Figuring out how expensive Seoul is to visit can feel a bit like cracking a code, but honestly, it’s more approachable than you might think! While Seoul can definitely have its pricey moments, especially if you’re eyeing luxury hotels or high-end shopping, you can absolutely have an incredible trip without emptying your wallet. Compared to some major global cities like London or New York, Seoul often offers a better bang for your buck on things like food, transportation, and even many attractions. This vibrant city really offers something for every budget, from incredible street food to efficient public transport, allowing you to tailor your spending to your travel style. So, whether you’re a backpacker looking for the cheapest options or someone ready to splurge a bit, Seoul’s diverse offerings mean you can experience its rich culture and modern charm without constant financial worry. It’s all about knowing where to save and where to splurge a little.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Korean Won KRW

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about the currency: the South Korean Won KRW. You’ll see prices listed in Won, and knowing the exchange rate to your home currency is super helpful for quick mental calculations. While rates fluctuate, for context, in early 2025, 1,000 KRW is roughly equivalent to $0.75 – $0.80 USD. Keep this general figure in mind, but always check the latest exchange rates before your trip! It’s also good to know that South Korea operates almost exclusively with KRW. you can’t typically use dollars or euros directly. My advice? Exchange a small amount at the airport for immediate needs like transportation, then get the rest in the city where rates are usually better. Don’t stress too much about finding the absolute best rate, as the differences are often minimal.

Overall Trip Cost: What to Expect

Let’s cut right to the chase: how much will your Seoul adventure really cost? Your daily expenses in Seoul can vary quite a bit, depending on your travel style. Here’s a general breakdown to give you an idea:

Budget Traveler: If you’re staying in hostels, eating mostly street food and convenience store meals, and sticking to public transport and free attractions, you could get by on $50 – $70 USD per person per day approximately 69,000 – 97,000 KRW. This covers a dorm bed, cheap eats, and getting around. For a one-week trip, a budget traveler might spend around $350 – $490 USD, excluding flights.
Mid-Range Traveler: This is where most visitors fall. You’re looking at comfy guesthouses or mid-range hotels, enjoying a mix of local restaurants and some trendy cafes, plus hitting popular paid attractions. For this style, budget around $120 – $180 USD per person per day approximately 166,000 – 250,000 KRW. A one-week trip for a mid-range traveler could be around $840 – $1,260 USD, not including flights. For two people, a week usually costs around $1,800 USD.
Luxury Traveler: If you’re all about those 5-star hotels, fancy dining experiences, private tours, and taxi rides, your daily expenses could range from $300 – $500+ USD per person per day approximately 415,000 – 690,000+ KRW. A one-week luxury trip might set you back $2,100 – $3,500+ USD, before flights.

Remember, these are just averages. Your actual spending can be higher or lower based on your choices and how long you stay. For instance, traveling slower over a longer period can often bring down your daily budget.

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Breaking Down Your Seoul Budget: A Detailed Look

Let’s dive into the specifics of where your money will likely go.

Flights to Seoul: Getting There

For many, flights are the biggest chunk of the overall trip cost.

Average Costs: A round-trip flight to Seoul from major US cities can average anywhere from $600 to $1,000 USD, though I’ve seen some go for around $679 to $701 USD on popular routes like Los Angeles to Seoul or San Francisco to Seoul. Some booking sites even put the average at around $1,917 USD for a round-trip from the US, which shows how much it can vary!
Cheapest Months: If you’re flexible, flying in February, March, April, October, or November often yields cheaper tickets, sometimes in the $650–$950 range from the US.
Most Expensive Months: Peak seasons like June, July, August summer vacation, and December, January winter holidays see prices jump, potentially to $1,300–$1,800 USD.
Tips for Finding Deals:
- Book in advance: Generally, booking several weeks out can help you find better deals.
- Be flexible with dates: Small shifts in your travel dates can lead to significant savings.
- Consider flying on weekdays: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are often cheaper than weekend departures.
- Use flight comparison sites: Kayak, Momondo, Google Flights are your friends here.
- Look for one-way deals: Sometimes combining two one-way tickets can be cheaper than a round trip from one airline.

Accommodation: Where to Rest Your Head

Seoul offers a vast range of places to stay, from super budget-friendly to ultra-luxurious.

