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Cost of Living in Korea on average for a tourist

Updated: Jan 12, 2023


Cost of living  in Korea as a tourist

Traveling to Korea is a dream come true for most of us. Korea is an amazing country that gives a unique experience. However, a lot of people ask how much it will be to travel here.

Below we have broken down all the major expenses you can have during your visit.


Housing:

Mid-range hotels will start at about 40,000 KRW ($36) per night, while guesthouses and hostels will typically start at around 20,000 KRW ($18) per night.

Transportation:

South Korea has a vast network of modern railways, highways, bus lines, and advanced subway systems, making it easy, comfortable, and efficient to go around.

A T-Money Card, which you can simply recharge at convenience stores and metro card readers, is something we would suggest getting. The price of the card is 4,000 KRW ($3.60). A subway ride will cost 1,250 KRW ($1.12) up to 10 km, and an extra 100 KRW will be charged for every additional 5 km. I would probably use about 6,000 KRW ($5.40) in a day of sightseeing if I were to take the metro.

Food:

For a meal at a Korean restaurant, plan to pay between 10,000 and 15,000 KRW ($9 and $13). If you go to a more western restaurant, expect to pay at least 20,000 KRW ($18) for a meal. A quick dinner or fast food will cost between $5 and $7 (or $4.50 and $6.30).

In Korea, a week's worth of groceries typically costs 90,000 KRW ($80). Shopping more frequently at nearby producer's markets can help you save money. However, this option is viable only if you live in a house, not a hotel.

Attractions:

Here’s a breakdown of some popular attractions in South Korea and their respective costs:

  • Gyeongbokgung Palace: $3

  • DMZ Tour: $48 – $80 (depending on the tour)

  • Busan Gamcheon Culture Village: FREE

  • Lotte World (World’s Largest Indoor Amusement Park): $40

  • N Seoul Tower: $14

You can check out our FREE Museums article for more information.

Phone and internet:

You’ll pay $32 for unlimited data for 10 days in South Korea. But depending on the service you choose it may be cheaper. Check beforehand at the airport for similar and more convenient plans. You will need your passport to purchase a SIM.



Therefore, on average, you can pay:

  • Accommodation: $30 per day

  • Transportation: $6 per day

  • Food: $50 per day

  • Activities/Entrance Fees: $30 per day

You need to accommodate the daily cost of your personal needs, for example, drinking, meeting friends, and traveling to other cities. This can be cheaper or more expensive.


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