if you are in an area without public wi-fi.

There are a few main options available. One of the most convenient options is a pocket wi-fi or wi-fi egg as they are sometimes called.

This small device will provide a constant wi-fi connection Pocket wi-fi devices can be easily rented either in advance or at the airport.

These can then be returned by mail or to the same kiosk at the airport where it was rented.

There is a range of different plans available.

Pocket wi-fi is a convenient and easy-to-use option for the internet while in South Korea. To see more about pocket wi-fi in Korea, check out our post here.  

Another option is a travel sim. Many companies offer travel sims that can simply be swapped with your phone’s current sim.

You may also need to change some settings, but many travel sims will also provide you with a local phone number which may come in handy when making reservations that require contact details.

Another advantage of a travel sim is that you don’t have to return it at the end of your stay. For our experience and recommendations when using a travel sim in Korea, see our previous post .  

Tourist is waiting the bus in Seoul, South Korea.

Transportation From The Airport 

There are a number of airports in South Korea that you may end up using and so it is necessary to be aware of the available transport to get to and from the airport.  

Seoul has two main airports – Gimpo and Incheon.

Gimpo is predominantly used for domestic flights and is located about 50 minutes from the city center.

Gimpo is connected via the subway and airport express.

Incheon is the much larger and more commonly-used airport and is where most international visitors will first land.

It is about 47km from Seoul station, in the center of Seoul, and is easily reached.

A’REX Airport Express

The A’REX airport express is the fastest and cheapest way to move from Incheon to Seoul station.

Limousine Bus

You can also take the limousine bus which will make various stops at different points in Seoul.

There are 4 lines that stop at various places in Seoul.

  • 6701 Airport: Seoul City Hall
  • 6702 Airport: Dongdaemun/Namsan
  • 6703 Airport: Gangnam/COEX
  • 6705 Airport: Jamsil/East Seoul Bus Terminal

The buses run from early in the morning until the evening.

Note that the schedule for all buses is different, so definitely check the bus hours before booking a ticket.

Private Transfer

However, it is also possible that you could be tired and overwhelmed and not keen on navigating public transport after a long international flight.

In this case, paying a bit more for a direct private transfer going straight from the airport to your hotel might be the answer.  

Diamond Bridge Gwangandaegyo Bridge Busan at night

Busan  

If you are planning on flying to Busan, you will likely end up using Gimhae, Busan’s airport.

This airport is only about 11km from Busan station in the city center. If you take a taxi from the airport, it will only be about 15 minutes. However, the cheaper options are to take the subway or bus.

Unfortunately, these take a more roundabout route and take 53 minutes for the subway and 1hr for the bus.

The option you choose will really depend on your budget and how much time you are willing to spare.  

Sunrise view of Seongsan Ilchulbong known as Sunrise Peak at Jeju Island, South Korea

Jeju  

While in Korea you may be planning on visiting the beautiful island of Jeju.

This island is easily reached by plane with flights from Seoul and Busan only taking around 55 minutes.

A number of other regional airports also have flights available. In fact, Jeju airport is actually the second-largest airport in South Korea due to its popularity.

It is located around 3km from the city center and is very easy to reach by bus or taxi.

Both options take around 5 minutes, however, the taxi is more expensive.  

trip to south korea cost

Tours And Other Fun Activities In South Korea

Best booking sites  .

If you are planning on booking activities, day tours, or other fun things to do in South Korea, there are a number of booking sites you can use to find the best activities and get the best deals.

Here are our top picks: 

GetYourGuide  

GetYourGuide is a great website with a wide range of activities and tours available.

They can be easily booked through the website and customer service is handled by GetYourGuide rather than directly with the operator.

The customer service is very professional and quick to respond to any issues.

Many of the activities on GetYourGuide can be canceled for free with 24 hours’ notice which leaves you with more flexibility while you’re actually on your trip.  

Check prices and availability: GetYourGuide

Viator  

Viator is another company that works to connect travelers with tour and activity operators in the country.

It is owned by TripAdvisor and is considered reliable and consistent.

It often has more tours than Getyourguide listed, so if you can’t find the right activity for you on GetYourGuide, Viator might be the better option for you.  

Check prices and availability: Viator

Klook  

Klook is a large Asian-based booking site with many activities and tours able to be booked in South Korea.

There are a number of activities that can’t be found on other sites and many of them come with great deals.

This makes Klook a great option when looking for a variety of activities, including some that aren’t obvious or as well-documented.

It can also be great for your budget.

It’s important to note that not all activities can be canceled for free on Klook so your itinerary needs to be fairly certain when booking through this site.  

Check prices and availability: Klook

Merry-go-round in E WORLD

Fun Activities In South Korea  

There are a number of fun activities available in Korea that you may consider booking in advance.

This is especially relevant for the more limited or very popular activities which can book out weeks in advance.

To avoid disappointment, consider booking these in advance of your travel dates.  

trip to south korea cost

The DMZ : Visit the border of South Korea and North Korea and see how the hangovers of the Cold War continue to affect Korea to this day.

Look across North Korea while learning about its history and current situation in Korea.  

Nami Island : A river island located near Seoul that is considered beautiful in every season. This island is a popular romantic destination and is well-known for its beautiful tree-lined paths and scenery.  

The N Seoul Tower.

N Seoul Tower : Wander through the beautiful Namsan Park before climbing the hill to N Seoul Tower where you can quickly rise to 500m to see stunning panoramic views over Seoul.

