How much does it cost to travel to South Korea
South Korea, a country that blends 5,000 years of history and culture with cutting-edge technology, K-pop, and Korean barbecue, is becoming a dream destination for more and more travelers. Whether you want to experience the vibrant nightlife of Seoul, relax on the Busan beach, or hike through the natural beauty of Jeju Island, South Korea has something for everyone. But the question is: how much does it cost to travel to South Korea? Don't worry. This article, based on the real experiences of several seasoned travelers and combined with the latest exchange rates and price data from 2026, presents you with a comprehensive budget guide covering everything from airfare and souvenirs to luxury hotels and backpacker hostels. Whether you're a budget backpacker or a middle-class traveler seeking comfort, you can find the answer that suits you here.
Table of Contents
1. Exchange Rates and Currencies
10. Quick Guide to Money-Saving Tips
1. Exchange Rates and Currencies
Before calculating specific expenses, it's necessary to understand the exchange rates between the Korean Won and major currencies. As of January 2026, the approximate exchange rates are as follows
1 US dollar = 1500 Korean Won, 1 euro = 1700 Korean Won, 1 British pound = 1900 Korean Won, and 1 Australian dollar = 1000 Korean Won.
A very useful mental arithmetic tip is to remember that 10,000 Korean Won is approximately equal to 7 US dollars, 6 euros, 5 British pounds, or 10 Australian dollars. This will allow you to quickly convert any price tags you see in Korea to your familiar currency.
However, there is a very important point to note beforehand. Although South Korea is a cashless society where almost everyone uses bank cards for payments, the success rate of using foreign bank cards at local payment terminals is not high. According to the actual experiences of many travelers, only about 30% of card swipe attempts are successful, regardless of whether you use a UK card, Australian card, or New Zealand card. Apple Pay has very limited functionality in South Korea, and Google Pay is basically unusable. Therefore, the safest approach is to carry enough cash with you and prepare multiple cards issued in different countries as backups, just in case.
2. Airfare
International airfare is usually the largest single expense for your trip to South Korea. According to data from booking platforms like Kayak, round-trip economy class tickets to South Korea generally range from $500 to $1500, depending on your departure city and travel dates. Long-haul flights from Western countries are naturally much more expensive than flights within Asia, and you'll most likely be flying to Incheon International Airport.
If you want to find cheaper tickets, pay attention to seasonal price fluctuations. Generally, November to February of the following year is when airfares to Seoul are lowest, as airlines lower prices during the cold winter to increase load factors. Of course, the trade-off is that you'll need to bring your thickest coat, as Korean winters are bitterly cold, and the perceived temperature is no joke. On the other hand, spring and autumn are the most expensive seasons to visit Seoul, especially April for cherry blossoms and October for autumn foliage, with airfares 15% to 25% higher than in winter. If you can plan your time flexibly, choosing to travel in winter is a good way to save on your budget.
3. Accommodation
Once you arrive in South Korea, accommodation will likely be your biggest daily expense. The good news, however, is that South Korea offers a wide range of lodging options, from hostel beds costing just over ten dollars to five-star hotels priced at over three hundred dollars. You can choose freely based on your budget and travel style.
If you’re a backpacker or don’t mind sharing a room with others, a dorm bed at a hostel is the most economical option. In South Korea, a well-reviewed hostel bed costs about $18 per night, while the best hostels may be slightly more expensive, around $24. If you prefer more privacy, private rooms in hostels can be booked for about $30 per night. If you’re traveling with friends or a partner, this option is actually more cost-effective than booking two dorm beds. Of course, if you’re looking for higher quality, some top-rated hostel private rooms may cost up to $70 per night.
If you plan to stay in a hotel, prices in South Korea are also quite reasonable. While not as cheap as in Southeast Asia, they are generally lower than in many Western European countries. Locally operated three-star hotels cost about $50 per night, four-star hotels range from $150 to $200, and five-star hotels are around $250 to $350. Of course, specific prices vary depending on location and season. For example, prices in Seoul’s Myeongdong district tend to be higher due to its central location and proximity to shopping areas; conversely, Hongdae is more popular among young travelers and backpackers, offering relatively affordable rates and a vibrant atmosphere after sunset that is truly captivating.
