South Korea Travel Cost: How Much You Really Need
Let’s get the big question out of the way. Is South Korea expensive? The answer is… not really. It’s not as cheap as Vietnam or Thailand, but it’s definitely more affordable than most of Western Europe.
In this guide, I’ll share daily costs, typical prices for food and hotels, sample budgets, and even money-saving tips. By the end, you’ll know exactly how much money to bring for your trip.
Korea Daily Cost by Travel Style
So how much does it cost to travel to South Korea? Here’s a simple breakdown of the average cost of travel in South Korea per day, based on your style:
| Travel Style | Average Daily Cost | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Budget traveler | ₩68,000 (~$49 USD) | Hostel dorm, street food, subway rides, free attractions |
| Mid-range traveler | ₩173,000 (~$124 USD) | 3-star hotel, mix of street food and restaurants, KTX train ride |
| Luxury traveler | ₩441,000 (~$318 USD) | 4–5 star hotels, fine dining, taxis or private tours |
Typical Expenses in South Korea
Here’s what you’ll actually spend in Korea.
Accommodation Costs in South Korea
- Hostel dorms: around ₩45,000 ($33) per night
- Mid-range hotels: ₩120,000–180,000 ($90–135) per night
- Luxury hotels: starting at ₩250,000 ($185) and up
Food Prices in South Korea
- Street food snacks: ₩2,000–4,000 ($1.50–3) each
- Cheap sit-down meals like bibimbap: around ₩8,000 ($6)
- Mid-range restaurants: ₩15,000–25,000 ($11–18) per person
- Upscale dining: ₩40,000+ ($30+) per person
Transportation Costs in South Korea
- Subway or bus ride: ₩1,400–1,600 ($1–1.20) with a T-money card
- Taxi base fare in Seoul: ₩4,800 ($3.50)
- KTX Seoul to Busan: ₩59,800 ($45) one way in Standard class
- Domestic flights Seoul to Jeju: from ₩40,000 ($30) if booked early
Other Expenses
- SIM or eSIM (7 days): ₩9,000–12,000 ($7–9)
- Palace entry ticket: about ₩3,000 ($2.50)
- DMZ tour: about ₩60,000 ($45)
- Coffee: around ₩4,500 ($3.50)
How Costs Vary by Destination
Not all cities in Korea cost the same. Seoul travel cost is usually higher than smaller cities, but you can still find bargains.
Busan and Jeju tend to be a little cheaper for food and hotels, though transport might add up depending on how you get around.
| Destination | Average Daily Cost | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Seoul | ₩180,000 (~$130 USD) | Hotels are pricier, but you can eat cheap with endless street food and use the subway for almost everything. |
| Busan | ₩150,000 (~$108 USD) | Hotels and seafood restaurants are a little more affordable, but taxis can add up if you stay far from the subway. |
| Jeju Island | ₩160,000 (~$115 USD) | Hotels are reasonable, food can be slightly more expensive, and taxis are common since buses are less frequent. |
So, if you are on a tight South Korea budget trip, you’ll probably want to base yourself more in Busan or mix your trip between Seoul and a cheaper destination.
Flights vs KTX: Which Is Cheaper in South Korea?
You may wonder whether to fly or take the KTX high-speed train. Both have their pros and cons, but the cost difference might surprise you.
KTX Costs
- Seoul to Busan: ₩59,800 ($45 USD) in Standard class, about ₩83,700 ($63 USD) in First.
- Travel time: 2.5 to 3 hours, city center to city center.
- Add in the fact that you just show up 10 minutes early, no security lines, and no airport transfers, and it feels very stress-free.
Flight Costs
- Seoul to Busan or Jeju: ₩40,000 to ₩100,000 (~$30–75 USD) if you book early.
- Travel time: 1 hour in the air, but closer to 3–4 hours once you factor in airport transfers and security.
So, which is better? If you’re going to Busan, Gwangju, or Gyeongju, I’d go with the KTX train every time. It’s comfortable, quick, and drops you right downtown.
For Jeju Island, flying is usually the better choice. The KTX can’t get you across the sea, and ferries take way too long.