This offers some of the best views in Seoul and is often considered a must-see when visiting Seoul.  

Nanta Show : Nanta is a unique, long-running form of musical comedy blending culinary skills, martial arts, acrobatics, and comedy.

It is also completely non-verbal. Spectators are encouraged to participate and the show provides a captivating 90 minutes of fun and entertainment.  

Changdeokgung Palace Secret Garden Seoul South Korea

Huwon Secret Garden : The Secret Garden is a beautiful rear garden at Changdeokgung Palace. Extensive yet intimate, beautifully designed yet natural, the garden is picturesque and relaxing.

Visitors must join a tour and tour tickets book out fast so it is necessary to be fast when booking tickets to the Secret Garden (click on tour reservation at the top of the page).

Best Theme Parks In South Korea  

There are many amazing theme parks in South Korea and visiting one or more of them may be a fun activity while you are traveling.

Theme parks in Korea are often very extensive with many different things to do and enjoy.

They are designed and built with the aim of being the best theme park possible and often achieve this aim. Some of the top theme parks in South Korea include:  

South Korea skyline of Seoul

Lotte World   

Lotte World Adventure is the world’s largest indoor amusement park with amazing rides and beautiful seasonal parades and performances.

The Garden Stage has regular performances changing with the season or relevant celebration (such as Christmas) and is well-loved by domestic and international tourists alike.

The Magic Island is the outdoor component of Lotte World and rivals Disney with its fairytale atmosphere.  

Since March 31, 2022, Lotte World also opened in Busan.

roller coaster in Everland - Yongin, South Korea

Everland  

Everland is one of Korea’s largest amusement parks and consists of five unique zones. These include Global Fair, Magic Land, American Adventure, Zootopia, and European Adventure.

Each zone is beautifully decorated and themed and can be very fun to visit. There are many rides at Everland, including the famous T-Express, Korea’s first wooden rollercoaster.

This is also one of the fastest rollercoasters in the world. There are also many themed exhibits and festivals depending on the season.  

Check prices and availability:

Everland 1 day ticket

Everland shuttle bus and ticket

Here is an overview of more great amusement parks in South Korea.

trip to south korea cost

1 Week In Advance  

What to pack for your korea trip  .

Packing can be a difficult task, especially when there is always a niggling fear in the back of your mind that you’ve forgotten something.

Some of the most important categories to cover are your important documents and electronics.

Important Documents

This includes items like your passport, travel insurance policy, and various other travel documents.

It can also include hotel reservations, although these are likely electronic and you probably don’t need printouts of these.

Electronics

Electronics will include your phone, plans for how to stay online in Korea, and possibly a camera and chargers for everything.

Items like medication and a refillable water bottle are also necessary and should be at the top of your list.

Some medications are banned in South Korea so it may be necessary to check if any medication that you need is permitted.

The season in Korea will largely determine how you pack with winter requiring much warmer clothing and thick jackets while summer requires cool and breathable clothes.

It is important to remember that seasons like spring can get very cool at night so you will still need some warm clothing.  

Gwangjang market

More South Korean Travel Tips  

Money saving tips  .

Taking an international trip can be an expensive venture and there are likely many places where you are willing to spend a bit more money for comfort and convenience.

There are also a number of ways you can save money and reduce your budget.

This can include things like transport.

While traveling within the city sticking to public transport such as subways and buses will help save a lot of money that might otherwise have been spent on taxis.

Free Entry To Attractions And Museums

Another good idea is to research which attractions, museums, and locations have free entry.

While you probably won’t want to limit yourself to these, including some can be a good way to save money.

You can also save money by eating and shopping where the locals do, rather than at more touristy places.

Sometimes places catered directly to tourists can have inflated prices while local restaurants and shops will have much cheaper options.  

Discover Seoul Pass

One of the best ways to save money while traveling in Seoul is with the Discover Seoul Pass.

This 1-3 day pass provides a range of benefits for a very reasonable price. The pass provides free entry to 35 different attractions and discounted entry at another 30.

This can add a lot to your list of places to visit for free or for a lower price. It also provides a free one-way Airport Express (A’REX) ride.

This can be very useful when coming from or returning to the airport after arrival or before departure.

Another useful function is the T-Money function. This will keep working after your pass expires and means you don’t have to spend extra money to buy a separate T-Money card.

This will work as a rechargeable public transport card and allow you to utilize the public transport system easily.

The Discover Seoul Pass can be bought online and picked up at the airport or at the Myeongdong Tourist Information Center.  

Note that the Discover Seoul Pass is not always available. If it isn’t, you can see if they have the BTS edition. It’s a 24hr edition of the Discover Seoul Pass without the T-money option. Instead, you get a Korea Tour T-money Card as a bonus. The BTS edition covers the same attractions as the regular Discover Seoul Pass.

Discover Seoul Pass BTS (24hour+Korea Tour Card)

For more tips on how to get around Seoul, click here.

Hand holding smartphone with map application

Google Maps  

One unusual and sometimes confusing aspect of travel in South Korea is the lack of Google Maps information.

Many of us rely on Google Maps as our go-to when navigating an unfamiliar area, but in South Korea, Google Maps is rarely used.

It does exist and has some information but is rarely updated and can be very spotty, especially at a close-up level. It also isn’t very useful for driving or walking directions.

However, Korea has a number of local navigation apps that you can easily make use of.