Several travelers stayed at a variety of distinctive hotels during a recent trip to South Korea, which can serve as a reference. In Hongdae, Seoul, RYSE Hotel is a five-star property costing about $250 per night. It’s situated right in the heart of Hongdae’s café and nightlife district, yet the soundproofing is excellent—you can’t hear any of the outside noise. The rooms feature a modern industrial design, complete with city views and various thoughtful amenities, while the rooftop bar offers some of the best views in Seoul. In Myeongdong, Hotel 28, priced at around $200 per night, is a small, luxury hotel with a movie theme that offers complimentary popcorn upon check-in and is located right next to one of Seoul’s best night markets. If you’re in a smaller city like Gyeongju, Maison Mini Hotel offers spotless rooms for just $45 a night. The owner is warm and welcoming, and the hotel provides a shared kitchen and laundry facilities, making it excellent value for money. Near Seoraksan National Park, Smile Resort costs $53 a night. Although the decor is a bit dated, it includes a free breakfast and is just a five-minute walk from the bus stop heading to the park entrance—a great option for hikers.
Of course, if you’re willing to invest a little time and effort, there are even more budget-friendly—or even free—options. The Trusted Housesitters platform lets you look after people’s homes for free while they’re away, often including their pets, making it ideal for long-term travelers or digital nomads. WorldPackers offers a work-exchange program where you can get free room and board in exchange for volunteering for locals. There are currently many interesting volunteer opportunities in South Korea, such as living with monks in a small village or helping out on an organic chestnut farm in the countryside. Readers of this site can enjoy a $10 discount on WorldPackers by using the promo code “neverendingfootsteps.”
4. Dining
Once you arrive in Korea, get ready to eat your fill. The country offers so many amazing local dishes that many travelers worry they won’t have enough time to try them all in a single day. In fact, many seasoned foodies rank Korea among the world’s top five culinary destinations, alongside India, Vietnam, Mexico, and Greece. Whether you prefer street food, Korean barbecue, samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), or bibimbap, Korea’s dining scene will satisfy your appetite—and at very reasonable prices.
Generally, a meal at a typical Korean restaurant costs between 10,000 and 15,000 won, which is equivalent to $7.50 to $11.50. If you choose to dine at a Western-style restaurant, prices will be slightly higher, around 20,000 won. However, many travelers advise against trying Western food in Korea, as the flavors can be quite unexpected—some have ordered a ham and cheese sandwich only to find it topped with condensed milk. Street food or simple meals from convenience stores are very affordable, costing about 5,000 to 7,000 won, or $4 to $5.
Here are some specific examples of actual prices to give you a better sense of the costs. A lunch of fried chicken costs about 10,000 won, stone pot bibimbap is 9,500 won, and a dinner of spicy chicken cutlets is just 6,500 won. If you’re looking for all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue, a weekday lunch buffet is only 15,000 won. A lunch of ginseng chicken soup at a high-end restaurant costs about 19,000 won. Street food is even cheaper: a mung bean pancake costs 5,000 won, while other snacks like stir-fried rice cakes or sugar cakes are only $2 to $5 each. Drinks are also quite affordable; a glass of local draft beer or a bottle of soju at a restaurant costs around 4,000 won, while soju at a convenience store is as low as $1 to $1.50. Of course, if you want to enjoy a sophisticated cocktail at a world-class bar, prices can reach 23,000 won, or about $17.50.
Many travelers in Korea practice intermittent fasting, skipping breakfast in favor of an early, hearty lunch, and often grabbing dinner at a street food stall. This way, daily food expenses can sometimes be as low as 15,000 won (about $11.50), averaging around $19 per day. If you stick to street food, you can live quite comfortably on $10 to $15 a day. However, if you want to truly experience the charm of Korean cuisine—such as grilled meat, Korean set meals, and seafood hot pots, which are typically only available in restaurants—it’s recommended to increase your daily food budget to $25 to $35. It’s worth noting that many restaurants in Korea operate on a family-style dining model, charging per person rather than à la carte. BBQ restaurants often have minimum spending requirements for specific cuts of pork, and it’s common for a meal for two to cost $40 to $50. Beef is very rare in Korea and the most expensive; a serving of grilled beef for two can sometimes exceed $100. So, traveling with friends is not only more fun but also helps split the costs at these family-style restaurants.