Hostels/Guesthouses Budget: You can snag a dorm bed in a well-reviewed hostel for around $18 – $25 USD per night approximately 25,000 – 35,000 KRW. Private rooms in guesthouses might start from $30 – $50 USD 41,000 – 69,000 KRW.
Mid-Range Hotels: For a comfortable, clean hotel with good amenities, expect to pay around $80 – $150 USD per night approximately 110,000 – 207,000 KRW. Places like Seoul Central Hotel or Hotel Dada Insadong are often recommended in this bracket.
Boutique & Luxury Stays: High-end hotels can easily run $200 – $500+ USD per night approximately 275,000 – 690,000+ KRW.
Airbnb/Serviced Apartments: These can be a great option, especially for longer stays or groups. I’ve seen solo rooms for $25/night and full apartments for around $40/night for longer stays. For a week, an Airbnb might cost around $563 USD, similar to a hotel room but with perks like a washing machine.
Neighborhood Impact on Price: Central areas like Myeongdong and Gwanghwamun can be pricier. If you’re looking to save some cash, explore neighborhoods a bit further from the absolute downtown or consider areas like Jongno or Euljiro, which are cheaper but still walkable to many attractions. Hongdae is popular for its lively atmosphere and often has good value options.

Food: A Culinary Journey for Every Wallet

Seoul is a food paradise, and thankfully, you can eat incredibly well on almost any budget.

Street Food Delights: This is your go-to for delicious and affordable meals. Items like Hotteok sweet pancakes, Eomuk fish cakes, Tteok-bokki spicy rice cakes, Gyeranppang egg bread, and Gimbap often cost between 2,000 – 8,000 KRW $1.50 – $6 USD per item. You can easily grab a satisfying snack or even a full meal for under $5-10 USD.
Local Eateries & Casual Restaurants: For a sit-down meal at a local spot, think 7,000 – 15,000 KRW $5 – $12 USD per person. Many restaurants provide free side dishes banchan and water, which adds to the value. You’ll find delicious bibimbap, bulgogi, and various jjigae stews at these places.
Mid-Range Dining: If you’re looking for something a bit nicer, like a popular chain restaurant or a slightly more upscale casual spot, expect to pay around 15,000 – 30,000 KRW $12 – $25 USD per person.
Fine Dining & Trendy Cafes: High-end restaurants and specialty coffee shops like those popular for their aesthetics will naturally cost more. A cup of latte might be around 6,000 KRW $4 USD, and a fine dining experience could go up to $50-100+ USD per person.
Grocery Shopping & Convenience Stores saving money: If you have access to a kitchen or just want cheap snacks, convenience stores are a lifesaver. You can find sandwiches, instant noodles, and bento boxes for 3,000 – 6,000 KRW $2 – $5 USD. Grocery stores can be a bit surprising. some fruits can be expensive, but local markets are where you’ll find affordable produce. For example, a liter of milk is about 3,200 KRW, a kilogram of chicken is 12,000 KRW, and a can of soda is 1,000 KRW. Don’t miss the free daily tastings at some grocery stores!

Transportation: Getting Around the City

Seoul boasts one of the world’s most efficient and affordable public transportation systems. How to Master SEO on Your Wix Website: A Complete Guide

