💰 Seoul Budget Travel Guide

Budget Traveler: ₩50,000-80,000/day ($40-63)

• Accommodation: ₩30,000-50,000 (hostel, guesthouse)
• Food: ₩15,000-25,000 (street food, convenience stores, casual restaurants)
• Transportation: ₩5,000-8,000 (T-money card, subway)
• Activities: ₩0-10,000 (free attractions, parks, walking tours)

Mid-Range Traveler: ₩120,000-200,000/day ($95-160)

• Accommodation: ₩80,000-120,000 (mid-range hotel, Airbnb)
• Food: ₩30,000-50,000 (mix of restaurants, cafes, street food)
• Transportation: ₩8,000-12,000 (subway, occasional taxi)
• Activities: ₩10,000-30,000 (museums, palaces, attractions)
• Shopping: ₩10,000-20,000 (souvenirs, small purchases)

Luxury Traveler: ₩300,000+/day ($240+)

• Accommodation: ₩200,000+ (luxury hotel, 5-star)
• Food: ₩80,000+ (fine dining, premium restaurants)
• Transportation: ₩20,000+ (taxis, private transport)
• Activities: ₩50,000+ (premium experiences, tours)
• Shopping: ₩50,000+ (luxury items, designer brands)

Budget Options

• Street Food: ₩2,000-5,000 per item
• Convenience Stores: ₩3,000-5,000 per meal (ramen, kimbap, sandwiches)
• Casual Restaurants: ₩7,000-12,000 (bibimbap, noodles)
• Fast Food: ₩5,000-8,000 (McDonald's, Lotteria)

Mid-Range Options

• Korean BBQ: ₩20,000-30,000 per person
• Restaurants: ₩15,000-25,000 per meal
• Cafes: ₩5,000-10,000 (coffee + dessert)
• Chicken & Beer: ₩15,000-20,000 per person

Fine Dining

• High-End Restaurants: ₩50,000-150,000 per person
• Michelin-Starred: ₩100,000-300,000+ per person
• Premium Korean BBQ: ₩50,000-100,000 per person

• T-money Card: ₩2,500-4,000 (one-time purchase)
• Subway: ₩1,250-2,150 per ride (with T-money discount)
• Bus: ₩1,200-2,400 per ride
• Taxi: ₩4,800 base fare, ₩100 per 132m
• AREX Airport Express: ₩9,500 (express) or ₩4,150 (all-stop)
• Daily Budget: ₩5,000-10,000 for unlimited subway/bus travel

Free Activities

• Bukchon Hanok Village
• Cheonggyecheon Stream
• Many temples (Jogyesa, Bongeunsa)
• Parks (Namsan, Han River)
• Free walking tours
• Street performances (Hongdae, Myeongdong)

Paid Attractions

• Palaces: ₩1,000-3,000 (free with Hanbok rental)
• N Seoul Tower: ₩11,000
• Lotte World Tower: ₩27,000
• Museums: Many are free, special exhibitions ₩5,000-15,000
• COEX Aquarium: ₩28,000
• DMZ Tour: ₩50,000-150,000

1. Use Public Transportation: T-money card is your best friend - cheap and efficient
2. Eat Street Food: Delicious, authentic, and affordable
3. Visit Free Attractions: Many temples, parks, and markets are free
4. Rent Hanbok: Free palace entry when wearing traditional dress
5. Shop at Markets: Better prices than department stores
6. Use Tax-Free Shopping: Get VAT refunds (spend over ₩30,000)
7. Book in Advance: Flights and accommodation are cheaper
8. Travel Off-Season: Avoid peak seasons (spring, autumn)
9. Use Convenience Stores: Great for cheap meals and snacks
10. Walk: Many attractions are walkable - save on transport

Budget: ₩250,000-400,000 ($200-320)

• Accommodation: ₩150,000-250,000 (hostel)
• Food: ₩75,000-125,000 (street food, casual)
• Transportation: ₩25,000-40,000 (T-money)
• Activities: ₩0-20,000 (mostly free)

Mid-Range: ₩600,000-1,000,000 ($480-800)

• Accommodation: ₩400,000-600,000 (mid-range hotel)
• Food: ₩150,000-250,000 (mix of restaurants)
• Transportation: ₩40,000-60,000 (subway + taxis)
• Activities: ₩50,000-100,000 (attractions, tours)
• Shopping: ₩50,000-100,000