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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!
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!
South korea trip cost:, south korea itinerary.
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
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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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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: $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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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We’re Alicia & Nate, a couple that traveled full-time for 3 years straight. We are now living in a cozy little apartment in Albania. We have a passion for exploring new places and trying new foods.
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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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 .
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.
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:
Accommodation:
Seoul Guide
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.
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 :
Accommodation posts:
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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 .
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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
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 .
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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
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.
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.
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.
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).
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:
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
*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.
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!
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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..
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:.
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.
If you want to spend a week in South Korea the cost of your stay will be:
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.
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:
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:
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%.
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.
What's Covered in this Post
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.
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.
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.
I also enjoy flying with Qatar Airways and thought the service from Nairobi to Seoul via Doha was excellent.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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 .
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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?
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.
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!
A nice and detailed breakdown of the trip. Thanks for sharing and greetings!
Thank you, Blogoratti!
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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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.
The Padres are the designated “home” team in Game 1. The Dodgers will be the "home" team in Game 2.
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.
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.
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.
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:
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Padres-Dodgers opens MLB regular season in South Korea. What to know about Seoul Series.
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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 ...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
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 ...
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 ...
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.
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….
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 ...
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 ...
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.
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.
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...