How much does it cost to travel to South Korea?
You should plan to spend around $114 (₩147,903) per day on your vacation in South Korea. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $29 (₩38,176) on meals
- $17 (₩21,533) on local transportation
- $103 (₩133,776) on hotels
A one week trip to South Korea for two people costs, on average, $1,596 (₩2,070,644). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$0.62
₩1,035,322
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,596
₩2,070,644
-
One Month
Per person
$3,421
₩4,437,095
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,596
₩2,070,644
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,193
₩4,141,289
-
One Month
For a couple
$6,842
₩8,874,190
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to South Korea cost?
A one week trip to South Korea usually costs around $798 (₩1,035,322) for one person and $1,596 (₩2,070,644) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to South Korea on average costs around $1,596 (₩2,070,644) for one person and $3,193 (₩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 people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in South Korea will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to South Korea on average costs around $3,421 (₩4,437,095) for one person and $6,842 (₩8,874,190) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is South Korea expensive to visit?
South Korea is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.
Within Asia, South Korea is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to Bhutan or Taiwan.
For more details, see Is South Korea Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to South Korea?
The average South Korea trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these South Korea travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.
|
Category
|
Cost
|
|
Accommodation 1
(Double Occupancy)
|
₩133,776
($103)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
₩21,533
($17)
|
|
Food 2
|
₩38,176
($29)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
₩35,611
($27)
|
|
Tips and Handouts 1
|
₩21,500 -
64,500
($17 - 50)
|
|
Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps 1
|
₩625 -
1,875
($0 - 1)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
₩7,776 -
23,329
($6 - 18)
|
Accommodation Budget in South Korea
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid for one person for accommodation in South Korea is $52 (₩66,888). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in South Korea is $103 (₩133,776). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in South Korea? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in South Korea
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The cost of a taxi ride in South Korea is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $17 (₩21,533) per person, per day, on local transportation in South Korea.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$17
₩21,533
Typical prices for Local Transportation in South Korea are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Local Transportation prices in South Korea, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
-
Seoul City Pass Plus
₩10,000
-
Metro Ride
₩1,350
-
Subway Card
₩5,000
-
Short Taxi Ride
₩7,000
Food Budget in South Korea
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While meal prices in South Korea can vary, the average cost of food in South Korea is $29 (₩38,176) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in South Korea should cost around $12 (₩15,270) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in South Korea is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$29
₩38,176
Typical prices for Food in South Korea are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Food prices in South Korea, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
Entertainment Budget in South Korea
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Entertainment and activities in South Korea typically cost an average of $27 (₩35,611) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$27
₩35,611
Typical prices for Entertainment in South Korea are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Entertainment prices in South Korea, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
-
Kimchi Museum
₩3,000
-
Movie Ticket
₩8,000
-
Palace Tickets
₩8,000
Tips and Handouts Budget in South Korea
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average cost for Tips and Handouts in South Korea is $33 (₩43,000) per day. The usual amount for a tip in South Korea is 5% - 15%.
-
Tips and Handouts1
For guides or service providers
$33
₩43,000
Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in South Korea
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in South Korea is $0.96 (₩1,250), as reported by travelers.
-
Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps1
$0.96
₩1,250
Alcohol Budget in South Korea
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $12 (₩15,553) on alcoholic beverages in South Korea per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$12
₩15,553
Water Budget in South Korea
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, people spend $2.24 (₩2,910) on bottled water in South Korea per day. The public water in South Korea is considered safe to drink.
-
Water2
Bottled water for one day
$2.24
₩2,910
Last Updated: Jul 13, 2022
South Korea On a Budget
Gyeongbokgung Palace at night, Seoul, South Korea
South Korea is a very modern and cosmopolitan country on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula. It's one of the most densely populated countries in the world, yet currently has a very low birthrate. There is a large Christian and Buddhist population spread throughout the country. The Korean culture is a fascinating one. It is heavily influenced by the Chinese culture, but there remain major fundamental differences between the two, the most obvious being the food, spoken language, and written language. The Korean population is very proud of their distinct culture and you are sure to experience this during your time in South Korea. In addition to a unique food and architecture style, Koreans enjoy sports, with some of their favorites being baseball, soccer, and badminton.