Airport Transfers:
- AREX Airport Railroad Express: This is the quickest and cheapest way from Incheon International Airport to Seoul. The All Stop Train is about 4,150 KRW $2.85 USD and takes 53 minutes, while the express train costs 9,500 KRW $6.50 USD and takes 43 minutes. I’d lean towards the All Stop Train – it’s cheaper and often more frequent.
- Airport Bus: A comfortable option, typically costing 10,000 – 18,000 KRW $8 – $12.60 USD, taking around 80 minutes.
- Taxi: Much more expensive, with a flat fare from Incheon to Seoul ranging from 60,000 – 95,000 KRW $42 – $66 USD.
Subway & Buses T-Money card: This is your best friend for getting around.
- A single adult subway ticket costs about 1,400 KRW $1 USD with a T-Money card for journeys up to 10 km. Each additional 5 km adds 100 KRW.
- Buses generally cost between 1,200 – 3,000 KRW $0.83 – $2.08 USD depending on the type local, cross-town, regional.
- T-Money Card: I highly recommend buying one! It costs around 5,000 KRW for the card itself, then you load it with money. It offers slightly discounted fares around 100 KRW less per ride, allows free transfers between subway and bus lines within 30 minutes, and can even be used in some convenience stores and taxis. Budget around $40 USD for a week on public transport.
Taxis: Taxis in Seoul are generally affordable compared to many Western cities.
- Standard Taxis silver/orange: Base fare is about 4,800 KRW $3.33 USD for the first 2-3 km, then around 100 KRW for every 100-125 meters. An average city ride might be 7,000 – 15,000 KRW $4.90 – $10.50 USD.
- Deluxe/Mobum Taxis black/gold: These are larger and more luxurious, but about twice as expensive.
- Late-night surcharges apply between 10 PM and 4 AM.
- If you’re with a group, splitting a taxi can sometimes be cheaper than individual public transit tickets.
Walking & Free Transfers: Many attractions in a single neighborhood are walkable. Take advantage of the free transfers with your T-Money card to minimize individual ride costs.

Activities & Sightseeing: What to See and Do

Seoul has a fantastic mix of historical, cultural, and modern attractions, many of which are very budget-friendly.

Free Attractions: Many of Seoul’s best experiences don’t cost a dime! You can wander through historic neighborhoods like Bukchon Hanok Village, enjoy public parks like Seoul Forest or Olympic Park, walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream, or visit Myeongdong Cathedral. The War Memorial of Korea also offers free admission.
Palaces & Museums: Entrance fees are often very reasonable. For example, Gyeongbokgung Palace costs about 3,000 KRW $2.50 USD. Deoksugung Palace is 1,000 KRW, while Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine are 5,000 KRW. Many museums, like the National Museum of Korea, offer free admission.
Culture Day: The last Wednesday of every month is “Culture Day,” offering discounts or free admission to over 2,000 cultural activities and attractions across South Korea, including palaces and museums. This is an awesome way to save!
Unique Experiences:
- N Seoul Tower: Access to the observatory is around 16,000 KRW.
- Lotte World: Theme park tickets can be around 59,000 KRW $40 USD.
- DMZ Tours: These full-day tours can be pricier, around $50-$150 USD per person.
Discover Seoul Pass: If you plan on hitting a lot of attractions, this pass might save you money. It offers free admission to many sites and discounts on others, plus it functions as a T-Money card.

Shopping: From K-Beauty to Souvenirs

Shopping in Seoul can be as cheap or as expensive as you make it!

Local Markets Namdaemun, Dongdaemun: These are fantastic for finding unique souvenirs, clothing, and local goods at reasonable prices. You can often bargain here, and carrying cash can sometimes get you a better deal.
Department Stores & Boutiques: High-end shopping in areas like Gangnam and Myeongdong will match prices in other major global cities.
K-Beauty & Skincare: You’ll find countless shops offering Korean skincare and beauty products. While many items are affordable, especially during sales, it’s easy to get carried away and spend a lot here.
Convenience Stores: They’re not just for food! You can find affordable snacks, drinks, and small daily essentials.

Miscellaneous Costs & Connectivity

Don’t forget these smaller, but important, expenses.

SIM Card/eSIM: Staying connected is easy. An eSIM for unlimited 4G data can cost around $7 USD for 7 days. Physical SIM cards are also readily available. Free Wi-Fi is common in public areas, cafes, and accommodations.
Small essentials: Budget a few dollars for things like toiletries, snacks, or emergency items.
Tipping: Tipping isn’t customary in South Korea, so you don’t need to factor that into your budget.

Is Seoul Really More Expensive Than…? Comparison

You might be wondering how Seoul stacks up against other major cities. What is SEO and How Do You Use It to Get Noticed Online?