These include Naver Maps, Korea Seoul Metro Navi, and Kakao Taxi.

Available on:  Google Play  –  Apple (This app is not getting much love for its Apple version.  We used the Android version which worked like a charm)

Korea Seoul Metro Navi

Korea Seoul Metro Navi will guide you quickly and efficiently through Seoul’s extended subway system.  The app calculates the fastest route to your destination.

Available on:  Google Play  –  Apple

If you plan on taking taxis, we recommend that you use the Kakao Taxi app.

Available on:  Google Play , – Apple

International Travel Power Plug Adapters

Travel Adapter  

Another important aspect to consider is travel adapters and plug types.

South Korea uses plug type F. This is used in a number of other countries, including Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and some European countries.

If you live in a country that uses a different plug type, you will need a plug adapter for travel in South Korea.

However, even if you live in a country that does use plug type F, it is important to also check the voltage to make sure it won’t affect your devices. South Korea has 220V and 60hz.

If your country operates on a different voltage, you may need a travel adapter that can also convert the voltage.

These are easily available from travel goods stores, as well as many electronics stores and department stores.  

H ere is a list of more Korea travel tips that will help you plan an unforgettable holiday.

Duryu Park Daegu South Korea

Conclusion  

South Korea can be an amazing travel destination with a rich culture, delicious cuisine, and an array of fun activities and tours to participate in.

This guide has curated some of the most important information needed to plan an ideal trip to South Korea.

By using this information, your next trip to South Korea should be well-organized without being strict, fun without being chaotic, and enjoyable without any problems along the way.  

Timzer Travels

How Much Does a Trip to Seoul Cost? (Vacation & Long-Term)

  • Post author: Tim Stadel Clausen
  • Post category: South Korea
  • Post published: October 9, 2022

You are currently viewing How Much Does a Trip to Seoul Cost? (Vacation & Long-Term)

Seoul in South Korea is a destination many people dream of visiting. It has an abundance of culture to explore, unique sights, and amazing food .

No matter what you’re into, you can probably find it in Seoul. So, how much does it cost to visit Seoul?

Recommended Read: Places to Go Shopping for Clothes in Seoul

On average, a 7-day vacation to Seoul will cost you around $2,077 from the United States and around $1,553 from Europe, as flight tickets are around half the price from Europe compared to the US. A long-term visit to Seoul, like studying abroad, will cost around $1,113 per month, and regular living abroad will cost around $1,639, not including plane tickets, tuition, or a similar one-time cost.

Both of these types of visits to Seoul can be done both cheaper and more expensive, depending on your preferences.

The calculations for these estimated costs are based on my own experiences visiting Seoul, both for a shorter period of time and being an exchange student in the country for about 4.5 months. You can see how I came to these estimated costs below.

Table of contents

Cost of traveling to Seoul, South Korea

When planning to travel to a new country, it can be difficult to determine what the cost is approximately going to be.

To help you get an idea of the cost of visiting Seoul, I’ve calculated the estimated cost for a realistic 7-day vacation as well as what a longer stay in the country costs.

I’ll also share how much I’ve personally paid for staying in the country as an exchange student for around 4 months and later for around 1.5 months for vacation only.

7-day vacation to Seoul, South Korea cost

When you’re visiting Seoul for a vacation of around 7-days, the cost per day is going to be quite a lot higher than longer-term visits.

The reason why the average daily cost is so much higher for shorter visits than long ones is that flight tickets make up a much larger portion of the total costs. Furthermore, because you know that you are only in the country for 7 days, you tend to spend much more on shopping, activities, and food to make sure you experience everything you want while you’re there.

Based on these prerequisites and my experience traveling to Seoul, these are my estimates for a 7-day vacation to Seoul from Europe and from the US.

Cost of 7-day vacation to Seoul from the US

  • Plane Tickets (Round-trip) = ~$1,179
  • Accommodation (Hotel or AirBnB) = ~$367.5
  • Food = ~$147
  • Activities = ~$73.5
  • Shopping = ~$210
  • Travel Insurance = ~$75
  • Public Transporation (In Seoul) = ~$24.5
  • Total = ~$2,076.5

Cost of 7-day vacation to Seoul from Europe

  • Plane Tickets (Round-trip) = ~$655
  • Total = ~$1,552.5

These are the costs that I believe you will pay on a 7-day vacation to Seoul. If you believe you will prioritize differently, like spending very little shopping, then you can readjust the estimated cost by changing the amounts.

Here are the ranges of daily costs that I used to calculate the average overall average cost for each expense:

  • Accommodation (Hotel or AirBnB): $37.5 – $67.5 daily
  • Food: $15 – $27 daily
  • Activities: $5.5 – $15.5 daily
  • Shopping: $15 – $45 daily
  • Travel Insurance: $50 – $100
  • Public Transporation (In Seoul): $2.5 – $4.5 daily

While the cost of each type of expense can vary a lot from person to person, I believe most people will fall into this range.

Long-term stay in Seoul, South Korea cost

Longer stays in Seoul, South Korea, comes at a much smaller daily cost, as you’ll be living a more “regular” lifestyle.

As you’re in a different country, you will, however, probably still do many more activities and experiences compared to your regular life back in your home country.

For long-term stays in Seoul, there are more one-time costs that you need to pay, which I’ve listed below the monthly estimated costs.

The following estimated costs for long-term stays in Seoul are for the monthly living costs in the city.

