Budgeting for a trip to Korea is essential for making the most of your time and money.
Exchange rates vary between countries, and local prices can fluctuate, so it’s hard to give a single “perfect” number for everyone. In this guide, we’ll use US dollars as the standard reference to give you a realistic estimate for different travel styles — from budget backpackers to luxury travellers.
Please remember that these figures are only estimates. Your actual expenses will depend on your travel dates, itinerary, and spending habits. To get the most accurate budget, plan ahead based on your personal needs and use updated exchange rates before you go.
🧾 Average Daily Living Cost – South Korea (2025)
| Category | Budget Traveler | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $20–$50 | $60–$120 | $200+ |
| Food | $10–$20 | $25–$50 | $60+ |
| Transportation | $4–$8 | $10–$15 | $30+ |
| Attractions | $5–$15 | $15–$30 | $40+ |
| Shopping/Souvenirs | Optional | $10–$30 | $50+ |
💡 Tip: Travelling during off-peak seasons (late fall and early spring) can significantly reduce both accommodation and flight costs.
🧳 Major Budget Categories You Should Plan For
🛏️ 1. Accommodation
Where you stay will be one of your largest expenses.
- Budget Options: Hostels, guesthouses, and capsule hotels can cost as little as $20 per night in Seoul or Busan. They’re great for solo travelers or those who don’t mind shared spaces.
- Mid-Range: Standard hotels or serviced apartments average $60–$120 per night.
- Luxury: Five-star hotels and boutique stays start at $200 per night, with premium suites going much higher.
Booking Tips:
- Check Booking.com, Agoda, and Klook to find discounts and promotions or other sites
- Book early for peak seasons like cherry blossom (April) or autumn foliage (October).
🍲 2. Food & Dining
Korea offers a range of dining options, from street stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants.
- Street Food: Try tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) or hotteok (sweet pancakes) for ₩3,000–₩6,000 ($2–$4).
- Local Restaurants (식당): Great meals for under $8, including rice, soup, and side dishes.
- Upscale Dining: Korean BBQ, seafood, and alcohol can push your daily food budget above $60 if you indulge.
💡 Tip: Convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) sell affordable meal sets for $3–$5, perfect for a quick bite.
🚇 3. Transportation
Public transportation in Korea is cheap, reliable, and extensive.
- T-money Card: Use on subways, buses, and even some taxis.
- Airport Transfers: AREX train to central Seoul costs ~$8, airport buses ~$12.
- Long-Distance Travel: KTX high-speed train from Seoul to Busan is about $45 one-way, taking just 2.5 hours.
💡 Tip: For multiple intercity trips, consider the Korea Rail Pass (KR Pass) for unlimited KTX rides.
🎟️ 4. Activities & Entry Fees
- Palaces: Gyeongbokgung and others charge $2–$4.
- Theme Parks: Lotte World or Everland costs $25–$50.
- Cultural Experiences: Temple stays or hanbok rentals range from $20–$70.
💡 Tip: Some museums and palaces have monthly free admission days — check schedules in advance.
📱 Hidden & Unexpected Costs
Don’t forget to account for smaller, easily overlooked expenses:
- International Transaction Fees: Use travel cards (Wise, Revolut) or exchange cash wisely.
- SIM/eSIM & Mobile Data: Pre-book online for discounts and airport pickup.
- Travel Insurance: Covers medical emergencies and trip delays.
- Laundry: ₩5,000–₩10,000 per load in coin laundries.
- Late-Night Taxis: Extra charge after midnight.
🪙 Example Budget – 7 Days in Korea (Mid-Range)
| Category | Estimate USD |
|---|---|
| Flights | $600–$1,000 |
| Accommodation | $420 |
| Food | $210 |
| Transport | $80 |
| Activities | $100 |
| Shopping | $100 |
| Total | ~$1,500–$2,000 |
💼 Money-Saving Tips & Tools
✅ Book activity bundles (e.g., SIM + Airport Transfer + Pass) for discounts
✅ Use Korean budget food delivery apps or 편의점 (convenience stores) for cheap meals
✅ Visit attractions on free admission days
✅ Use currency exchange apps or multi-currency travel cards to avoid high fees
Final Note:
Planning your Korea travel budget isn’t just about saving money — it’s about making sure you can enjoy your trip without financial stress. By understanding average costs, booking smart, and taking advantage of local deals, you can experience the best of Korea at any budget level.