How Much Does a Trip to Korea Really Cost?
One of the most common questions I get from friends abroad is: “Is Korea expensive?”
And my answer is always the same annoying, vague response: “It depends.”
Compared to Japan? It’s cheaper. Compared to Thailand or Vietnam? It’s pricey. Korea sits in this weird economic sweet spot. You can survive on $30 a day eating convenience store ramen and walking everywhere, or you can blow $500 a day on Hanwoo beef and luxury skincare without even trying.
As a local who knows where to find the cheap eats and where the tourist traps are, I’m here to give you the honest, unfiltered breakdown of what a trip to Seoul actually costs in 2025. Let’s do the math (so you don’t have to).
1. Accommodation: From Guesthouses to Hanoks
Accommodation will likely be your biggest expense, but you have options.
The Budget Saver (Guesthouses/Hostels): You can find a decent bunk bed in Hongdae or Itaewon for $20–$35 USD a night. It’s clean, safe, and a great way to meet people.
The “Officetel” Airbnb: This is the most popular choice. You get a modern, studio apartment (usually high-rise) for $60–$100 USD a night. It’s private and makes you feel like a local living in a K-Drama.
The Experience (Hanok Stay): Sleeping in a traditional Korean house on the floor (ondol heating) is beautiful, but it costs a premium. Expect $150+ USD a night.
2. Food: The “K-Food” Spectrum
This is where Korea shines. You can eat like a king on a peasant’s budget if you know where to look.
Convenience Store (The $5 Miracle): A triangular kimbap ($1), a cup noodle ($1.50), and a banana milk ($1.20). Boom. Lunch is served.
Standard Meal (Kimbap Cheonguk / Local Stews): A hearty Kimchi stew or Bibimbap at a local diner will cost $7–$10 USD. No tipping required!
The K-BBQ Feast: This is where it adds up. Pork belly (Samgyeopsal) is affordable, but Korean beef (Hanwoo) is expensive. Budget $20–$40 USD per person for a good BBQ night with alcohol.
3. Coffee: The “Latte Tax”
Here is a weird economic fact: Lunch might cost $7, but your coffee will cost $5. Korea has a massive cafe culture. If you go to a trendy, “Instagrammable” cafe in Seongsu-dong, a latte and a slice of cake can easily run you $12–$15 USD.
Budget Hack: If you just need caffeine, go to Mega Coffee or Paik’s Coffee. You get a literal bucket of coffee for about $1.50.
4. Transportation: The Best Deal in Town
You do NOT need to rent a car. In fact, please don’t. The traffic will make you cry.
Subway/Bus: A ride costs roughly $1.10 USD (1,500 KRW). Transfers are free. You can go from one end of Seoul to the other for less than the price of a soda.
Taxis: Taxi fares raised recently. A 20-minute ride might cost $10–$15 USD. It’s still cheaper than Uber in NYC or London, but those late-night rides add up.
5. The “Olive Young” Danger Zone (Shopping)
You will tell yourself, “I’m just going to buy one sunscreen.” You will walk out of Olive Young (Korea’s Sephora/CVS) with two bags full of sheet masks, serums, and pimple patches, and your wallet will be $100 lighter. Shopping is the silent budget killer in Korea. Between K-Beauty, cute stationery at Artbox, and affordable fashion in Hongdae, you need to set a specific “Shopping Allowance,” or you will go broke.
6. Activities: Mostly Free!
The best things in Seoul are cheap or free.
Palaces: Entry is only $3. Pro Tip: If you wear a Hanbok (traditional dress), entry is FREE. (Hanbok rental costs about $15–$20).
Hiking: Namsan or Bukhansan? Free.
Han River Picnic: Free (just pay for the snacks).
Museums: The National Museum of Korea is massive and completely free.
The Verdict: The Daily Budget
So, what’s the bottom line?
The Backpacker: $50–$60 USD/day (Hostel, convenience store meals, subway).
The “Comfort” Traveler: $100–$130 USD/day (Airbnb, nice cafes, BBQ dinner, some shopping).
The “Flex” Traveler: $200+ USD/day (Hotel, taxis everywhere, Hanwoo beef, skincare hauls).
Final Thoughts Korea offers incredible value for money. The food is high quality, the streets are safe, and the transport is cheap. Just keep an eye on your cafe spending and your skincare addiction, and your bank account will survive the trip just fine!