Quick tip: If you’re traveling during a holiday like Chuseok, flights and KTX both sell out. Book in advance no matter which option you choose.
10-Day South Korea Travel Budget
Let’s say you’re planning a classic 10-day trip. Here’s what your Korea trip cost could look like depending on your style.
If you’re traveling South Korea on a budget, you can get by with around $490 USD for 10 days. That covers hostel dorms, street food meals, cheap buses or subways, and maybe one KTX ride if you want to visit another city.
For a mid-range trip, expect to spend closer to $1,240 USD over 10 days. That budget gives you 3-star hotels, a mix of restaurants and street food, several KTX rides, and entry fees for popular attractions like the palaces or a DMZ tour.
And if you’re going for a luxury trip to Korea, plan on at least $3,000 USD for 10 days. That kind of budget will cover 4 or 5-star hotels, private tours, taxis or drivers, fine dining, and maybe even some domestic flights on top of your KTX trips.
Of course, everyone spends differently. If you love shopping or café hopping, your budget will stretch higher. If you’re happy hiking mountains, visiting temples, and eating street food, you’ll probably spend less.
But these numbers give you a clear idea of what your Korea trip cost might look like.
Money-Saving Tips
Want to cut your South Korea travel expenses without missing out? Here’s what I recommend.
- Get a T-money card. You’ll use it for buses, subways, and even in some shops. It makes transport cheaper and easier.
- Eat like locals. Street food is cheap and filling. A ₩3,000 kimbap roll or a few skewers can be dinner.
- Use refillable bottles. Tap water is safe to drink in Korea, so skip buying plastic bottles every day.
- Mix free and paid attractions. Palaces are cheap to visit, and hiking is free. Save your money for special tours like the DMZ.
- Book trains midweek. KTX prices are fixed, but you’ll have more choice of seats and times if you avoid weekends.
I think the real trick is balance. Spend where it matters, like a once-in-a-lifetime DMZ tour or a night in a hanok guesthouse, and save on things like transport and street food. That way your South Korea budget travel feels smart, not stingy.
South Korea Travel Cost FAQs
How much money do I need per day in South Korea?
Most travelers spend between $50 and $120 per day. Budget travelers can stick closer to $50 with hostels and street food. Mid-range travelers usually spend around $120 on hotels, meals, and trains.
Is food in South Korea cheap?
Yes, if you eat like locals. Street food costs around ₩2,000–4,000 ($1.50–3), and a sit-down Korean meal is often under ₩10,000 ($8). Western restaurants, coffee shops, and trendy cafés are pricier, but still fair compared to other countries.
How much is public transport in Korea?
Really cheap. A subway or bus ride is around ₩1,400–1,600 ($1–1.20) with a T-money card. Even taxis start at just ₩4,800 (~$3.50).
What’s the biggest hidden expense in Korea?
Coffee and cafés. It’s easy to spend ₩5,000 ($4) every time you sit down for a latte, and that adds up quickly. Another one is shopping. Korean skincare and clothes are tempting, and they can blow your budget if you’re not careful.
Is the KR Pass worth it for tourists?
Yes, but only if you’re taking multiple long KTX trips. For example, Seoul → Gyeongju → Busan → Seoul in a week will save you money. If you’re just going Seoul to Busan one way, it’s cheaper to buy a single ticket.
Can you use credit cards everywhere in Korea?
Pretty much. Korea is a card-friendly country, even in small shops. I still carry a little cash for markets or rural spots, but most of the time my card works fine.
How much should I budget for Jeju Island?
Jeju can be slightly pricier. Expect $115 per day on average. Food and hotels are affordable, but transport costs more since you’ll often rely on taxis or car rentals.
Before You Go
Traveling in South Korea doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re on a shoestring budget or planning a luxury trip, the country is flexible enough to fit almost any style.
If you’re still piecing together your trip, you might also like these guides:
- Korea Travel Etiquette so you know the unspoken rules before you go.
- Best Korea SIM, eSIM, and Pocket Wi-Fi Options so you always stay connected.
- Best Time to Visit South Korea so your budget lines up with the right season.
- Useful Korea Travel Tips for first time visitors