5. Transportation Efficient, Affordable, and Convenient
South Korea’s public transportation system is world-class. Whether it’s subways and buses within cities or high-speed trains and long-distance buses between cities, the services are clean, punctual, convenient, and quite affordable. Travelers typically spend an average of only about $10.20 per day on transportation.
There are several options for getting from the airport to downtown Seoul. There are two train options from Incheon International Airport to Seoul: the AREX Airport Express costs 9,500 KRW (about $6.50) and takes 43 minutes; the regular train costs just 4,150 KRW (about $2.85) and takes 53 minutes. The regular train takes only 10 minutes longer than the express and runs more frequently, so many travelers recommend taking the regular train because it’s cheaper and may actually be faster. Bus fares range from 10,000 to 15,000 KRW and take about 80 minutes, while a taxi can cost as much as 70,000 KRW (about $50) and take about an hour, making the train the most cost-effective option.
For getting around within Korean cities, the subway is the most convenient mode of transportation. The subway systems in Seoul and Busan are extensive, clean, modern, safe, and reliable. Fares are calculated by distance: a trip within 10 kilometers costs just 1,350 KRW (about $1), with an additional 100 KRW charged for every 5 kilometers thereafter. On a typical day of sightseeing, the average cost of subway travel is usually around 5,000 KRW, or $4. Buses are also very convenient and can reach areas not covered by the subway.
We strongly recommend purchasing a T-Money card before leaving the airport. This is a rechargeable smart card that can be used on subways, buses, and taxis nationwide, as well as at convenience stores and supermarkets. The card costs 4,000 won (about $2.75), and you can top it up at vending machines in the airport or at any convenience store. One traveler loaded 40,000 KRW (about $27) onto their card, which was enough to cover two weeks in Korea, with 2,000 KRW left over at the end. Using the T-Money card offers discounts on subways and buses, making it more cost-effective than buying single-ride tickets, and it allows for free transfers between different lines and modes of transportation within 30 minutes. If there is a remaining balance on the card at the end of your trip, you can retrieve it at any subway station in Seoul (including the airport).
If you’re traveling outside of Seoul, you’ll typically need to take a train or bus. South Korea’s KTX high-speed trains can whisk you across the country at speeds exceeding 300 km/h. The journey from Seoul to Busan—spanning the country from its northernmost to southernmost points—takes just over two hours, with a fare of 59,800 KRW (about $45). In contrast, the same route by bus takes four to six hours, with a fare of approximately 28,000 KRW (about $21). So, choosing between the train and the bus is essentially a trade-off between speed and budget. If you’re not in a hurry, the bus can save you nearly two-thirds of the cost. For example, a bus ticket from Seoul to Gyeongju costs 20,000 won ($15), from Seoul to Jeonju it’s also 20,000 won, and from Busan to Daegu it’s 12,000 won ($9). You can check schedules and availability on the Kobus or Bustago websites, but since these sites typically require a Korean bank card and a local phone number to purchase tickets, foreign travelers often have to buy tickets in advance at the bus station. However, with frequent departures, you generally don’t need to worry about tickets selling out.
If you plan to visit beautiful Jeju Island, flying is the most convenient option. A one-way ticket from Seoul to Jeju costs about $42, and from Busan, about $33. You can also choose to take a ferry from Busan, but the journey takes about 12 hours and costs around $45—it’s really not worth subjecting yourself to that level of discomfort. Once you arrive on Jeju Island, we strongly recommend renting a car. While it’s theoretically possible to get around by bus, having a car is the best way to explore the island. Car rental costs about $35 to $50 per day, and if you plan to tour the island for four or five days, you’ll need to budget an additional $75 or so for gas. Although this will significantly increase your transportation budget, almost everyone who’s been there will tell you it’s absolutely worth it.