Seoul vs. Tokyo: This is a common comparison. While both are bustling Asian metropolises, Seoul generally offers more affordable accommodation, dining especially street food, and transportation options than Tokyo. For instance, hotels in Seoul are often cited as being cheaper than those in Tokyo. However, Mercer’s 2024 Cost of Living Ranking even placed Seoul higher than Tokyo 16th vs. 19th for expatriates due to rising housing and daily essential costs in Seoul and the weakening yen. So, while for tourists it can be cheaper, the gap for general living costs might be narrowing.
Seoul vs. London/New York: Compared to these major Western cities, Seoul is often easier on the wallet, especially for daily expenses. Food, transportation, and many attractions are noticeably more affordable in Seoul. Public transport in Seoul, for example, is significantly cheaper than in London or New York. However, Seoul has been steadily rising in cost of living rankings, even surpassing London in some reports. So, while a tourist trip might feel more affordable, the overall cost of living for residents is quite high.

Smart Saving Tips for Your Seoul Adventure

Want to stretch your won even further? Here are my top tips:

Travel During Shoulder or Off-Peak Seasons: Visiting in spring April-May or autumn September-November can offer pleasant weather and often cheaper flights and accommodation than peak summer or winter. For example, February is often the cheapest month for flights.
Utilize Public Transportation with a T-Money Card: Seriously, the subway and bus system is fantastic and very cost-effective. The T-Money card is a must-have for discounts and seamless transfers.
Embrace Street Food and Local Eateries: This is not just about saving money. it’s about experiencing authentic Korean culture and delicious flavors! Hit up markets like Gwangjang Market or Myeongdong Night Market.
Look for Free Attractions and Events: Many of Seoul’s most iconic spots and experiences, from palaces on Culture Day to parks and cultural villages, are free or very low-cost.
Book Flights and Accommodation in Advance: Especially if you’re traveling during a popular time, securing these big-ticket items early can save you a bundle.
Consider Staying Outside Central, Priciest Areas: As mentioned, venturing a few subway stops away from the absolute city center can significantly reduce your accommodation costs without sacrificing convenience, thanks to Seoul’s amazing transit system.
Use Free Wi-Fi: South Korea has excellent connectivity, with free Wi-Fi widely available in public areas, cafes, and many accommodations. You might not even need to buy a SIM card if you only need occasional internet access.
Carry Cash for Markets: While cards are widely accepted, smaller vendors in traditional markets might offer a better deal for cash payments.
Take Advantage of Discounts: Look for student discounts, group rates, or special passes like the Discover Seoul Pass if you plan on visiting many paid attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Seoul expensive for a week?

A one-week trip to Seoul can range from around $350-$490 USD for a budget traveler to $840-$1,260 USD for a mid-range traveler, excluding flights. For two people, a week typically costs around $1,800 USD. This covers accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing. Adding flights, the total can be anywhere from $1,000 to over $2,500+ USD per person, depending on flight costs and your travel style.

What is a good daily budget for Seoul?

For a comfortable mid-range trip, a good daily budget for Seoul is around $120 – $180 USD per person approximately 166,000 – 250,000 KRW. This allows for decent accommodation, a mix of street food and local restaurants, public transportation, and some paid attractions. If you’re on a tight budget, you could aim for $50 – $70 USD per day. What is SEO Marketing and How It Works

Is food expensive in Seoul?

No, food in Seoul can be very affordable, especially if you embrace the vibrant street food scene and local eateries. You can grab delicious street food for 2,000 – 8,000 KRW $1.50 – $6 USD per item, and a meal at a casual local restaurant might cost 7,000 – 15,000 KRW $5 – $12 USD. Convenience stores also offer cheap meal options. Fine dining and trendy cafes will be more expensive, similar to prices in other major cities.

Is Seoul more expensive than Tokyo?

For tourists, Seoul is generally considered slightly less expensive than Tokyo, particularly for accommodation, food especially street food, and public transportation. However, recent reports on the cost of living for expatriates have shown Seoul sometimes surpassing Tokyo due to rising housing and daily essential costs in Seoul, combined with the depreciation of the Japanese Yen.

What’s the cheapest way to get around Seoul?

The subway and bus system with a T-Money card is by far the cheapest and most efficient way to get around Seoul. A single ride is typically around 1,400 KRW $1 USD with the card, and you get free transfers between lines and buses. Taxis are also relatively affordable compared to many Western cities, but public transport offers the best value.

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How Expensive is Seoul to Visit? Your Ultimate 2025 Budget Guide!