Cost of Living in Busan
How much does it cost to visit Busan? Daily budgets, accommodation costs, and real price examples for 2026.
Photo: Florian Wehde / Unsplash
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget
Hostels, street food, free attractions
KRW 60000
per day
Weekly: KRW 420000
Monthly: KRW 1800000
Examples
- 🏨Hostel dorm bed at The Bay HostelKRW 25000
- 🍽️Gukbap at a local eatery near Busan StationKRW 10000
- 🚌Day pass for Busan MetroKRW 5000
- 🎟️Explore Gamcheon Culture Village and walk around Jagalchi Fish MarketKRW 20000
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, restaurants, guided tours
KRW 150000
per day
Weekly: KRW 1050000
Monthly: KRW 4500000
Examples
- 🏨Standard room at Hotel Foreheal HaeundaeKRW 70000
- 🍽️Seafood stew (Haemultang) at a restaurant in Nampo-dongKRW 35000
- 🚌Taxi for short distances and occasional busKRW 15000
- 🎟️Visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and relax at Haeundae BeachKRW 30000
Luxury
5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours
KRW 400000
per day
Weekly: KRW 2800000
Monthly: KRW 12000000
Examples
- 🏨Ocean view suite at Park Hyatt BusanKRW 250000
- 🍽️Fine dining experience at a Michelin-starred restaurant like RyuniqueKRW 100000
- 🚌Private car service for the dayKRW 30000
- 🎟️Private guided tour of the UN Memorial Cemetery and a spa treatment at your hotelKRW 20000
Cost by Category
accommodation
30,000-100,000 KRW
food
25,000-70,000 KRW
Transport
5,000-15,000 KRW
activities
10,000-50,000 KRW
Cost by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | Budget Level | vs City Centre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haeundae | Luxury | Slightly higher | first-timers, couples |
| Seomyeon | Mid-range | Average | first-timers, nightlife |
| Nampo-dong | Budget | Lower | first-timers, foodies |
| Gwangalli | Luxury | Higher | couples, nightlife |
Money-Saving Tips for Busan
🏨 Accommodation
- Stay in budget neighbourhoods outside the tourist centre
- Book apartments for longer stays (weekly discounts)
- Travel in shoulder season for lower hotel rates
- Compare prices across multiple booking platforms
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Eat where locals eat, away from tourist hotspots
- Try street food and market stalls for cheap eats
- Buy lunch specials instead of evening meals
- Cook some meals if your accommodation has a kitchen
🚌 Transport
- Buy multi-day transit passes for unlimited travel
- Walk between nearby attractions to save fares
- Use public transport over taxis where possible
- Book airport transfers in advance for fixed prices
🎟️ Activities
- Take free walking tours (tip-based)
- Look for free museum days or discounted hours
- Book tours and activities online for lower prices
- Explore parks, markets, and neighbourhoods on foot
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FAQ: Busan Costs
How much does it cost to visit Busan?
Budget travellers can visit Busan for around KRW 60000/day (KRW 420000/week). Mid-range travellers should budget KRW 150000/day, while luxury travel costs around KRW 400000/day.
Is Busan expensive?
Busan is on the expensive side. Budget travellers need at least KRW 60000/day. Consider staying in budget neighbourhoods and eating at local spots to save.
How much should I budget per day in Busan?
For a comfortable mid-range experience in Busan, budget KRW 150000/day. This covers a decent hotel, meals at sit-down restaurants, public transport, and a couple of activities.
What is the cheapest way to visit Busan?
Budget travellers in Busan can get by on KRW 60000/day by staying in hostels or budget hotels, eating street food and local restaurants, using public transport, and choosing free walking tours and public attractions.