6. Attraction Tickets Just $3 a Day
When sightseeing in South Korea, you’ll find that admission costs are very low. Tickets to most historical sites, cultural landmarks, and natural attractions are inexpensive, and many places are even free. On average, travelers spend only about $3 a day on tickets and activities—a rarity among developed countries.
If you could only choose one must-do activity in Seoul, it would definitely be visiting the Five Great Palaces. For just 10,000 won (about $7.50), you can purchase a combined ticket that grants you access to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace (and its Secret Garden), Deoksugung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, and Jongmyo Shrine all at once. If you were to buy individual tickets for each palace, the total would cost 14,000 won, so the combined pass is a great deal. Some travelers have spent an entire day intensively touring all the palaces; although they felt a bit overwhelmed by the end, they still found it well worth it. If your time is limited, you can focus on Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, as these two are the most spectacular. In the morning, you can watch the spectacular Changing of the Guard ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace, and in the afternoon, explore the beautiful Secret Garden at Changdeokgung Palace. It’s also worth noting that if you wear traditional Hanbok to Gyeongbokgung Palace, you’ll receive free admission. There are many Hanbok rental shops around the attractions, with rentals costing about $10 to $20. This is not only a great way to save money but also offers a unique photo opportunity.
Seoul also has many free or low-cost attractions worth exploring. Cheonggyecheon is a 10-kilometer-long stream that runs from Cheonggye Plaza all the way to Dongdaemun, cutting through the heart of Seoul. Once a busy highway, it has now been transformed into a tranquil oasis where people stroll and relax, surrounded by plants, trees, and charming water features. Bukchon Hanok Village, Dongdaemun Design Plaza, the Korean War Memorial, and the National Museum of Korea are all free to visit. Admission to N Seoul Tower is 21,000 won (about $16), Lotte World is 62,000 won (about $47), and the Kimchi Museum is just 5,000 won (about $4).
Seoraksan National Park
If you love nature, Seoraksan National Park is an absolute must-see. It’s just a two-hour bus ride from Seoul, and upon arrival, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into another country. Admission is only 3,500 won (about $2.50), allowing you to experience a corner of Korea rarely visited by tourists at this affordable price. Busan also offers many budget-friendly attractions: the Sky Capsule and Songdo Cable Car each cost 15,000 won (about $11.50), the Busan Tower observation deck costs 7,000 won (about $5), while Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and Gamcheon Culture Village are both free. On Jeju Island, Jeongbang Falls costs just 2,000 won (about $1.50), Camellia Hill 7,000 won (about $5), and the Folk Village 12,000 won (about $9).
The small city of Gyeongju is particularly well-suited for travelers on a budget. It is dotted with cultural sites and attractions—from royal tombs to ancient observatories and impressive Buddhist statues—the vast majority of which are free to visit. Admission to Donggung Palace is 3,000 won ($2), Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto are 5,000 won (about $4), and Expo Park is 8,000 won (about $6), while the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, Cheomseongdae Observatory, Woljeonggyo Bridge, and Gyocheon Village are all free.
There is one special tour that warrants a separate mention: the DMZ tour. Most visitors want to see the border between South and North Korea. A standard half-day DMZ tour (excluding the Joint Security Area) costs around 76,000 KRW ($56), allowing you to stand on a hill and gaze into North Korea through binoculars. Tours that include the Joint Security Area offer a more in-depth experience, allowing you to walk up to the famous blue barracks. However, due to the pandemic and other factors, these tours remain suspended as of early 2026. If they resume in the future, the cost will be approximately 195,000 KRW (US$150) per person for a full-day tour. In comparison, standard sightseeing tours are much more affordable, so if you’re on a tight budget, a regular DMZ tour is a good option.
7. eSIM and Internet All Set for $15
While traveling in South Korea, staying connected not only makes it easier to navigate and look up information, but also allows you to share the highlights of your trip with family and friends at any time. In the past, one of the biggest headaches for many travelers was spending hours searching for a store that sold SIM cards upon arriving in a new country, all while overcoming language barriers, preparing various forms of identification, and watching out for scams. Now, with eSIM, this problem is easily solved.