Monthly cost of long-term stay in Seoul

  • Accommodation: $316 – $842
  • Food: $147 – $337
  • Activities: $28 – $70
  • Shopping: $55 – $200
  • Traveling: $131 – $458
  • Public Transporation (In Seoul): $63 – $105
  • Total: $740 – $2012 ($1376 average)

Some of these ranges have quite a large difference between the low end and high end, so here is an explanation of the ones that stand out.

Accommodation is going to be your largest monthly expense, and the type of accommodation you live in heavily determines your expected monthly cost. If you live at a dorm or similar accommodation as a student, you’re going to pay around $316 a month.

On the other hand, if you’re staying abroad and have to get accommodation yourself, you’ll probably pay around $842 a month, if not higher than that. Do note that if you are going to stay in South Korea because of a job, the company that employs you might pay your rent as part of your contract.

Other miscellaneous costs, like doing laundry , buying toiletries, etc., are quite cheap in South Korea, so they won’t affect your monthly living costs much.

Food costs can also vary a lot from person to person, depending on whether you want to be cooking yourself or not. I personally did not cook myself when I was an exchange student, which means I bought every meal from local takeout spots, convenience stores, shops, or ate at restaurants . I paid around $337 per month. If you wanted to, you could definitely get the food cost down to around $147 per month if you cooked yourself and didn’t eat out too often.

Lunch in Seoul South Korea

Shopping is another cost that varies a lot from person to person. Some people like to shop a lot and will spend a lot shopping monthly, while others might spend close to zero. You can do tons of shopping in Seoul, so chances are that you’ll spend at least some every month on it.

Traveling is an expense some people might not expect, as they’re already traveling to Seoul. However, while you’re in South Korea, it’s great to travel around the country or go on short trips to nearby countries that usually are far away from you when you’re back at home. Therefore, I recommend going on short trips around South Korea or nearby countries.

How much you’ll spend on average monthly on traveling around will obviously depend on how much you want to travel. During my stay as an exchange student, we went on two trips around South Korea – to Jeju and Busan for several days at a time, as well as one-day trips to areas outside of Seoul. Back then, we could not leave South Korea because of restrictions, but I heard many people go to Japan, etc., while they are in South Korea.

Public Transport probably won’t vary that much from person to person, as most people use public transportation as the main way to get around, so they’ll use it a similar amount. It really depends on whether you need to use it to get to school/work.

Crossing the Han river on bridge in Subway in Seoul South Korea

Activities costs depend on how often you want to see attractions, join tours, etc., but from my experience, it seemed most other foreigners in South Korea did it around as often as each other. We usually went in a larger group as well, which meant we spent the same. Some activities, like hiking , are free to do. You just need to take public transportation there and bring your own food/water.

Besides the monthly living costs, you’ll also have to pay for other things when you’re going to stay in South Korea for a longer period of time. These are some of the ones that you might have to pay for:

  • Flight tickets: $655 – $1,179
  • Insurance: ~$100 per month
  • Vaccinations: ~$400*
  • Phone bill: ~$30 per month
  • Textbooks for studies: ~$260*
  • Visa-associated costs like language tests: ~$300
  • Tuition $0 – $10,000 per semester*

*These expenses can vary greatly, so I cannot give any accurate estimated cost for some of these things. Some people might not have to pay anything for the expenses marked with “*”, depending on their country or their situation, while others might have to pay more than the listed amount. You’ll have to check the cost for yourself based on your situation. Also, if you’re not studying in Seoul but are there for work, you obviously won’t have tuition costs or textbook costs.

While getting estimated costs can be great, it’s also nice to hear actual numbers from someone’s trip.

I have personally been to Seoul twice so far, once as an exchange student for around 4 months and once just for vacation for around 1.5 months.

For my trip to Seoul as an exchange student from Denmark for around 4 months, I paid the equivalent of $12,903 back then, everything included, now around $10,667. To give some context, I lived in cheap accommodation for the first ~three months near my university after quarantining in an Airbnb. For the last ~20 days, I lived in a nice hotel (around $60 per night). I did not have to pay tuition. I also did not cook any food myself, which means I bought takeout food, food from convenience stores, or went to a restaurant for all my meals (I spent probably around $20 a day on average on food). I did not think much about limiting my spending while I was there, as I wanted to freely experience the country.

Korea University in Seoul South Korea

I did some shopping, but not a ton. I also went to Busan for a couple of days, Jeju for around a week, and some other places outside of Seoul for 1-day trips a couple of times. If I had to give a realistic estimate, I’m sure you could have done everything for around half the price that I did if you are also an exchange student and also do not have to pay tuition. If you’re living abroad in South Korea and need to get your own apartment, etc., you should expect the monthly rent to be quite a lot higher, around 2-3 times higher than that of dorms or similar accommodations.

For my second trip to Seoul, which was a vacation of around 1.5 months, I spent the equivalent of $8,063 back then, everything included, now around $6,677. That trip was definitely more expensive than the average vacation of that length to Seoul, as I prioritized staying in nice accommodations, traveling around in South Korea, eating at some expensive restaurants, and generally just spending without limiting myself. Again, I believe a vacation to Seoul of that length could be done for half of that price, if not less.

That’s how much it costs to visit Seoul in South Korea!

Have any input or suggestions for this guide? Let us know in the comment section below.

Post author avatar

Tim Stadel Clausen

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South korea prices guide. how much does a trip to south korea cost the estimated travel expenses for food, public transport, attractions entrance and accommodation..

