How Much Does Seoul Really Cost? A Budget Breakdown for Every Type of Traveler

Seoul’s got a rep. People think it’s ultra-cheap (“street food everywhere!”) or wildly expensive (“plastic surgery and rooftop bars!”). The truth? It’s both.

Seoul is a city where you can spend $3 on a bowl of noodles that slaps, then $15 on coffee poured through a filter blessed by monks in Seongsu (kidding–but not kidding). The key is knowing where your money actually goes—and where you’re being gently robbed by trendy gentrification.

This is your real Seoul price guide, broken down by travel style: Backpacker, Mid-range Explorer, and Luxury-ish Without Regret.

The Quick Snapshot

🥾 Backpacker / Budget Traveler: ₩40,000–₩80,000/day

You’re eating like a local, walking a lot, and maybe sleeping in a shared room—but you’re experiencing the real Seoul, not the airbrushed version.

Where Your Money Goes:

• Hostels: ₩20,000–₩35,000 for a dorm bed (Hongdae, Itaewon, or Mapo)
• Street food: ₩1,000–₩5,000 per item—stick to Mangwon Market or Dongmyo
• Convenience store dinners: Triangle kimbap (₩1,200), instant ramen (₩900), or gimbap (₩2,500)
• Free entertainment: Han River hangouts, temple visits, mural walks, street buskers in Hongdae
• Transit: T-money rides are ₩1,400–₩1,800 each

Survival tip: Eat where the taxi drivers eat. If it smells like garlic and diesel, you’re in the right spot.

🎒 Mid-Range Traveler: ₩100,000–₩200,000/day

You want comfort, but not extravagance. You’re here for food, culture, and avoiding anything that involves bunk beds or shared showers.

Where Your Money Goes:

• Boutique guesthouse or 2–3 star hotel: ₩60,000–₩120,000/night
• Real meals: BBQ, jeon with makgeolli, jjimdak, galbi—expect ₩10,000–₩20,000 per person
• Cafés: ₩6,000–₩8,000 for fancy drinks in repurposed warehouses
• Activities: Cooking classes (₩50,000–₩90,000), day tours (₩40,000–₩100,000), exhibitions (₩10,000–₩20,000)
• Occasional splurges: Hanbok rental, temple food course, K-pop dance workshop

Reality check: A ₩13,000 meal in Seoul can feel more satisfying than a ₩40,000 one in most cities. This is the sweet spot for travelers who want value without sacrificing experience.

🍷 Luxury Traveler (But Not Stupid About It): ₩300,000+/day

Businesswoman brunette with glasses in white trouser suit flying in a plane business jets and drinking champagne from a glass

You want craft cocktails, boutique hotels with actual insulation, and dinners that make you consider staying in Korea forever.

Where Your Money Goes:

• High-end hotel or hanok stay: ₩200,000–₩500,000/night (check out Seochon or Seongsu)
• Fine dining: Tasting menus ₩90,000–₩250,000+
• Private driver/tour: ₩250,000–₩500,000 for full-day guide/vehicle combo
• Spa day: ₩80,000+ for massages or Korean skincare experiences
• Premium cocktails: ₩15,000–₩25,000 per drink in hidden bars with no signage and mysterious doorbells

Note: “Luxury” in Seoul doesn’t always mean better service—it just means quieter interiors, English-speaking staff, and less likelihood of running into a delivery guy while checking in.

• Late-night taxi fares: 20% surcharge after midnight
• ATM fees: ₩3,600–₩6,000 per withdrawal unless you’re using Wise or Revolut
• Hanbok rental: ₩10,000–₩20,000 for a few hours, not including hair
• Coffee: ₩5,000–₩8,000 a pop—yes, even for iced Americano
• Entrance fees: Palaces are ₩3,000; combo tickets save money

Where to Save Without Suffering

• Lunch specials: Many restaurants offer cheaper lunch sets (~₩8,000–₩12,000)
• Public transport: Skip Ubers; subways go everywhere
• Bakeries: Korea’s French obsession = cheap sandwiches and pastries
• Street food neighborhoods: Avoid Myeongdong. Head to Mangwon, Gwangjang (early), or university areas
• Free things that don’t suck: Cheonggyecheon stream walk, Naksan Park hike, museum exhibits, open temples, department store rooftops

TL;DR – Seoul Can Be a Steal or a Splurge

Whether you’re rolling in on ₩50,000/day or burning ₩500,000 like it’s kindling, Seoul will meet you where you are. It’s a city where budget travel doesn’t mean boring, and high-end doesn’t always mean better—just quieter and with fancier light fixtures.

👉 Coming Up Next:

What Kind of Traveler Are You? – Find your Seoul match whether you’re a solo foodie, a K-pop pilgrim, a wellness nut, or someone just here for the BBQ and the vibes.