Korea travel budget: how much does a trip cost?
A Korea travel budget per person for our 5, 7 and 10-day itineraries at three travel styles. Each figure is the planner’s own budget for that exact route.
Trip cost by length and style
| Trip | Budget | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 daysSeoul | about $322 (₩431,000) | about $660 (₩882,000) | about $1,088 (₩1,455,000) |
| 7 daysSeoul → Busan | about $422 (₩564,400) | about $903 (₩1,207,400) | about $1,480 (₩1,979,400) |
| 10 daysSeoul → Busan → Jeju | about $656 (₩876,900) | about $1,356 (₩1,812,900) | about $2,205 (₩2,948,900) |
Prices as of Sep 25, 2026 · USD at the Nov 13, 2026 rate. Estimates, not quotes.
Seoul daily budget
| Per person per day | Budget | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lodging | about $21 (₩28,000) | about $54 (₩72,000) | about $74 (₩99,000) |
| Food | $19 (₩25,000) | $37 (₩50,000) | $67 (₩90,000) |
| Local transport | $5 (₩7,000) | $9 (₩12,000) | $22 (₩30,000) |
| Admissions | $0 (₩0) | $4 (₩5,000) | $7 (₩10,000) |
| Shopping | $7 (₩10,000) | $22 (₩30,000) | $45 (₩60,000) |
| Total | about $52 (₩70,000) | about $126 (₩169,000) | about $216 (₩289,000) |
The same daily band as our Seoul guide. For a whole Seoul trip, see the 3-day and 4-day itineraries.
Lodging per night
- Budget
- about $13–$21 (₩18,000–₩28,000) per person
- Mid-range
- about $41–$54 (₩55,000–₩72,000) per person
- Comfort
- about $60–$74 (₩80,000–₩99,000) per person
Range across Seoul, Busan and Jeju. Hotel prices assume two guests sharing a room; peak-season prices can be higher.
What the estimates include
Each total adds up lodging, meals, local transport, admission to the places on the route and a small daily shopping allowance for one person. Longer trips include the KTX train from Seoul to Busan and the short flight to Jeju.
Budget assumes hostel dorm beds and simple meals, mid-range a 3-star hotel shared by two, and comfort a 4-star hotel with more taxis and sit-down dinners.
Flights to Korea, travel insurance and mobile data are not included. Hotel rates move with the season, so treat the lodging figures as “about”, not a quote.
Before you go
Travel insurance
Check that your policy covers medical care in Korea, trip changes and the activities you plan.
- Check price on SafetyWingAffiliate linkTravel medical insurance for visitors
eSIM or SIM card
Mobile data keeps maps, translation and transit apps working. For an eSIM, check that your phone supports it and is unlocked.
- Check price on KlookAffiliate linkChecked Nov 65G Unlimited Prepaid eSIM South Korea (SKT)
The full checklist (K-ETA, T-money, airport transfers) comes with every trip you build in the planner.
Questions
What is a good Korea travel budget for a week?
A mid-range Korea travel budget is about $903 (₩1,207,400) per person for 7 days in Seoul and Busan. Budget travellers can do the same route for about $422; comfort travel is about $1,480. Prices as of Sep 25, 2026 · USD at the Nov 13, 2026 rate.
How much money do I need per day in Seoul?
Per person, including lodging, food, local transport, admissions and some shopping: about $52 budget, about $126 mid-range, about $216 comfort. Prices as of Sep 25, 2026 · USD at the Nov 13, 2026 rate.
How much is a hotel in Korea per night?
Per person per night, with two guests sharing a room: about $13–$21 (₩18,000–₩28,000) for a hostel bed, about $41–$54 (₩55,000–₩72,000) in a 3-star hotel, about $60–$74 (₩80,000–₩99,000) in a 4-star hotel. Peak-season prices can be higher.