South Korea - Prices

Currency in South Korea is South Korean Won

If you are travelling alone to south korea, depending on your expectations, you will pay for an overnight stay from 37 usd (50,000 krw) for a hostel to 160 usd (213,000 krw) for a luxury hotel., the other daily costs you have to pay when travelling to south korea are:.

  • Food 16 USD (20,000 KRW)
  • Meals in restaurants 10 USD (13,000 KRW)
  • Bottled water 1.00 USD (1,300 KRW)
  • Local transportation 3.90 USD (5,200 KRW)
  • Entrance tickets 27 USD (35,000 KRW)
  • Alcoholic beverages 7.00 USD (9,300 KRW)

As you can see - a stay for a few days in South Korea can cost 257 USD (343,000 KRW) or 969 USD (1,294,000 KRW) , depending on whether you are a frugal tourist or you are planning to spend a luxurious holiday in South Korea.

How much South Korean Won should I have for one week in South Korea?

If you want to spend a week in South Korea the cost of your stay will be:

  • 600 USD (802,000 KRW) - a cheap stay for 7 days in South Korea
  • 795 USD (1,062,000 KRW) - a budget travel for 7 days in South Korea
  • 998 USD (1,334,000 KRW) for a one week of comfortable stay in South Korea
  • 2,200 USD (3,021,000 KRW) for a week of luxury holidays in South Korea

How much money do I need per day to stay in South Korea?

If you are travelling alone to South Korea, 86 USD a day should be enough. If you choose a hotel for your stay in South Korea, the price will rise to 110 USD. A couple will have to pay around 200 USD for one day in South Korea. A family with two children should have 350 USD for one day stay in South Korea.

How to visit South Korea on a low budget? How to travel South Korea cheaply? How to save money while travelling in South Korea?

In order not to exceed reasonable expenses during a trip to South Korea, which we estimate at 114 USD (151,000 KRW) for a one day, you must comply with the following rules:

  • Choose to stay in a hostel (37 USD (50,000 KRW) ) or in a cheap hotel (51 USD (67,000 KRW) ).
  • Use public transport. The price for a one-way ticket is 0.97 USD (1,300 KRW) and for a monthly pass 41 USD (54,000 KRW) .
  • Make your own breakfast and own dinner. Daily shopping cost in the shop is around 16 USD (20,000 KRW) in South Korea.
  • Choose restaurants outside the city centre and close to tourist attractions. Meal in a cheap restaurant cost around 6.00 USD (7,900 KRW) in South Korea. McMeal at McDonalds (or equivalent meal in other fastfood restaurant) costs approximately 5.60 USD (7,500 KRW) .

Car-related costs are mainly fuel, road tolls and parking fees. Of course, the price depends on the purpose of the journey and energy efficiency of a vehicle.

In South Korea, you will pay for the fuel accordingly:

  • Petrol price in South Korea is around: 1.30 USD (1,700 KRW)
  • Diesel fuel price in South Korea is around: 1.20 USD (1,600 KRW)
  • 1kg sausage: 29 USD (38,000 KRW)
  • 0,5 kg bread: 2.70 USD (3,500 KRW)
  • 10 eggs: 3.10 USD (4,200 KRW)
  • 1kg cheese: 13 USD (17,000 KRW)
  • 1 liter milk: 2.00 USD (2,600 KRW)
  • 1 kg apples: 6.10 USD (8,100 KRW)
  • Bottle of local beer (0,5 liter): 3.00 USD (3,900 KRW)

Car rental prices in South Korea

  • What is the average price for a car rental in South Korea?
  • How much does it typically cost to rent a car in South Korea?
  • Is it cheaper to rent a car for a week in South Korea?

What is most famous in South Korea? How much does an average entrance to travel attractions in South Korea cost?

The most important tourist attractions in south korea that we recommend:, the museums worth a visit in south korea:, are there any free attractions in south korea what can you do for free in south korea, on warmer days, we recommend walking in parks in south korea. below is a list of the largest and most interesting parks in south korea. parks in south korea:, book the best hotels in south korea - in partnership with booking.com, compare hotel rates in south korea and save up to 80%.

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Travel Costs Breakdown – South Korea Trip

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How much should a South Korea trip cost you? In this post, I’ll be writing about the costs needed to travel from Lagos to Seoul, Jeonju, Boesong, Namwon and Busan. I made this trip from Nairobi, and apart from the costs of flights, everything else is applicable when travelling from Nigeria.

This breakdown is based solely on my experience and is only intended for trip planning and presenting a fair idea of how much to budget. All prices stated here represent the cost per person and are either approximate or exact at the time of this writing.

Gyeongbokgung Palace Seoul Hanbok on Black Girl

What's Covered in this Post

Getting There: The Cost of a Visa from Nigeria to South Korea & Required Documents

Nigerians visiting South Korea for tourism require a visa. In this post , I have written an extensive breakdown of how to apply for one and the documents needed. At the time of this writing, a regular single-entry tourist visa costs $40.

One of the requirements for this visa is a travel insurance certificate to cover the duration of your stay. I always buy mine through SafetyWing, as I find them affordable and swift. My insurance for 12 days cost me $18.

Oaxaca Centro Colourful buildings

stay safe while you travel

Protect yourself from the unexpected while you travel by purchasing an Insurance Cover. I use SafetyWing , which is affordable and covers several travel-related risks, such as unexpected illness or injury, eligible hospital expenses, lost luggage and more. Click here to purchase a cover for your travel and visa application needs.

