In this guide, I will share the best practical tips for saving money when visiting South Korea.
In fact, these tips & tricks helped me save quite a lot while living in Seoul without missing out on what the city has to offer.
So, if you’re wondering how to spend less and visit Seoul on a budget, you’ll love the tips & tricks in this article. Let’s go!
Key Takeaways: Traveling in Seoul on a budget
- Seoul can be expensive, but you can keep costs low by planning
- Cheaper Korean BBQs are just as good as expensive ones
- There are lots of free activities to find in the city
Seoul on a Budget Tips
Use ATMs at official banks
In the city, you’ll see plenty of ATMs, some at convenience stores and some a bit more tucked away—these ATMs inside a building or a bank charge the lowest fee.
The fee to get cash at an ATM next to a convenience store can be around 5 to 7 dollars, while at an ATM at the bank, you’ll likely pay around 1 dollar.
While this fee doesn’t include the fee your bank charges, it will definitely save you money when choosing the right ATM.
So if you’re looking where to withdraw money in Seoul. Type in ‘ATM’ in Naver to find the closest ATM but don’t use the small ones next to convenience stores.
Claim your tax-free
As a tourist, you can shop tax-free at most stores. It depends on the store, but most bigger retailers offer this service. You can either get the discount right at the counter sometimes (bring your passport) or save your receipt and go to the tax refund machine at the airport. This works pretty straightforward.
So, save all your receipts and put them all in the V.A.T. refund machine later at the airport!
Tech products
Besides shopping tax-free, many tech products like phones or laptops are also cheaper in South Korea than in many other countries, especially compared to the US or Europe. The difference can sometimes even go up to a few 100 dollars per item. For instance, if you’re in the market for a new phone, look around Seoul. This will save you some money when you don’t need to buy it anymore at home.
Use Apple Pay with Revolut
Apple Pay or Samsung Pay, in combination with Revolut, works like a charm in South Korea. Not every store offers this option, but about 70% do.
Although Revolut isn’t free (in the free subscription, you’ll pay a small fee to put money on it and to pay with it), it is cheaper than getting cash or using a credit card. If a store doesn’t accept Apple Pay, try using the physical card of Revolut that you can get for free. I can highly recommend Revolut.
Use your receipt for free parking
If you’re driving a car or renting one, save your receipt after shopping! You can scan it in the parking garage, and an amount will be deducted from your parking fee, sometimes even until you don’t have to pay anything at all.
The English language is usually available on the machine, but if you’re stuck, from my experience, people are very willing to help!
Dining on a budget in Korea
It’s probably no surprise to you, but local food is usually more affordable than international food. This is the case not only in restaurants but also in supermarkets.
One local dish that isn’t cheap is Korean BBQ; while I highly recommend it, it can become a bit expensive.
It surprised me a few times how expensive it was! A Korean BBQ with two people can easily cost around 100,000 won. Meat is expensive, so it’s totally understandable, but having Korean BBQ every night could be too much.
Furthermore, some times prices will be shown per 100 grams in the menu, for instance, so you might pay more than you anticipated.
If you want to try Korean BBQ, there are expensive and more affordable restaurants. Go with the affordable one! More upscale Korean BBQs aren’t worth it, and the food tastes just as good as the local ones, even better sometimes, in my experience!
Plus, local Korean BBQs are more fun, in my opinion. You get a better taste of local Korean culture: you’ll see groups of employees coming from work to eat, friends, and just overall a look into the daily Korean way of life, which is just a much more fun experience than sitting in a fancy “boring” restaurant.
Travel Tip: Download the app Catch Table, this is the best app to make a reservation in Korea.
Eat at food courts
Food courts are always a good choice! I love them. They can be found mostly inside malls on the lower floors. These places have many restaurants, and all the chairs and tables belong to the food court and not one particular restaurant.
You can order wherever you like and then find a place to sit. The prices of these restaurants tend to be much lower than those outside in the city.
Food courts are also a great option if you’re with a group and some folks want to try different things. I’m pretty sure there is something for everyone.
Food courts
- IPark Mall (7th Floor)
- Lotte Department Store (1B Floor)
Ask for takeaway
When you’re finished but ordered too much, it is totally fine to ask for a ‘doggy bag’ (I’m not sure what the Korean word for that is!) Take it home and perhaps save it for lunch the next day.
Happy hour
Happy hour is a common theme in South Korea, not only in bars but also in some restaurants and lunch cafes. See if there is a place close to where you stay so you can visit it during happy hour.
Public transportation in Seoul tips
Public transport is particularly cheap in Seoul, a one way trip is often a bit less than a dollar (compared to London for instance where a one way trip can easily be 8 or 10 dollars!)
Take a long subway trip
If you want to explore outside of the city, you might think that you need to rent a car or take a taxi, but the subway goes a very long way outside of the city!
You can go all the way to Chuncheon (about 2,5 hours), a city outside of Seoul, just by subway (line 1). Taking the subway is a great affordable way to explore even more of South Korea without spending too much.
