How Much Should I Budget for a 2-Week Trip to Korea?
A Korean Woman’s Practical Guide for Travelers
Planning a two-week trip to South Korea is an exciting step. But once you start putting together flights, hotels, food, sightseeing, and internal travel, that excitement can quickly be replaced by one big question: How much will this actually cost?
As a local living in Korea and sharing my home country with visitors from around the world, I want to give you a realistic, no-nonsense breakdown of what it truly costs to travel here for two weeks — from budget options to mid-range and comfort-oriented plans.
Let’s dive into it in a friendly, grounded way that will help you prepare confidently for your Korean adventure.
1. Flights: Your First Big Expense
For most international travelers, the largest single expense is airfare.
Expect to pay around:
- 600 to 1,200 USD for round-trip flights from North America or Europe
- 450 to 900 USD from Australia or Southeast Asia depending on the season
Prices vary by season:
- Spring (April–May) and Autumn (September–November) are peak travel periods
- Winter (except holidays) and Summer weekdays can be cheaper
Booking flights 2–3 months in advance almost always brings better rates.
For budgeting, set aside:
Flight Budget:
700–1,200 USD per person
2. Accommodation: Where You Stay Matters
Accommodation costs in Korea vary widely depending on style and location.
Here’s a realistic estimate for a 14-night stay:
Budget Option:
- Guesthouses or hostels: 30–50 USD per night
- Total for 14 nights: 420–700 USD
Mid-Range Option:
- Comfortable hotels or boutique stays: 90–150 USD per night
- Total for 14 nights: 1,260–2,100 USD
Comfort/Luxury Option:
- High-end hotels, city center: 180–300 USD per night
- Total for 14 nights: 2,520–4,200 USD
For many travelers, a mix (mid-range step with a few splurges) is a practical way to balance comfort and cost.
3. Food: Affordable and Delicious
One of the best things about Korea is that you don’t need to spend a lot to eat wonderfully.
Typical daily food costs:
- Budget: Street food and casual meals: 15–25 USD/day
- Mid-range: Mix of local restaurants, café visits: 30–50 USD/day
- Comfort: Occasional fine dining: 60+ USD/day
For a 2-week trip, this adds up to:
- Budget food total: 210–350 USD
- Mid-range food total: 420–700 USD
- Comfort food total: 840+ USD
Korean food is one of the best parts of visiting — and it’s possible to eat well on any budget.
4. Transportation: Efficient and Fairly Priced
Korea’s public transport is globally known for being clean, fast, and reliable.
Typical transport costs for two weeks:
- Seoul subway and buses: 5–10 USD/day
- Intercity travel (trains, buses): 80–150 USD total depending on distance
- Airport transfers: 20–40 USD each direction
Estimated transport budget:
- Budget travel: 200–300 USD
- Mid-range travel: 300–450 USD
If you plan to take the KTX high-speed train between regions (e.g., Seoul to Busan), it’s faster and very scenic.
5. Sightseeing and Activities
Costs for attractions vary:
- Free or low-cost: parks, markets, cultural streets
- Museums / palaces: 5–15 USD each
- Theme parks: 30–50 USD
- Special tours (DMZ, temple stay, food tours): 50–150+ USD
Estimated total sightseeing budget for two weeks:
- Budget: 100–200 USD
- Mid-range: 300–500 USD
- Comfort: 600+ USD
Many tourists mix free walking tours and paid entries for a balanced experience.
6. Entertainment and Miscellaneous
This category includes shopping, nightlife, concerts, souvenirs, and unexpected spends.
- Light shopping and souvenirs: 100–200 USD
- Nightlife and entertainment: 100–300+ USD
- K-Pop concert or special show: 100–300+ USD per ticket
Set aside a flexible buffer — two weeks is long enough that unexpected experiences will happen!
Estimated miscellaneous budget:
- Budget travel: 100–200 USD
- Mid-range: 300–500 USD
- Comfort: 600+ USD
Total Budget Estimates for a 2-Week Trip
Budget Traveler
- Flights: 700–1,000 USD
- Accommodation: 420–700 USD
- Food: 210–350 USD
- Transportation: 200–300 USD
- Sightseeing: 100–200 USD
- Misc: 100–200 USD
Total Budget:
1,730–2,750 USD
Mid-Range Traveler
- Flights: 800–1,200 USD
- Accommodation: 1,260–2,100 USD
- Food: 420–700 USD
- Transportation: 300–450 USD
- Sightseeing:** 300–500 USD
- Misc: 300–500 USD
Total Budget:
3,380–5,450 USD
Comfort Traveler
- Flights: 900–1,200 USD
- Accommodation: 2,520–4,200 USD
- Food: 840+ USD
- Transportation: 400–600 USD
- Sightseeing: 600+ USD
- Misc: 600+ USD
Total Budget:
6,860+ USD
Local Tips to Stretch Your Budget
If you want to travel smart and save without sacrificing experience:
- Book flights early and travel outside peak seasons.
- Stay near public transport to cut taxi costs.
- Eat local meals — they’re delicious and affordable.
- Use Seoul’s city passes for museums and attractions.
- Mix free sights with paid ones for balanced cultural experiences.
Our Verdict — Is Two Weeks Worth It?
Absolutely. Two weeks gives you time to explore beyond Seoul — from Busan’s coast to Gyeongju’s historic sites and Jeju Island’s nature. You’ll see city energy, countryside calm, cultural heritage, and culinary diversity.
South Korea rewards curiosity and exploration. Plan well, choose experiences that excite you, and your two-week Korean journey can be one of the most memorable trips of your life.