South Korea Trip Cost: Flights from Nairobi or Lagos to Seoul

At the time of this writing, there are no direct flights from Nigeria to South Korea. Several airlines do make the trip, with stops at their various hubs. For my journey, I chose to fly with Qatar Airways . At $1,195, I found them to be the most affordable option to get to Seoul with the shortest overall layover time.

‎Haedong Yonggungsa Temple Busan

I also enjoy flying with Qatar Airways and thought the service from Nairobi to Seoul via Doha was excellent.

South Korea Trip Cost: Transportation Costs

My transportation bill came up to about $200 . This included my taxi, bus and train tickets from Seoul to Jeonju , Jeonju to Boseong and Namwon, Namwon to Busan, and a ride on the First Class berth of the KTX train from Busan to Seoul.

Also included in this cost are the Sky Capsule and Beach train rides, as well as all the subway and bus rides I took in Busan and Seoul.

Travel by bus in South Korea

PS: if you’re booking a ride on the KTX train online, book directly from the official website – LetsKorail.com. Other sites come up when you search for train tickets. However, some of these websites have a markup of as much as $30 for a single trip.

South Korea Trip Cost: Accommodation Costs

I stayed in 4 accommodations in South Korea. My first place was at the 24 Guesthouse in Jeonju . I paid $67 for two nights in a double room. Next, I stayed at Namwonyechon Hanok Hotel in Namwon for one night and paid $117.

In Busan, I stayed at Arban Hotel for two nights and paid $97; in Seoul, I spent $212 for a four-night stay at the Centremark Hotel , Insadong.

Namwonyechon Hanok Hotel Stay Travel Blogger Review

All my accommodation prices were for two adults sharing a room. If you travel with a partner, these prices can be split between two people.

Feeding & Entertainment

Most places I went to were free to roam about. I usually just had to spend on food. My total food tab for 12 days came to $70, and I think I might have spent about $10 or so on entrance tickets to some of the attractions I visited.

Ddong Cafe Insadong Seoul

Finally, I had a shopping bill of $150. I’ve grouped the costs for my SIM card , Hanbok Rental and photoshoot experience, as well as, the costs for souvenirs and K-Beauty products into this.

gyeongbokgung palace hanbok photoshoot experience

I have written several posts about I spent my time in South Korea. You can find them here . Here’s an overview of everything I spent. Again, this breakdown is based solely on my experience and is only intended for trip planning and to present a fair idea of how much to budget. All prices stated here are either approximate or exact at this time.

South Korea Travel Resources

Getting a visa to South Korea

Solo Tripping in South Korea – The Beginning

A simple travel checklist for first-time visitors

Buy a SIM card online and pick it up at the airport or get an eSIM here .

Rent your Hanbok online

Hanok Stay Experience in Namwon

Things to do in Gamcheon culture village Busan

I hope you find this South Korea Trip Cost breakdown helpful. Please leave me a comment to let me know what you think / if you have any questions!

And don’t forget to share ( on Twitter ) and follow my adventures on  Instagram .

Sharing is Caring:

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I love to hear from you, leave a comment here cancel reply.

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How much does a Nigerian need to have in their bank account to show as financial evidence when traveling to South Korea for a visit? What is the minimum balance required?

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The South Korean embassy does not mandate any minimum balance as far as I know. A good rule of thumb is to ensure that you have at least x2 or 3 your trip budget and healthy in and outflow.

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This was so helpful, detailed and an easy read. I don’t think I’ve read any blog that breaks prices, websites used etc. down like you did. Thank you!

Thanks for your kind words, Bibi. Glad you found the post helpful!

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A nice and detailed breakdown of the trip. Thanks for sharing and greetings!

Thank you, Blogoratti!

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Beautiful photographs, Amarachi. I spend less and less money on souvenirs as I find that our own photos are really the best memory one can have. You wrote a very clear and well-organised cost-breakdown post. I was lucky to live in Asia for some years which saved me a lot of money on flights. I like Qatar Airways too, they are very professional. Was your layover in Doha long enough to take a city tour from the airport?

Thank you, Leighton! I agree with you about buying souvenirs and the amounts I allocate to these have greatly reduced over the years. I would also love to live or spend an extended period of time in a central location in Asia and travel regionally. Maybe Mark and I may be able to do that in the future. We’ll see. About the layover in Doha, I had a 12-hour layover on my return leg and it was in the daytime too. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get a visa to leave the airport. The visa services were suspended at the time and still are as I write this. I’m hoping that they would resume services before my next trip to the region as all flights I have seen have long waits on the return leg.

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Padres-Dodgers opens MLB regular season in South Korea. What to know about Seoul Series.

T he San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers travel to Seoul, South Korea, to open the 2024 Major League Baseball season dubbed as the Seoul Series.

It will mark the first time a regular-season MLB game will be played in Korea. The Padres and Dodgers will play a two-game series March 20-21 while the majority of the league won't begin their seasons until March 28.

For Los Angeles, it will mark the season debut of Shohei Othani , Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow , whom the Dodgers spent a combined $1.16 billion on during the winter.

From NFL plays to college sports scores, all the top sports news you need to know every day.

How to watch the Padres-Dodgers series

  • March 20 at 6 a.m. ET on ESPN and  MLB.TV
  • March 21 at 6 a.m. ET on ESPN and  MLB.TV

Who are the probable pitchers for the Padres-Dodgers?

