Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $12–20 | $40–80 |
| Food | $10–20 | $20–40 |
| Transport | $5–10 | $10–25 |
| Activities | $5–15 | $30–60 |
| Entry Fees | $2–8 | $8–20 |
| Daily Total | $34–73 | $108–225 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Entry & Visas
- K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) required for many nationalities — apply online before travel
- Passport is mandatory for DMZ/JSA tours — original passport, not a photocopy
- DMZ tours require booking 72 hours in advance for military security clearance
Health & Safety
- Seoul is one of the safest major cities in the world — petty crime is rare
- Tap water is technically safe but most Koreans drink filtered water — bottled water is cheap and widely available
- Pharmacies are well-stocked and pharmacists can recommend over-the-counter medication
Getting Around
- Seoul Metro is world-class — clean, cheap, and covers the entire city. All signs and announcements are in English
- T-money card works on metro, buses, and taxis. Available at all convenience stores
- DMZ tours include transport from Seoul — you cannot visit the DMZ or JSA independently
Connectivity
- Free WiFi is widespread in Seoul — metro stations, cafes, and most public spaces have strong signals
- Pocket WiFi or eSIM available at Incheon Airport arrivals for around ₩5,000–8,000/day
- Naver Maps works better than Google Maps in South Korea for local navigation and transit directions
Money
- Currency: KRW (Won). South Korea is increasingly cashless — credit cards and Samsung/Apple Pay accepted almost everywhere
- ATMs at convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) accept international cards
- Tipping is not customary in South Korea — service charge is included in restaurant prices
Packing Tips
- DMZ dress code: no shorts, sandals, ripped jeans, or military-style clothing (enforced at JSA)
- Winter visits (Dec–Feb) require warm layers — temperatures in Seoul drop to -10°C and the DMZ is colder and windier
- Comfortable walking shoes for palace visits and Bukchon's steep alleyways
Cultural tips
DMZ Etiquette
The DMZ and JSA are active military zones — follow your guide's instructions exactly. Do not point, wave, or make gestures towards the North Korean side. Do not attempt to communicate with North Korean soldiers. Stay with your group at all times.
Respect the Gravity
The DMZ is not a theme park. Families were separated by the division and many South Koreans have living relatives in the North they have never met. Approach Imjingak and the prayer ribbons on Freedom Bridge with appropriate solemnity.
Photography Rules
Photography is allowed in most DMZ areas but your guide will specify restricted zones — particularly at the JSA. Do not take photos when told not to. At Bukchon Hanok Village, respect residents' privacy — do not photograph into private homes or block narrow alleys.
Language & Communication
Learn basic Korean: annyeonghaseyo (hello), kamsahamnida (thank you), juseyo (please give me). English is widely understood by younger Koreans but less so by older generations. Translation apps bridge any gaps — Papago (by Naver) is better than Google Translate for Korean.
Dining Customs
Korean meals come with multiple banchan (side dishes) that are refilled for free. Pour drinks for others before yourself (hold the bottle with two hands). Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice — this resembles funeral rites. It is polite to wait for the eldest person to eat first.
Shoes Off Indoors
Remove shoes when entering Korean homes, many traditional restaurants (those with floor seating), temples, and hanok guesthouses. Socks should be clean and hole-free. Many restaurants provide slippers at the entrance.
