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Is South Korea expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
South Korea is mid-priced: cheaper than Japan for many things and much cheaper than Western Europe for food and transport, though Seoul hotels and coffee are not cheap. A budget day is about ₩85,000 (roughly €55) per person and a mid-range day about ₩185,000, with KTX train legs extra.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | ₩35,000 | ₩80,000 | ₩180,000 |
| Food & drink | ₩30,000 | ₩55,000 | ₩100,000 |
| Sights & tickets | ₩10,000 | ₩25,000 | ₩50,000 |
| Local transport | ₩10,000 | ₩25,000 | ₩50,000 |
| Per person, per day | ₩85,000 | ₩185,000 | ₩380,000 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our South Korea day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) at Gwangjang Market | about ₩5,000–7,000 |
| Korean barbecue (samgyeopsal) per person | about ₩18,000–25,000 |
| Whole fried chicken with beer (chimaek) | about ₩20,000–25,000 |
| Seoul metro ride with T-money | about ₩1,400–2,000 |
| Gyeongbokgung Palace | about ₩3,000 |
| N Seoul Tower observatory | about ₩21,000 |
| KTX Seoul–Busan | about ₩60,000 |
| Hongdae guesthouse double | about ₩50,000–90,000 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation is the main cost: guesthouses in Hongdae cost about ₩50,000–90,000 a double, central hotels in Myeongdong or Jongno ₩120,000–200,000 and sea-view hotels in Haeundae ₩250,000–500,000. KTX tickets (₩50,000–60,000 per leg) and DMZ tours (₩80,000–150,000) are the big extra costs. Food is very good value at markets and casual restaurants, though cafés charge Western prices for coffee. Sights are cheap: palaces cost a few thousand won and many museums and temples are free.
When it is cheaper
Hotel prices are usually lower in winter (January–February, outside Seollal) and in the rainy July period; they peak in cherry-blossom season (April), autumn foliage (October–November) and during Chuseok.
How to spend less
- Rent a hanbok and enter Gyeongbokgung and other palaces for free.
- Use the free National Museum of Korea and free temple entry (many fees were abolished in 2023).
- Eat at markets such as Gwangjang and Jagalchi and at kimbap and noodle chains.
- Use a T-money card for metro, buses and taxis, and take the AREX all-stop train from Incheon instead of the express.
- Book KTX tickets early on the Korail app and avoid holiday weekends.
- Stay in Hongdae or near Seoul Station for cheaper rooms with good transport links.
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Common questions
Is South Korea expensive?
Mid-priced: about ₩85,000 a day on a budget and ₩185,000 mid-range, with KTX trains extra.
Is Korea cheaper than Japan?
Often similar or slightly cheaper for food and hotels, with very cheap public transport.
How much is the KTX?
About ₩50,000–60,000 per leg between Seoul and Busan or Gyeongju.