  • March 20: Yu Darvish , Padres (8-10, 4.56 ERA in 2023) vs. Tyler Glasnow , Dodgers (10-7, 3.53 ERA in 2023)
  • March 21: Joe Musgrove , Padres (10-3, 3.05 ERA in 2023) vs. Yoshinobu Yamamoto , Dodgers (16-6, 1.21 ERA in Japan Pacific League in 2023)

Who is the home team?

The Padres are the designated “home” team in Game 1. The Dodgers will be the "home" team in Game 2.

Will Shohei Ohtani play in the Seoul Series?

Yes, Ohtani is expected to make his Dodgers debut as designated hitter. He is still recovering from Tommy John elbow surgery , so he won't pitch.

Who will win the series between the Padres and Dodgers?

The Padres and Dodgers have had an intense division rivalry over the past few years. The Dodgers eliminated the Padres in the 2020 National League Division Series en route to their World Series championship. In 2023, the Padres upset the Dodgers in the NLDS, but lost to the Philadelphia Phillies in the NCLS.

Since 2020, the Dodgers lead the head-to-head regular season series 41-20 over the Padres.

What other exhibition games will be played in South Korea?

Prior to the opening games, the Padres and Dodgers will be participating in four exhibition games March 17 and 18.

On March 17, the Dodgers will play the Kiwoom Heroes and Team Korea will face the Padres. On March 18, the Padres will take on the LG Twins and Team Korea will take on the Dodgers.

What is the history of MLB season openers played abroad?

The Seoul Series will mark the ninth time that the MLB season has opened outside the 50 U.S. states and Canada. Previous international openers include:

  • 1999 -- Monterrey, Mexico (Rockies vs. Padres)
  • 2000 -- Tokyo, Japan (Mets vs. Cubs)
  • 2001 -- San Juan, Puerto Rico (Rangers vs. Blue Jays)
  • 2004 -- Tokyo, Japan (Rays vs. Yankees)
  • 2008 -- Tokyo, Japan (Red Sox vs. A's)
  • 2012 -- Tokyo, Japan (A's vs. Mariners)
  • 2014 -- Sydney, Australia (Dodgers vs. D-backs)
  • 2019 -- Tokyo, Japan (A's vs. Mariners)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Padres-Dodgers opens MLB regular season in South Korea. What to know about Seoul Series.

Shohei Ohtani will average $70 million a year for the next 10 years.

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Privately owned vehicle (POV) mileage reimbursement rates

GSA has adjusted all POV mileage reimbursement rates effective January 1, 2024.

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IMAGES

  1. 20 Best Places to Visit in South Korea in 2024

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  2. How Much Does It Cost To Travel In Korea 2020? Korean Budget

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  3. 💲 What a Trip to South Korea Costs in 2024

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  4. South Korea Travel Guide

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COMMENTS

  1. South Korea Travel Cost

    A two week trip to South Korea on average costs around $1,555 (₩2,070,644) for one person and $3,110 (₩4,141,289) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing. Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four ...

  2. Cost of a Trip to South Korea & the Cheapest Time to Visit South Korea

    The average price of a 7-day trip to South Korea is $1,452 for a solo traveler, $2,504 for a couple, and $1,084 for a family of 4. South Korea hotels range from $45 to $202 per night with an average of $67, while most vacation rentals will cost $110 to $440 per night for the entire home.

  3. The Cost of Travel in South Korea: My 2024 Budget Breakdown

    1 EUR: 1,450 KRW. 1 GBP: 1,675 KRW. 1 AUD: 875 KRW. Yes, this does make calculating the prices of things rather tricky when you're in South Korea! For me, I kept in mind that 10,000 KRW is roughly 8 USD (€7, £6, or 11.50 AUD) and it made figuring out the prices of things far easier.

  4. What a Trip to South Korea Costs in 2024

    An average one-week trip to South Korea for two people will cost around $4,900: Average Accommodation Cost: $100 per night. Average Flight Cost: $1,300 per person. Food, Drink & Activities: $100 per person, per day. Transportation: $200 total.

  5. South Korea Budget Travel Guide (Updated 2024)

    South Korea Travel Costs. Accommodation - A bed in a hostel dorm with 4-6 beds costs 20,000-25,000 KRW per night, while a bed in a dorm with 8 or more beds costs around 14,000-20,000 KRW. A single private room is around 40,000 KRW, while a double private room is 70,000 KRW.

  6. How much does a trip to South Korea Cost?

    Asia / South Korea /. For a trip to South Korea, you should plan for daily costs anywhere between $44 to $282. If there's two of you traveling, your daily expenses could range from $88 to $564. These price ranges are based on the average daily spending of $111 (₩147,903) per person which comes from the travel expenses of other visitors.

  7. Cost of a Trip to Seoul, KR & the Cheapest Time to Visit Seoul

    Luxury Couple's Trip. The high-end price for a couple to visit Seoul for a week is $5,468-$12,532($781-$1,790 per day) Food, Travel, and Sightseeing: $134 to $316 per day for two people's daily expenses. Flights: $3,978 to $6,648 for first class. Lodging: $92 to $201 per night for one 4 or 5-star hotel room.

