Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₩20,000–35,000 | ₩60,000–120,000 |
| Food | ₩15,000–25,000 | ₩35,000–60,000 |
| Transport | ₩3,000–6,000 | ₩8,000–15,000 |
| Activities | ₩5,000–15,000 | ₩20,000–50,000 |
| Drinks | ₩3,000–8,000 | ₩15,000–30,000 |
| Daily Total | ₩46,000–89,000 | ₩138,000–275,000 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Getting Around
- Get a T-money card at any convenience store (₩2,500 + top-up). Works on metro, buses, and even taxis. ₩100 discount per ride
- Seoul Metro is extensive, clean, and has English signage. Google Maps and Naver Map both work — Naver is more accurate for walking directions
- Kakao Taxi app for rides when metro stops (midnight). Base fare ₩4,800. Much cheaper than flagging cabs on the street
Connectivity
- Pick up a tourist SIM at Incheon Airport arrivals — KT or SK Telecom, ₩22,000–55,000 for 5–30 days with unlimited data
- eSIMs from Airalo or Klook work on most modern phones. Download Naver Map (better than Google Maps in Korea) and Papago (translator)
- Free WiFi is excellent in Seoul — metro stations, cafes, and public areas all have fast connections
Money
- Cards accepted almost everywhere including street food stalls. Samsung Pay and contactless widely accepted
- ATMs at convenience stores (CU, GS25) accept foreign cards. Avoid standalone ATMs that charge high fees
- No tipping culture in Korea — it's not expected and can cause confusion. Service charge is included in prices
Visa & Entry
- Most nationalities need K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) — apply online 72+ hours before travel (₩10,000)
- Visa-free entry for 90 days with K-ETA approval. Some nationalities are exempt — check before applying
- Passport must be valid for 6+ months from entry date
Health & Safety
- Seoul is extremely safe — violent crime is rare, solo travel is comfortable even late at night
- No vaccinations required. Tap water is safe but most Koreans drink filtered or bottled water
- Pharmacies are widespread. Bring specific medications — Korean equivalents may require a prescription
Packing Tips
- Seoul has four distinct seasons — check weather before packing. Winters (Dec–Feb) are brutal (-10°C). Summer (Jul–Aug) is hot and humid
- Comfortable walking shoes essential — Seoul is hilly with lots of stairs. Slip-on shoes help for temple and restaurant visits
- Bring or buy skincare products — Korea is the world capital of skincare and prices are 30–50% cheaper than abroad
Cultural tips
Drinking Etiquette
Pour drinks for others, never for yourself. When someone older pours for you, hold your glass with both hands. Turn away from elders when drinking. These rules are taken seriously.
Age & Respect
Korean culture is hierarchical by age. Use two hands when giving or receiving items from elders. "Annyeonghaseyo" (formal hello) is always appropriate.
Shoes Off
Remove shoes in homes, many traditional restaurants (raised floor seating), temples, and guesthouses. Socks are essential — barefoot is awkward.
Table Manners
Don't lift rice bowls off the table (unlike Japan/China). Use a spoon for rice and soup, chopsticks for side dishes. Don't start eating before the eldest person at the table.
Photography
Always ask before photographing people, especially in traditional neighborhoods like Bukchon where residents live. Military installations are strict no-photo zones.
Public Manners
Keep quiet on public transit. Don't sit in priority seats unless elderly/pregnant. Queue orderly for buses and trains. Avoid loud phone calls in enclosed spaces.
