Budget Travel Budget for Seoul
Estimated daily budget travel costs in Seoul, South Korea.
Budget daily budget
$45 – $51
per person per day in Seoul (USD)
| lodging | $16 – $18 |
| food | $11 – $13 |
| transport | $7 – $8 |
| activities | $7 – $8 |
| misc | $5 – $5 |
Estimates based on synthetic model. Use the calculator below for personalized results.
Trip Budget Calculator
Budget Cost Breakdown
| Category | Share | Daily Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| lodging | 35% | $16 – $18 |
| food | 25% | $11 – $13 |
| transport | 15% | $7 – $8 |
| activities | 15% | $7 – $8 |
| misc | 10% | $5 – $5 |
Budget Tips for Seoul
- Convenience stores offer quality prepared meals at low prices
- Capsule hotels and hostels provide clean, compact accommodations
- Rail passes can dramatically reduce intercity transport costs
- Free walking tours are available in most major cities
- University areas have the cheapest food options
- Many parks and shrines have free admission
- Metro systems are efficient and inexpensive for getting around
- Grocery stores with prepared food sections save significantly over dining out
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost per day in Seoul?
A budget traveler can expect to spend approximately $45 to $51 per person per day in Seoul. This covers accommodation, food, local transport, activities, and miscellaneous expenses. These are estimates — your actual costs depend on your choices and travel style.
What is the cheapest way to visit Seoul?
Budget travelers in Seoul can expect to spend around $45 to $51 per day by staying in hostels or budget guesthouses, eating at local spots, using public transport, and focusing on free or low-cost activities.
Is Seoul expensive for tourists?
Seoul is generally affordable for tourists. Daily costs range from $45 (budget) to $470 (luxury) per person. The East Asia region has a range of price levels, and Seoul sits at about a 14 out of 10 on a global cost scale.
How does season affect prices in Seoul?
Prices in Seoul vary by season. During low season, costs are roughly -12% lower than shoulder season. Peak season sees prices increase by roughly 18%. Booking during shoulder or low season can lead to meaningful savings.
What is included in the daily budget estimate?
Our daily budget estimates for Seoul include five categories: lodging, food, local transport, activities/sightseeing, and miscellaneous expenses (tips, SIM cards, etc.). Flights and international transport are not included. Use the calculator on this page to adjust estimates for your specific situation.
How accurate are these Seoul budget estimates?
These estimates are based on a synthetic cost model using global cost-of-living indicators. They provide a reasonable planning baseline but should not be treated as exact figures. Actual costs vary based on accommodation choices, dining habits, exchange rates, and personal spending patterns. Always budget a 10–20% buffer.
How many days should I spend in Seoul?
Most visitors spend 3 to 7 days in Seoul, depending on their interests. A short 3-day visit covers main highlights. Five to seven days allows a more relaxed pace and deeper exploration. Use our calculator to estimate total costs for different trip lengths.
Assumptions & Notes
- All figures are estimates based on a synthetic cost model — not exact prices.
- Daily budgets are per person and include: lodging, food, local transport, activities, and miscellaneous.
- International flights and intercity transport are not included.
- Season multipliers reflect typical demand patterns — actual seasonal variation depends on events and weather.
- Currency conversions use approximate fixed rates. Check current rates before traveling.
- Budget a 10–20% buffer above these estimates for unexpected expenses.
Model version: v1.0 · Dataset generated at build time