A great stop just before Chuncheon is Gapyeong Station. You can hike along the river and see more of South Korea’s nature.
Claim your deposit
At every station, there are ticket machines that sell T Money cards. These are rechargeable cards; you can add money to them using the ticket machine. When you’re done using the card, put it in the deposit return machine, and you’ll receive 500 Won back. These machines can be found right after you check out, inside the station.
Travel tip: A T Money card in Seoul can be bought at every subway station and most convenience stores. You can even use the card to pay for a taxi ride. Just scan it in the taxi, and done!
Cheap Things to do In Seoul
One of the great things about the city is that there are lots of things to do with a small budget in Seoul.
Palaces
There is an entrance fee for most palaces, but it is not more than 2 or 3 dollars per person, including the famous Gyeongbokgung palace. Watching the changing of the guards is free, which is, in my opinion, the best thing about the palaces! The cermonies take place outside of the palaces so everyone can enjoy them.
Travel Tip: Get a combination ticket for 4 palaces: (Adult: 10,000 won, Child 5,000 won) Changdeokgung incl. Secret Garden, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, Gyeongbokgung and Jongmyo Shrine.
Renting a Hanbok Outfit is more expensive, usually between 20 and 40 dollars for two hours.
Museums
There are quite a few museums that charge no entrance fee.
Museums that are worth visiting:
- Audeum Museum (About the revolution of music speakers)
- Leeum Museum (In Hannam-dong, close to Itaewon, which is a nice area to wander around)
- National History Museum
- The War Memorial of Korea
- National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
Hanok Villages
Bukchon Hanok Village
The most famous Hanok Village of Korea, and its free to visit and walk around.
Ikseon Hanok Village
A bit lesser known Hanok area is Ikseon-dong. It’s an area known for its narrow alleys and many coffee shops and cafes.
Parks
Yeouido Hangang Park: Very spacious, with beautiful cherry blossoms in April.
Yeouido Park: Beautiful park worth the visit of you’re close it. It is next to the National Assembly building, a very impressive sight!
Namsan Park: A forest on a hill, perfect for jogging and walking around in fresh air.
Seoul Forest: Close to Seongsu, a nice, fancy, and very popular area.
Photo booths
While photo booths arent free, I still wanted to inlcude them because they are very affordable and so much fun. Korean Photoboots are great for saving memories of trips with friends or family. Put on some crazy items and snap away. The price is usually between 2 and 4 dollars for two strips of 6 photos.
Our fridge door is filled with photo booth photos!
Mountains
Of course, hiking in the mountains is free! (although sometimes they charge a little bit for parking).
Moreover, you don’t need expensive hiking shoes or gear for most trails. Most of the time, paths and wooden stairs have been built and laid out. This makes the trails quite easy and relaxing to do.
Find some great hiking locations that are easy to reach by subway in the what to do in Seoul guide.
Expensive Attractions that are best avoided
While in Seoul, I found several attractions too expensive to consider worth it.
Cable Car to Namsan Tower
First, the Cable Cart to Namsan Tower is quite expensive, you can easily take a bus (or walk to the top). A round trip is 15,000 Won (11 dollars) per person, so if you’re traveling with a group, this can become quite expensive.
If you do like to take the calbe cart to the tower, here’s how:
How to get to Namsan Tower by bus
Take the bus from Chungmuro Station (This station is on lines 3 and 4) or Dongguk Univ. Station (this one on 3). From there, you can take the 01B bus to Namsan Tower.
It goes past the following stops: Namsan Yejang Bus Parking Lot-›Toegye-ro 3-ga, Hanok Village → Chungmuro Station, Daehan Theater → Toegye-ro 5-ga → Dongguk Univ. Station, Jangchung-dong → National Theater of Korea, Banyan Tree Club & Spa → Namsan North Ringway → Namsan Seoul Tower
Travel tip: Use the app "Naver Map" to navigate the public transport.
Lotte Tower
The famous Lotte Tower is South Korea’s highest building. I’ve been there, and from my experience, it is not worth it. The elevator ride costs 31,000 won (22 dollars) per adult. The view from Namsan Tower is much more fulfilling; you’re not behind glass, you can view the city from different angles, and there are more food and drink options. And you’re not thát high, so you can actually see more, if that makes sense…
If you’re visiting Seoul on a Budget, I recomend to skip these activities.
Affordable shopping in Seoul
Seoul can be expensive, especially compared to other Asian countries in the South. But there are plenty of budget friendly options to choose from, even for shopping!
Buying Second-Hand Items in Korea
If you’re looking to get some real discounts on products, getting something second-hand is possible in South Korea.
From my experience, Koreans are very careful with their products, and thus getting something second-hand could be a great option.
A second-hand marketplace in Korea is Karrot.
You can visit the website or get the app from the App Store if it’s available in your region.
Tip: Carrot in Koreans means "carrot" but also means "second hand" which is why it has the name and logo it has.
