Cost of Living in Seoul
How much does it cost to visit Seoul? Daily budgets, accommodation costs, and real price examples for 2026.
Photo: Ciaran O'Brien / Unsplash
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget
Hostels, street food, free attractions
KRW 70000
per day
Weekly: KRW 490000
Monthly: KRW 2100000
Examples
- 🏨Dorm bed at Kimchee Hongdae GuesthouseKRW 20000
- 🍽️Bibimbap and side dishes from a local eatery in Gwangjang MarketKRW 15000
- 🚌T-Money card top-up for subway and bus ridesKRW 10000
- 🎟️Explore Bukchon Hanok Village and walk around InsadongKRW 0
- 🎟️Visit the War Memorial of Korea (free entry)KRW 0
- 🍽️Street food snacks like tteokbokki and odengKRW 15000
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, restaurants, guided tours
KRW 150000
per day
Weekly: KRW 1050000
Monthly: KRW 4500000
Examples
- 🏨Standard room at L7 Hongdae by LOTTEKRW 70000
- 🍽️Korean BBQ dinner at Wangbijib Myeongdong Main BranchKRW 30000
- 🚌Day pass for Seoul MetroKRW 5000
- 🎟️Admission to Gyeongbokgung Palace and changing of the guard ceremonyKRW 3000
- 🎟️Shopping and exploring in MyeongdongKRW 10000
- 🍽️Lunch of Jjimdak (braised chicken) in DongdaemunKRW 15000
- 🎟️Visit the N Seoul Tower observatoryKRW 17000
Luxury
5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours
KRW 350000
per day
Weekly: KRW 2450000
Monthly: KRW 10500000
Examples
- 🏨Deluxe room at The Shilla SeoulKRW 250000
- 🍽️Michelin-starred tasting menu at JungsikdangKRW 150000
- 🚌Private car with driver for the dayKRW 100000
- 🎟️Private guided tour of Changdeokgung Palace and Secret GardenKRW 80000
- 🍽️Afternoon tea at the Four Seasons Hotel SeoulKRW 40000
Cost by Category
accommodation
40,000 - 150,000 KRW
food
30,000 - 80,000 KRW
Transport
10,000 - 20,000 KRW
activities
20,000 - 50,000 KRW
Cost by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | Budget Level | vs City Centre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Myeongdong | Mid-range | average | first-timers, budget |
| Hongdae | Budget | below average | solo travelers, nightlife |
| Gangnam | Luxury | above average | luxury, couples |
| Insadong | Mid-range | average | culture, couples |
Money-Saving Tips for Seoul
🏨 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: Seoul Costs
How much does it cost to visit Seoul?
Budget travellers can visit Seoul for around KRW 70000/day (KRW 490000/week). Mid-range travellers should budget KRW 150000/day, while luxury travel costs around KRW 350000/day.
Is Seoul expensive?
Seoul is on the expensive side. Budget travellers need at least KRW 70000/day. Consider staying in budget neighbourhoods and eating at local spots to save.
How much should I budget per day in Seoul?
For a comfortable mid-range experience in Seoul, 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 Seoul?
Budget travellers in Seoul can get by on KRW 70000/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.