  8. How to Plan a Trip to South Korea in 2024/2025

    Check more details about plan a 12-Day or 2 Week Itinerary in South Korea and Japan. How Much Does a Trip to South Korea Cost? The private tour cost in South Korea is about US$400-500 per day per person based on a family of 3-5 people, including 4-star hotels, a full-day itinerary, tickets for attractions, private cars, and private guides.

  9. Cheap Flights to South Korea from $371

    What is the cheapest flight to South Korea? The cheapest ticket to South Korea from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $486 one-way, and $694 round-trip. The most popular route is Los Angeles to Incheon Intl and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $694.

  10. The Best 10-Day South Korea Itinerary: Budget and how to plan

    Without factoring in international flights to and from South Korea, a ballpark estimate for a 10-day moderately priced vacation in South Korea could vary from $800 to $1,000. Remember that this is only a rough estimate, and that the actual cost of the trip may change depending on your choices.

  11. South Korea Trip Costs Unveiled: Budget, Average, and Luxury

    Normal Option. If you're on a normal budget, you can spend around $250-$400 per person for a day trip to Korea. This budget includes public transportation, breakfast and lunch, self-guided tours, and admission to some attractions. A regular budget trip of 5 days would cost $1,200. This would break down to $600 for lodging, $300 for food, $400 ...

  12. South Korea Vacation Packages 2024 from $1,827

    Bundle your South Korea flight + hotel & save up to 100% off your flight with Expedia. FREE cancellation on select hotels ... South Korea Travel Guide South Korea Hotels Vacation Rentals in South Korea South Korea Flights Car Rentals in South Korea. South Korea Vacations & Trips from $1,827 Book a Hotel + Flight or Car together to unlock savings.

  13. How much does a trip to South Korea cost?

    A lot of the best things to do in South Korea are free. However, there definitely are some attractions that cost money - entry fees to a museum or an art gallery are usually around ₩19,000 - ₩50,650 per person. If you want to do organised day trips or join smaller tour groups to learn more about some of the sites, budget around ₩108,000 per activity per person.

  14. Discover the Surprising Trip to South Korea Cost in 2024

    Flights to South Korea can range from around $500 to $1,500 for a round-trip ticket, depending on the season and your departure location. Accommodation costs vary as well, with budget hotels or hostels starting at around $30 per night and luxury hotels reaching up to $300 or more. Fortunately, South Korea boasts an extensive and efficient ...

  15. Cheap Flights to South Korea from $372

    Find cheap return or one-way flights to South Korea. Book & compare flight deals to South Korea and save now! Get great flight deals to South Korea for 2024. ... Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $372 for one-way flights and $693 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change ...

  16. How much does a trip to Seoul Cost?

    Asia / South Korea / Seoul /. A journey to Seoul will usually cost from $43 to $295 for an individual and $86 to $590 for two people. The mid-range tends to hover around $111 (₩148,114) per person daily, as calculated from our travel cost data from fellow travelers covering food, accommodation, sightseeing, and local transportation expenses.

  17. What a 2 Week South Korea Trip Cost

    Total: $631. Average: $63 / day. Average: $31.50 per person per day. The food in Korea is one of my new favorites. Even though we spent quite a bit on food every day, it was worth it! We ate a few meals that were a little more expensive. Or in the case of our food tour, we ate 12 meals in one day….

  18. Planning a Trip to South Korea: a Step By Step Guide

    Last updated: March 28, 2023. Planning a trip to South Korea can be a difficult and overwhelming process but with our extensive guide, you will be able to breeze through all the steps required. Keep reading for our tips, advice, and information on the best way to plan a trip to South Korea. There is a really good chance that this post contains ...

  19. How Much Does a Trip to Seoul Cost? (Vacation & Long-Term)

    On average, a 7-day vacation to Seoul will cost you around $2,077 from the United States and around $1,553 from Europe, as flight tickets are around half the price from Europe compared to the US. A long-term visit to Seoul, like studying abroad, will cost around $1,113 per month, and regular living abroad will cost around $1,639, not including ...

  20. How much does a trip to South Korea cost? Daily, 3-days and weekly cost

    day / weekend / week. 14 USD / 35 USD / 85 USD. day / weekend / week. 78 USD / 194 USD / 466 USD. day / weekend / week. As you can see - a stay for a few days in South Korea can cost 257 USD (342,000 KRW) or 969 USD (1,288,000 KRW), depending on whether you are a frugal tourist or you are planning to spend a luxurious holiday in South Korea.

  21. South Korea Trip Cost + Budget Breakdown for 12 Days

    Nigerians visiting South Korea for tourism require a visa. In this post, I have written an extensive breakdown of how to apply for one and the documents needed. At the time of this writing, a regular single-entry tourist visa costs $40. One of the requirements for this visa is a travel insurance certificate to cover the duration of your stay.

  22. Padres-Dodgers opens MLB regular season in South Korea. What to ...

    The San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers travel to Seoul, South Korea, to open the 2024 Major League Baseball season dubbed as the Seoul Series. It will mark the first time a regular ...

  23. Privately owned vehicle (POV) mileage reimbursement rates

    Per diem rates look-up Allowances for lodging, meal and incidental costs while on official government travel. Mileage reimbursement rates Reimbursement rates for the use of your own vehicle while on official government travel. Technology Toggle submenu. Explore technology Products and services Toggle submenu. Cloud computing services ...

  24. Spending on Private Education Hits Another Record in South Korea

    Each student on average spent 553,000 won a month last year, with the cost increasing in line with age progression. In particular, high school students attending private educational institutions ...