Daily costs in Korea at a glance
| Seoul, per day | Budget | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room per night | ₩45,000 | ₩130,000 | ₩260,000 |
| Food per person | ₩35,000 | ₩60,000 | ₩110,000 |
| Transport per person | ₩10,000 | ₩15,000 | ₩35,000 |
| Activities per person | ₩15,000 | ₩35,000 | ₩70,000 |
Budget means hostels or guesthouses, convenience store breakfasts and casual restaurants. Mid-range is a 3-star hotel, sit-down meals and a café stop. Comfort covers 4-star hotels, Korean BBQ dinners and taxis.
Sample prices (2026)
- Subway or bus ride in Seoul: about ₩1,550 with a T-money card
- Bibimbap or kimchi stew at a casual restaurant: ₩9,000–12,000
- Korean BBQ (pork belly) dinner: ₩18,000–25,000 per person
- Americano at a chain café: ₩4,500–5,500
- Gyeongbokgung Palace entry: a few thousand won (free if you wear hanbok)
- KTX Seoul to Busan, one way: about ₩59,800
- Airport railroad (AREX) from Incheon to Seoul Station: about ₩4,500 (all-stop) or ₩11,000 (express)
Tips to save money
- Get a T-money or Climate Card for transit, and use free transfers between subway and bus.
- Shop at Tax Free stores and claim your tourist tax refund.
- Lunch specials are often much cheaper than dinner at the same restaurant.
- Exchange money in Myeongdong or use a travel card with no foreign fees; airport exchange rates are the worst.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need for 7 days in Seoul?
A mid-range traveler sharing a room spends roughly ₩175,000 a day per person on the ground, so about ₩1.2 million (around $900) for a week, plus flights.
Is Korea expensive compared to Japan?
Overall costs are similar. Transport and casual food are cheaper in Korea, while fruit and cafés can cost more.
Should I bring cash?
Cards work almost everywhere, including taxis. Carry some cash for street food, traditional markets and topping up a T-money card.