๐ด Korea Travel Budget: How to Plan What You Will Spend
Prices vary a lot by city, season and style of travel, so we do not quote a single โaverageโ cost. Instead, use the budget planner on the Money & Payments page and the sourced price points below.
Money ยท Updated 2026-10-05 ยท 5 min read
The six categories to count
Flights, accommodation, food, local transport, activities and admissions, and shopping with a small reserve for the unexpected. Add travel insurance and your phone plan if you buy them separately.
Transport price points
Climate Card short-term passes cost โฉ5,000 (1 day), โฉ8,000 (2), โฉ10,000 (3), โฉ15,000 (5) and โฉ20,000 (7) for unlimited Seoul subway and bus rides, plus โฉ3,000 for the physical card. The Mpass card for foreigners costs โฉ15,000 (1 day) to โฉ64,500 (7 days) for up to 20 rides a day and is sold at Tmoney Town near Seoul Station Exit 10.
From Incheon Airport, the AREX Express costs about โฉ13,000 and the All-Stop about โฉ4,750 from Terminal 1. A regular taxi to central Seoul is roughly โฉ55,000โโฉ80,000.
Ways to spend less
VisitKorea notes that motels and guesthouses are much cheaper on weekdays than weekends, that transport cards give transfer discounts, and that the KORAIL Pass can save money on trips between cities.
The National Museum of Korea and Gyeongju National Museum have free admission, many parks and beaches are free, and free public Wi-Fi can replace a data plan for light use.
Book flights early for peak months (JulyโAugust and DecemberโJanuary).
Cash and fees
Cards are widely accepted, so you can carry less cash, but keep some won for markets and small shops. ATM operators charge a fee per withdrawal, and your bank may add its own, so withdraw larger amounts less often.
Tourists can claim a tax refund on purchases of โฉ15,000 or more per receipt at tax-free shops.
Prices, schedules and entry rules change. The figures below are approximate and reflect information available when this guide was last reviewed; always confirm with the official source before you travel.