Daily costs per person in US dollars. The DMZ tour is the main expense on Day 1 — Seoul itself is very affordable with excellent public transport, free museums, and cheap street food.
Daily cost breakdown
Currency: KRW (Won) (1 USD ≈ ₩1,350)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $12–20 | $40–80 | $120+ | Hostels/jjimjilbang → hotels → hanok stays |
| Food | $10–20 | $20–40 | $60+ | Market food → BBQ restaurants → fine dining |
| Transport | $5–10 | $10–25 | $40+ | T-money metro → taxi → private car |
| Activities | $5–15 | $30–60 | $80+ | Free museums → DMZ tour → private tours |
| Entry Fees | $2–8 | $8–20 | $30+ | Palaces ₩3,000, tower ₩16,000 |
| Daily Total | $34–73 | $108–225 | $330+ | Budget backpacker → comfortable mid → luxury |
Money-saving tips
Book DMZ tours in advance
DMZ/JSA tours must be booked at least 72 hours ahead for military clearance. Prices range from ₩50,000–70,000 depending on JSA access. The USO tour (JSA focus) and Koridoor (full DMZ) are the most reputable operators.
Free palaces with hanbok
Wearing hanbok (traditional Korean clothing, ₩15,000–25,000 rental) grants free entry to all major Seoul palaces — Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, and others. The rental pays for itself after two palaces and makes for memorable photos.
T-money card for transport
Buy a T-money card (₩2,500) at any convenience store and load it with credit. Tap on all Seoul metro, buses, and taxis. Each metro ride is around ₩1,350 — Seoul's public transport is excellent and very affordable.
Eat at markets and local joints
Gwangjang Market, Namdaemun Market, and Myeongdong street food stalls offer full meals for ₩5,000–10,000. Kimbap shops (Korean rice rolls) are everywhere and serve a full kimbap set for around ₩4,000.
Free museums and culture
Many of Seoul's best museums are free — War Memorial of Korea, National Museum of Korea (the largest in Asia), and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. Temple stays (₩40,000–60,000) include meals and meditation.
Budget accommodation in Hongdae
Hongdae and Mapo-gu have the best-value hostels and guesthouses in Seoul — dormitory beds from ₩15,000–25,000 per night in a lively, central neighbourhood. Jjimjilbang (Korean saunas/spas) offer overnight stays for around ₩12,000.
