Seoul on a budget: daily costs 2026
How much a trip to Seoul, South Korea costs per day: where you sleep, eat, get around and what you do. Estimates in US dollars with today's KRW rate.
Daily costs by category
| Per person per day | Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $22 dorm | $45 ($90 room) | $150 ($300 room) |
| Food & drink | $20 | $40 | $100 |
| Local transport | $6 | $12 | $35 |
| Activities & sights | $8 | $25 | $70 |
Hostel dorm bed, street food & markets, public transport, mostly free sights. Mid-range and comfort room prices are per room per night, shared by two.
Trip budgets for Seoul
| Trip length | Backpacker (1) | Mid-range (2) | Comfort (2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 days | $168 | $732 | $2,130 |
| 5 days | $280 | $1,220 | $3,550 |
| 7 days | $392 | $1,708 | $4,970 |
| 14 days | $784 | $3,416 | $9,940 |
Book for less
Flights to Seoul
Best time to visit
April to May (spring) and September to November (autumn). Summers are hot and humid; winters are very cold.
Money-saving tips
- Get a T-money card for the subway and buses; transfers within 30 minutes are discounted.
- Eat at markets like Gwangjang and in basement food courts of department stores.
- Many palaces are free if you wear hanbok (traditional dress), which you can rent nearby.
Free things to do
- Walk along the Cheonggyecheon Stream.
- Explore Bukchon Hanok Village (respect residents' quiet hours).
- Hike up Namsan to the base of N Seoul Tower.
Compare Seoul with
Questions
How much does a day in Seoul cost?
As a rough guide: about $56 per day for a backpacker, $122 per person per day mid-range (two people sharing a room), and $355 per person per day for a comfortable trip. Flights are extra.
How much money do I need for 5 days in Seoul?
For one backpacker about $280; for two people mid-range about $1,220 in total, excluding flights. Add a 10% buffer.
When is the best time to visit Seoul?
April to May (spring) and September to November (autumn). Summers are hot and humid; winters are very cold.
What currency is used in Seoul?
KRW. Use the live converter on this page and pay in local currency when given the choice.
These are planning estimates based on typical prices, checked 2026-10-11. Prices vary by season, neighbourhood and how you travel. Always check the final price when you book. How we estimate