South Korea is a fantastic place to visit, and the good news is you don’t have to spend tons of money to have an amazing experience. You just need to know a few tricks to keep your trip budget-friendly while still enjoying everything the country has to offer.
Accommodation
Accommodation in South Korea can be one of your biggest expenses, but there are many ways to save some won!
Stay in Hostels
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Hostels are a great budget option, especially in bigger cities like Seoul and Busan. Dorm rooms usually cost between 15,000-30,000 KRW per night, while private rooms will set you back about 40,000-60,000 KRW. Most hostels also have free Wi-Fi, laundry services, and shared kitchen facilities to help you cut down on food costs.
Guesthouses and Goshiwons
Guesthouses are another affordable option, especially in smaller towns where you may not find a hostel. Goshiwons (small, single-room apartments typically used by students) are also a good option if you’re staying longer. They’re basic but cheap, often costing 10,000-15,000 KRW per night.
Couchsurfing
If you’re comfortable with staying in someone’s home, Couchsurfing is a great option. Not only do you get free accommodation, but staying with a local gives you a completely different and more personal experience of South Korea. Check out the hosts’ reviews and profiles to make sure it’s a good fit.
Love Motels
Despite their name, love motels are common for budget travelers. These hotels offer clean, private rooms with basic amenities. You’ll find them all over the place at prices ranging from 30,000-70,000 KRW per night. It’s possible to get last-minute deals that can save you even more.
Food
Food in South Korea doesn’t have to empty your pockets. In fact, eating like a local will save you a lot of cash while giving you a true taste of Korean cuisine.
Eat at Kimbap (Gimbap) Restaurants
Kimbap (rice rolls) is often referred to as the Korean version of sushi, and it’s cheap. For just 2,000-4,000 KRW, you can get a roll that’s filling. These small eateries also serve soups, bibimbap, ramen, and other inexpensive Korean dishes. You can easily have a solid meal for less than 7,000 KRW at these spots.
Try Street Food
South Korea has amazing street food. In cities like Seoul and Busan, you’ll find food stalls selling things like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), hotteok (sweet pancakes), mandu (dumplings), and more. Street food below 5,000 KRW is everywhere and can fill you up without draining your wallet.
Shop at Convenience Stores
7-Eleven, CU, and GS25 are your friends when you’re hungry and don’t want to spend a lot. These places have fresh kimbap, sandwiches, instant noodles, and drinks for only a couple of thousand won. Some stores even have microwaves and seating where you can eat right there.
Free Side Dishes (Banchan)
If you eat at casual Korean restaurants, each meal comes with banchan — free side dishes like kimchi, pickled veggies, or seaweed salad. Keep this in mind because you don’t have to order tons of food to get full.
Transportation
Getting around South Korea is easy and inexpensive if you leverage public transport. The country has a well-oiled system that’s budget-friendly and efficient.
Use T-Money Card
One of the best ways to save while traveling around is by purchasing a T-money card. This rechargeable transportation card lets you take buses and subways in major cities like Seoul, Busan, and Daegu. The fare is a little cheaper when you pay with the card rather than using cash. You can also use the T-money card at convenience stores and for paying taxi fares.
Take Long-Distance Buses
For travel between cities, long-distance buses are by far the cheapest option. A bus from Seoul to Busan will cost you around 25,000-35,000 KRW, compared to a KTX high-speed train ticket which can cost up to 60,000 KRW. Buses are comfortable and often have Wi-Fi, charging points, and even entertainment systems.
Use Discount Airlines for Domestic Flights
If you’re short on time and have to fly, South Korea has several budget airlines like Jeju Air and Air Seoul. You can often score a flight for as low as 20,000-40,000 KRW if you book early. This works well for destinations like Jeju Island.
Walk or Rent a Bike
Big cities like Seoul and Busan have very walkable districts, so consider exploring places on foot to save on transportation costs. Alternatively, renting a bike is super affordable. Seoul, for example, has an easy-to-use bike-sharing program called Seoul Bike (Ddareungi), and it costs just 1,000 KRW for 1-hour rental.
Attractions and Activities
South Korea’s attractions can be expensive, especially in hotspots like Seoul, but many activities are cheap or free if you know where to look.
Free Walking Tours
Several cities in South Korea, including Seoul, offer free walking tours led by volunteer guides. These tours cover historical sites, neighborhoods, and temples, giving you deep insights without costing you a won. Just remember to tip your guide as a thank you!
Explore Temples and Palaces
South Korea is home to stunning temples and historical palaces. Some of the most popular — like Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul — only cost 3,000 KRW to enter. If you’re wearing a traditional hanbok, you can even get free entry! Many other temples across the country have no entrance fees.
Hike for Free
Hiking is one of the best things to do in South Korea and, best of all, it’s free! South Korea has fantastic trails like Bukhansan and Seoraksan National Parks. Even in major cities, you’ll find spots where you can hike without paying a fee, and the views you’ll get are well worth the effort.
Visit Museums
Many museums, including the National Museum of Korea in Seoul, offer free entry. Others, like the War Memorial of Korea, are free as well. These are fantastic places to escape the summer heat or winter cold, all while learning more about the country’s fascinating history.
Relax in Public Parks
South Korea has beautiful public parks where you can relax, people-watch, or enjoy a picnic for free. Places like Hangang Park in Seoul, Dongbaekseom Island in Busan, or the Olle Trail in Jeju offer stunning views and peaceful spots to unwind. Pack some snacks from a convenience store and have a low-cost, relaxing afternoon!
Budget-Friendly Destinations
Some cities and regions in South Korea are naturally more budget-friendly than others. If your wallet is tight, here are a few spots to consider traveling to.
Jeonju
Jeonju is known for its Hanok Village, where you’ll find traditional Korean houses and street food everywhere. It’s one of the best places to experience Korean culture without spending a lot. The food here is cheaper than in Seoul too, with many tasty budget eats like bibimbap.
Sokcho
Sokcho is the gateway to Seoraksan National Park, meaning it’s perfect for anyone who loves hiking and the outdoors. Sokcho also has several budget accommodation choices, and the food is reasonably priced compared to larger cities.
Incheon
Most people pass through Incheon for the airport, but Incheon has some relaxing cheap activities. You can explore Chinatown, Wolmido Island, and the quirky Songdo district without spending much. Plus, since it’s not as crowded as Seoul, accommodation and food are slightly more affordable.
Jeju Island (In the Off-Season)
Jeju can be pricey during peak seasons, but visiting in the off-season (usually in spring and fall) allows you to enjoy this stunning island paradise without blowing your budget. Guesthouses are much cheaper when it’s not busy, and many of the natural attractions — beaches, waterfalls, and cliffs — are free to enjoy.
Final Tips for Saving Money in South Korea
Always book tickets for buses, flights, and trains early to snag the best deals. Public holidays in Korea can see prices double, so try to avoid traveling during national holidays like Chuseok or Lunar New Year.
Make use of the free public Wi-Fi available all over the country. You can also grab a cheap SIM card at the airport, but don’t overspend on data plans unless you really need to be connected all the time.
Lastly, stick to local, non-touristy areas for dining and shopping. Tourist spots tend to overcharge, while plenty of neighborhoods have hole-in-the-wall restaurants that offer gigantic portions for just a few thousand won.
Traveling South Korea on a budget is entirely possible if you’re smart about how you spend. You don’t need to splash out on luxury accommodations or Michelin-starred meals to enjoy everything this amazing country has to offer.
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