Many people overlook South Korea as a travel destination in part because it is considered so modern and lacking in some of the traditional culture found in other nearby countries. Those who take the time to visit this fascinating country will find that it offers a unique perspective into the Asian culture.
South Korea is also easily accessible in route to other travel destinations throughout Asia. Many flights have a layover at Incheon International Airport. It is recommended that you extend your layover for at least a few days so you can explore parts of this interesting country. Check out
this 3-day Seoul itinerary for some ideas.
South Korea is divided into several distinct regions. As a tourist you'll find something interesting in each one, but some of the more popular places to visit include Gyeonggi, where you'll find the city of Seoul. Gangwon is well known for its natural beauty, beaches, and ski resorts. North Chungcheong has many national parks while South Chungcheong has some famous hot springs. North Gyeongsang is the place to go if you're looking for history and culture, but South Gyeongsang has many impressive temples and some nice seaside communities. Finally, Jeju is a notable honeymoon destination for Koreans.
Whether you're visiting Korea for work or pleasure, you are sure to be welcomed openly into the homes of many Koreans. You'll quickly be made to feel right at home and you'll have a memorable and unique experience during your time here.
At A Glance
- Public transportation in South Korea is very modern and easy to use. There are trains, buses, and planes that connect most cities. Most larger cities also have their own subway system which is usually modern and efficient. You can also travel around town by taxi or by public bus. Although there is almost every form of transportation you could need throughout the country, you'll usually get the best price if you take the bus. This may also be the slowest form of transportation however.
- South Korea sells a KR Pass to any foreign non-resident visiting the country. The pass offers unlimited travel for a set period of time on Korail train. There are many restrictions on the pass so you should really consider the cost effectiveness of purchasing it before paying the money. First class and sleeping cars are not included on the pass and the limitations are even stricter during holiday and peak periods of travel. In order to make up for the cost of the pass you will have to plan some long, frequent trips through the country. If you do decide to buy a KR Pass it must be purchased five days in advance.
- Karaoke, commonly referred to as noraebang, is a popular activity in most major cities around South Korea. You should try this at least once if you're looking for the full cultural experience.
- If you're in the country in the middle of July head to the city of Boryeong in Chunchungnam. They host a famous Mud Festival that is popular throughout the country. Participants are covered in a thick mud and participate in any number of activities which range from body painting to mud wrestling. There's also a nearby beach that hosts countless parties during this time. If you're planning to go to the festival make sure you reserve a hotel room well in advance as places tend to fill up.
- Although there are ATMs throughout the country, it can be quite difficult to find one that accepts foreign cards. Look for a Citibank ATM or the special Global ATMs. These are most frequently found in airports, subway stations and Family Mart convenience stores. If you're heading out of the major cities make sure you carry plenty of cash with you.
Related
Traveling alone to
Seoul or
Tokyo? Are you a
student looking for a hostel in South Korea? Find the
best hostels throughout South Korea.
Top Tourist Attractions
Korean Demilitarized Zone: This area separating North and South Korea is commonly referred to as the most heavily armed area in the world. It was originally established by a cease-fire in 1953. The mysterious nature of North Korea and the ominous descriptions of this area attract tourists from around the world. The general area covers about 2 kilometers between the two countries.
Gyeongju: Located in the North Gyeongsang province, this is the former capital of Silla. It has many historic and cultural sights with some of the most popular being Gyeongju National Park, Bulguksa Temple, and Seokguram Grotto.
Jeju Island: Off the southern coast of Korea, this island is a top honeymoon destination both inside and outside of Korea. It was formed by a volcano and offers beautiful scenery and fun activities including horseback riding and hiking.
Popular Foods
Korean food is growing in popularity throughout Europe and the United States. The meals are usually based around a rice, a soup, and a protein like fish or meat. These staples are accompanied by an assortment of side dishes which are referred to as banchan.
Kimchi: This is the most famous and popular banchan dish. It is served as an accompaniment to most Korean meals and it's made from fermented cabbage and chili. Be careful though because it can be very spicy.
Doenjang: This is another side dish that is served with most meals. It's made from a fermented soybean paste and is comparable to Japanese miso.
Bulgogi: This is a type of Korean barbeque that is made from various marinated meats. Diners generally cook the meat at the table on a charcoal grill.
We've been gathering travel cost data from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of destinations around the world.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.