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.
