Is Seoul expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Seoul is mid-priced for a big Asian capital: cheaper than Tokyo for hotels in most seasons and far cheaper than Singapore, but dearer than Bangkok. A budget day costs about ₩90,000 per person and a mid-range day about ₩190,000. Transport and everyday food are good value; Korean barbecue dinners, cafés and hotels are where the money goes.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | ₩45,000 | ₩80,000 | ₩180,000 |
| Food & drink | ₩30,000 | ₩60,000 | ₩130,000 |
| Sights & tickets | ₩10,000 | ₩40,000 | ₩90,000 |
| Local transport | ₩6,000 | ₩10,000 | ₩40,000 |
| Per person, per day | ₩91,000 | ₩190,000 | ₩440,000 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Seoul day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Bindaetteok at Gwangjang Market | about ₩5,000–8,000 |
| Tteokbokki | about ₩4,000–6,000 |
| Kimchi jjigae lunch | about ₩9,000–12,000 |
| Samgyeopsal (per portion) | about ₩15,000–20,000 |
| Korean fried chicken (whole) | about ₩20,000–28,000 |
| Americano at a café | roughly ₩4,000–5,500 |
| Subway ride with T-money | base fare roughly ₩1,500–1,600 |
| Gyeongbokgung Palace | about ₩3,000 (free in hanbok) |
| N Seoul Tower observatory | about ₩20,000–25,000 |
| Mid-range double room (Myeongdong) | ₩120,000–200,000 a night |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation is the biggest cost: about ₩45,000 per person sharing a double on a budget and ₩80,000 mid-range, more in Gangnam. Food runs about ₩30,000 a day on a budget (markets, stews, convenience-store breakfasts) and ₩60,000 mid-range, with barbecue and soju dinners the main expense; barbecue places usually require at least two portions. Palaces and museums are cheap or free, so sights cost only about ₩10,000 a day unless you add observation decks and DMZ tours (about ₩80,000–150,000). Transport is cheap at about ₩6,000–10,000 a day by subway and bus. Korea has no tourist tax and many hotels include VAT and service in the rate.
When it is cheaper
January–February and the hot, rainy months of July–August usually have the lowest hotel rates; April and October are the most expensive. Differences can be roughly 20–30%, but check your dates.
How to spend less
- Eat lunch sets near offices in Jongno or Gwanghwamun, where stews with banchan cost about ₩9,000–12,000.
- Treat Myeongdong street carts as a snack and eat full meals at Gwangjang or Namdaemun markets.
- Rent a hanbok for a few hours (about ₩15,000–30,000) to get free entry to the palaces, if you plan to visit several.
- Use T-money on the subway and buses; transfers within about 30 minutes are discounted or free.
- Visit the free National Museum of Korea instead of paying for multiple private museums.
- Buy drinks and snacks at convenience stores, where soju and beer cost a fraction of bar prices.
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Common questions
How much does a day in Seoul cost?
About ₩90,000 per person on a budget, ₩190,000 mid-range and ₩440,000 in comfort, including a shared double room, food, sights and transport.
Is Seoul cheaper than Tokyo?
Usually a little cheaper for hotels and similar for food; both are far cheaper than Singapore for accommodation.
Is Korean barbecue expensive?
Moderately: samgyeopsal costs about ₩15,000–20,000 per portion, and most places require at least two portions.