Namdaemun market
My favorite Market in Seoul, Namdaemun, has anything you can imagine at a pretty good price.
Travel tip: Bargaining isn't really a thing in Korea. Most of the time it is a set price, but you can always ask to get a discount if you buy multiple items.
Tongin Market
Not far on the left side of the big palace in Seoul Tongin Market can be found. A local market with affordable stuff.
Flower Market behind Express Bus Station
Behind the bus station and the Shinsegae Department store, there is the “Express Bus Terminal Wholesale Flower Market.” Where folks sell flowers for a very low price, a bouquet in the city can easily cost 30.000 to 50.000 won, while the same one at the market can be between 5000 and 10000 won. Moreover, there is lots to choose from!
Shop at E-mart or Lotte Mart instead of CU / 7-Eleven
You might be wondering, where do people get their groceries? At least, that’s what I thought when I just came to Seoul. I’m pretty sure all those convenience stores don’t have a wide enough selection to make a whole meal unless you’re eating instant noodles every day.
Turns out, everyone either orders only on “Coupang” (You need a Korean bank account for that unfortunately) or they buy groceries at one of the few big supermarkets. There aren’t many, but my favorites are Lotte Mart and E-Mart. Lotte Mart can be found at Seoul Station, E-Mart at IPark Mall.
You’ll notice groceries aren’t really cheap, but it sure is cheaper than most things at the CU or 7Eleven.
Travel Tip: There are "24hour E-Marts" and "E-Marts", the first ones are convenience stores, the later is the bigger supermarket.
Convenience stores
There’s no way around it, convenience stores! Korea has the most convenience stores per capita compared to any other country in the world! There are even more convenience stores in South Korea than there are McDonald’s globally…wow!
So, how to make sure you aren’t spending too much at the very convenient… stores, because that’s what makes them more expensive!
1+1 items
Look for “1+1” or “2+1” items. Many products have a little sign in front that says 1+1. These are great choices for getting a drink or snack for free.
Coffee
Ice-coffee Bags. Many times, you’ll see a stand outside of the store with lemonade and iced coffee bags and a fridge below them. These are quite affordable if you’re looking for a quick iced coffee on the go. Coffee + cup with ice is around 1200 + 800 won, which is around 1,50 dollars.
Best time to visit Seoul on a budget
The best time to buy flight tickets to Seoul is during the winter. You might think that it’s not a great time to explore Seoul, but it is actually not that bad!
Sure, it’s cold but it is not a bad time to visit. The air is dry, and there is not much wind, which makes it quite pleasant to walk around. And if you’re lucky it will snow and turn Seoul; into a winter wonder land.
Besides that, there are so many coffee cafes and places to go to warm up that it is never unpleasant or too cold to be outside.
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are great weather-wise, but flight tickets are much more expensive, sometimes even double the price, compared to winter.
Where to stay in Seoul?
Find out the best areas to stay in my Where to Stay in Seoul guide.
Final thoughts
From my experience, traveling in Seoul on a budget is undoubtedly possible.
Most of the costs in Seoul will come from dining out (international food, or Korean BBQ, fancy coffee shops), shopping, and accommodation, of course.
But the best thing is that there are a lot of things to do with a small budget in Seoul such as visiting the palaces, going to Namsan Tower, hiking in the mountains, seeing the Hanok Villages, visiting museums, exploring the diverse neighborhoods are all either free or charge not more than 1 or 2 dollars.
So is Seoul cheap to visit? When not taking a flight ticket in account… Seoul can be cheap to visit.
Seoul’s Weather and Climate
Frequently Asked Questions
What money is used in Seoul?
Korean Won is South Korea's currency. 10.000 Won is around 7 dollars. A one-way trip with the subway is about 1000 won (+-70 dollar cents)
Is Seoul an expensive city to visit?
Seoul can be affordable if you plan smart. Public transport is cheap, and you can find budget meals, guesthouses, and free attractions across the city. But, costs can increase quickly when eating Korean BBQ, taking taxis, and buying international groceries.
What's the best way to get around Seoul without spending too much?
The subway and buses are great! They're clean, efficient, and super affordable. Get a T-money card to save a bit more and make traveling easier. You can also use the card in a taxi, but taxis are more expensive.
Where can I eat on a budget?
Try local markets like Gwangjang or street food spots. Kimbap shops, convenience stores, and budget restaurants serve tasty meals for under 5,000–8,000 KRW.
What's a reasonable daily budget for Seoul?
A budget of $25–$40 USD per day can cover food and transport if you plan a bit.
Can I use cash or a card in Seoul?
Both are widely accepted, but some small shops or street vendors might prefer cash. ATMs that accept foreign cards are easy to find and are pretty easy to use.
Are there budget-friendly SIM cards or Wi-Fi options?
Yes! You can rent portable Wi-Fi, or buy a prepaid SIM card with data at the airport or convenience stores at reasonable prices. Sim-cards at the airport are cheaper than buying them later at a convenience store in the city.
