Daily budget by travel style
| Style | Per person / day | What it looks like |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | ₩85,000–110,000 ($62–$80) | Hostel dorm, street food and kimbap shops, subway only |
| Mid-range | ₩130,000–160,000 ($95–$115) | 3-star hotel shared by two, one BBQ dinner, daily cafes |
| Comfort | ₩220,000–280,000 ($160–$200) | 4-star hotel, nicer restaurants, taxis at night |
| Luxury | ₩450,000+ ($330+) | 5-star hotel, fine dining, private tours |
As a concrete example: a couple spending 7 days in Seoul mid-range style — one hotel room, eating out for every meal, a T-money card each, a few paid attractions and some souvenir shopping — lands at roughly 2,000,000 KRW total (about $1,450 for two).
Where does the money actually go?
Accommodation is the swing factor.A hostel bed runs around 30,000 KRW, a decent 3-star double 90,000–110,000 KRW, and prices jump 20–30% during cherry blossom season (late March–April) and fall foliage (October–early November). Booking 2–3 months ahead for those windows matters more than any other money-saving trick.
Food is where Korea spoils you.A filling meal at a local restaurant is 9,000–12,000 KRW, convenience-store breakfast under 5,000 KRW, and Korean BBQ with drinks around 25,000–35,000 KRW per person. The only budget trap is Western brunch cafes and hotel breakfasts, which cost Seoul-rent prices.
Transport is almost free by global standards.Subway rides cost 1,400–1,600 KRW with a T-money card, and 8,000–10,000 KRW per day covers nearly unlimited city movement. The KTX to Busan is the one big-ticket item: about 120,000 KRW round trip in standard class.
What quietly inflates a Korea budget?
- Taxis after midnight. The subway closes around midnight; late-night taxi surcharges add up fast in nightlife districts.
- Peak-season hotels. The same room can cost 25% more in early April. Shift your trip two weeks and pocket the difference.
- Skincare and fashion hauls. Plan a number before you enter Olive Young, not after.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a week in Korea cost?
For most mid-range travelers, a week in Seoul costs roughly 900,000 to 1,100,000 KRW (about $650 to $800) per person excluding international flights. Backpackers can manage on around $60 to $70 per day, while comfort-oriented travelers should plan $170 or more per day.
Is South Korea expensive to visit?
Korea sits in the middle: noticeably cheaper than Japan for food and transport, but Seoul hotel prices have risen sharply since 2023. Street food, convenience stores and the subway keep daily costs low if you avoid hotel breakfasts and taxis.
How much cash should I bring to Korea?
Very little. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, including street markets in tourist areas. Around 100,000 KRW in cash covers edge cases like small market stalls and initial T-money top-ups.