You can purchase an eSIM in advance before departure and connect to the local network even before the plane taxis to the gate. Many travelers use websites like eSIM Explorer to find the best eSIM cards for each destination, as these sites are run by travelers who have actually used all the recommended products and track data speeds and coverage. For South Korea, AloSIM receives the best ratings for coverage and speed, offering 5GB of data valid for 30 days at a price of $15.
8. Shopping and Souvenirs Set Aside $50 to $100 Per Day
If you plan to visit Seoul’s major shopping districts, such as Myeongdong, Hongdae, or Gangnam, we recommend setting aside $50 to $100 per day for souvenirs. Popular items include Korean skincare products, fashion apparel, and K-pop merchandise. Seoul is a massive shopping paradise in itself, and Myeongdong is the go-to destination for cosmetics and street fashion.
Buying skincare products in Myeongdong is much cheaper than purchasing the same brands abroad, as local prices in Seoul do not include the additional taxes and shipping fees common in Western markets. Myeongdong is a highly competitive hub for beauty products, with stores frequently offering “buy one, get one free” deals and 50% off promotions. Even better, eligible shoppers can receive an instant tax refund on purchases of 30,000 KRW or more, further reducing the total cost. Additionally, you’ll receive plenty of free samples while shopping—you might end up with more freebies than actual purchases. K-pop albums typically cost between $15 and $30, and high-quality sheet mask sets usually run under $20. Many travelers find that these great deals make it easy to overspend without realizing it, so it’s advisable to set a shopping budget in advance and stick to it as much as possible.
9. Total Budget Summary Starting at $137 per Day
Now it’s time to tally up all the expenses to see exactly how much a trip to South Korea will cost. In U.S. dollars, a traveler seeking comfort, occasionally staying at five-star hotels, eating regular meals, and doing moderate sightseeing can expect the following average daily expenses in South Korea: $104.50 for accommodation, $10.20 for transportation, $19 for meals, and $3 for admission fees, totaling $137 per day. Of course, this figure can vary significantly depending on your travel style.
If you’re a backpacker staying in a hostel dormitory, accommodation costs are estimated at $18 per night. Combined with other similarly frugal expenses, your total daily cost can be kept around $50. If you’re traveling as a couple and staying in an economy-to-mid-range hotel—where accommodation costs about $50 per night—your total daily cost for two people would be approximately $82. For a more precise estimate, let’s look at a two-week itinerary that includes Jeju Island (excluding international airfare). For a solo backpacker, accommodation is about $300, transportation (including car rental) is about $375, meals are $250, and admission fees plus souvenirs are $200, for a total of $1,150 to $1,350. For a comfortable trip for a couple, accommodation is about $600, transportation $500, meals $600, and admission fees plus souvenirs $400, for a total of $2,300 to $2,600.
If you compare this to the actual $3,400 spent by a group of travelers in 2019 (two people for two weeks, including Jeju Island, staying in mid-to-high-end hotels, dining out for almost every meal, enjoying five barbecue meals, and drinking plenty of soju and rice wine), you’ll see that travel costs in South Korea are indeed flexible. Even if you splurge a bit on food and transportation, you can still complete your trip quite affordably.
10. Quick Guide to Money-Saving Tips
If you want to minimize your budget without sacrificing too much of the experience, the following tips might help. Travel during the winter (November to February) for the cheapest airfares. For accommodations, prioritize hostels or use free options like home-sharing platforms or volunteer-for-stay programs. Be sure to purchase a T-Money card for public transportation—it’s convenient and offers discounts. For meals, opt for street food instead of sit-down restaurants; it’s both affordable and delicious. When visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace, rent a hanbok to wear for free admission. Buy an eSIM instead of using international roaming to save significantly on data costs. Be sure to purchase travel insurance to avoid unexpected expenses. When buying skincare products in Myeongdong, keep an eye out for duty-free and tax-refund offers. For travel between cities, if you’re not in a hurry, choosing a bus over the KTX can save you two-thirds of the cost. Finally, if you’re visiting Jeju Island, renting a car is a must, but you can split the fuel costs by carpooling with your travel companions.
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