How much money will you need for your trip to South Korea?You should plan to spend around ₩147,903 ($113) per day on your vacation in South Korea, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.Past travelers have spent, on average, ₩38,176 ($29) on meals for one day and ₩21,533 ($16) on local transportation.Also, the average hotel price in South Korea for a couple is ₩133,776 ($102).So, a trip to South Korea for two people for one week costs on average ₩2,070,644 ($1,586).All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
How expensive is South Korea? How much money do I need for South Korea?
How much does a trip to South Korea cost? Is South Korea cheap or expensive? The average South Korea trip cost is broken down by category here. All of these South Korea prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers to find the price of travel.
Accommodation Budget in South Korea
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid for one person for accommodation in South Korea is ₩66,888. For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in South Korea is ₩133,776. This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Accommodation1Hotel or hostel for one person
₩66,888
Accommodation1Typical double-occupancy room
₩133,776
Hotel Prices in South Korea
Looking for a hotel in South Korea? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Find the best hotel for your travel style.
Actual Hotel Prices
The average hotel room price in South Korea based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $47. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.
Featured Properties
Transportation Budget in South Korea
Average Daily Costs
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 ₩21,533 per person, per day, on local transportation in South Korea.
Transportation1Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
₩21,533
Featured Services
What did other people spend on Transportation?
Typical prices for Transportation in South Korea are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the 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
Intercity Transportation Budget in South Korea
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
Transportation between cities and towns in South Korea costs an average of ₩90,276, based on spending from travelers. Naturally, prices vary by the length of the route, the type of transportation used, and the date.
See AlsoHow Much To Bring To Korea For 7 Days | Money & Packing GuideStudy finds the most and least expensive country to buy a cup of coffeeIntercity Transportation1Travel between cities
₩90,276
Flights to South Korea
How much does it cost to go to South Korea? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
Rental Cars in South Korea
The price of renting a car in South Korea will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
What did other people spend on Intercity Transportation?
Typical prices for Intercity Transportation in South Korea are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Intercity Transportation prices in South Korea, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
Bus from Incheon to Seoul
₩14,000
Bus to Airport
₩15,000
Food Budget in South Korea
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
While meal prices in South Korea can vary, the average cost of food in South Korea is ₩38,176 per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in South Korea should cost around ₩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.
Food2Meals for one day
₩38,176
Featured
What did other people spend on Food?
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.
Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)
₩10,000
Carp Bread
₩1,000
McDonald's
₩6,185
Donut
₩2,500
Burger
₩6,200
Breakfast and Coffee for 2
₩9,500
Waffle
₩1,000
Donut
₩1,000
Entertainment Budget in South Korea
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
Entertainment and activities in South Korea typically cost an average of ₩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.
Entertainment1Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
₩35,611
Featured Activities
What did other people spend on Entertainment?
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
Palace Tickets
₩8,000
Movie Ticket
₩8,000
Tips and Handouts Budget in South Korea
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
The average cost for Tips and Handouts in South Korea is ₩43,000 per day. The usual amount for a tip in South Korea is 5% - 15%.
Tips and Handouts1For guides or service providers
₩43,000
Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in South Korea
Average Daily Costs
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 ₩1,250, as reported by travelers.
Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps1
₩1,250
Alcohol Budget in South Korea
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
The average person spends about ₩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.
Alcohol2Drinks for one day
₩15,553
Featured
Water Budget in South Korea
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
On average, people spend ₩2,910 on bottled water in South Korea per day. The public water in South Korea is considered safe to drink.
Water2Bottled water for one day
₩2,910
What did other people spend on Water?
Typical prices for Water in South Korea are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Water prices in South Korea, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
2L Bottled Water
₩1,000
Lemonade
₩4,500
Water
₩1,000
Milk (500ml)
₩1,450
Starbucks Latte
₩2,000
Rice Water
₩2,500
Green Tea
₩3,500
Last Updated: Jul 13, 2022
South Korea On a Budget
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and the Haeundae Sea in Busan, 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.
1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase.