Seoul Trip Cost Breakdown 2026: How Much Will You Spend?

One of the first questions any traveler asks: how much is this trip actually going to cost? Not the vague "it depends" answer that most travel blogs give — real numbers, broken down by category, so you can plan with confidence.

Here is what a trip to Seoul costs in 2026, from shoestring budget to full luxury, with detailed breakdowns for every major expense.

Daily Cost Summary

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Accommodation	$14	$42	$140
Food & Drink	$12	$36	$88
Transport	$4	$12	$28
Activities & Entrance Fees	$6	$18	$60
Miscellaneous	$4	$12	$34
Daily Total	$40	$120	$350

These are per-person estimates for 2026. Couples sharing a room will spend less per person on accommodation; solo travelers will pay the full rate.

Accommodation Costs

Accommodation is typically the biggest single expense and varies dramatically by neighborhood and quality.

Budget ($14/night)

• Hostels with dormitory beds or basic private rooms
• Guesthouses in neighborhoods outside the main tourist core
• Budget hotels with minimal amenities but clean rooms
• Where to look: Areas away from Myeongdong — K-beauty shops and street food stalls tend to be significantly cheaper

Mid-Range ($42/night)

• 3-star hotels in good locations with breakfast included
• Boutique guesthouses in the Myeongdong — K-beauty shops and street food stalls or Gangnam — upscale shopping and K-pop entertainment areas
• Apartment rentals with kitchen access (great for saving on food)
• This is the sweet spot for most travelers — comfortable without overspending

Luxury ($140/night)

• 4-5 star hotels in prime locations
• Boutique luxury properties with rooftop pools, spas, and concierge service
• Serviced apartments with premium finishes in Myeongdong — K-beauty shops and street food stalls

Pro tip: Booking 2–3 months in advance typically saves 15–25% compared to last-minute rates. Shoulder season rates can be 30–40% lower than peak (Cherry blossom season (April) and autumn foliage (October)).

Food & Drink Costs

Seoul's food scene is one of its highlights, and you can eat extraordinarily well at every budget level.

Budget ($12/day)

• Breakfast: Local bakery or street stall — $2
• Lunch: Street food or market meal — $4
• Dinner: Local restaurant in a non-tourist area — $5
• What to eat: Korean BBQ — tabletop grilled beef and pork with banchan sides from a street vendor is one of the best budget meals in the city

Mid-Range ($36/day)

• Breakfast: Hotel breakfast or cafe — $7
• Lunch: Sit-down restaurant — $11
• Dinner: Well-reviewed restaurant with drinks — $14
• Snacks & coffee: — $4
• What to eat: Tteokbokki — spicy stir-fried rice cakes from street vendors at a proper sit-down restaurant is a must

Luxury ($88/day)

• Fine dining, tasting menus, rooftop restaurants, and craft cocktail bars
• What to eat: Japchae — sweet potato glass noodles with vegetables at a top-rated establishment
• Wine or cocktails at Seoul's best bars add $18 per evening

Local tip: The best meal-to-dollar ratio in Seoul is almost always at street-level eateries and markets. Tourist-facing restaurants near Gyeongbokgung Palace charge 2–3x local prices for similar quality.

Transport Costs

Budget ($4/day)

• Seoul Metro is extensive, clean, and runs until midnight
• Walking between central attractions (free and the best way to discover hidden corners)

Mid-Range ($12/day)

• Mix of public transit and occasional taxis or ride-shares
• KTX high-speed train connects Seoul to Busan in 2.5 hours

Luxury ($28/day)

• Private transfers, taxis for most trips, and possibly a hired driver for day trips
• T-money card works on subway, buses, and even taxis

Getting from the airport: Budget $24–$70 for the airport transfer depending on whether you take public transit or a private car.

Activities & Entrance Fees

Budget ($6/day)

• Free walking tours (tip-based), parks, markets, and street exploration
• One paid attraction every other day
• Free highlights: Many of Seoul's best experiences cost nothing — walking through Myeongdong — K-beauty shops and street food stalls, visiting public parks, and people-watching at local cafes

Mid-Range ($18/day)

• 1–2 paid attractions per day (museums, temples, viewpoints)
• Occasional guided tours or food experiences
• Gyeongbokgung Palace entrance: approximately $11
• N Seoul Tower entrance: approximately $9

Luxury ($60/day)

• Private guided tours, skip-the-line access, exclusive experiences
• Cooking classes, spa visits, and premium cultural performances

Total Trip Cost by Duration

Duration	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
3 days	$120	$360	$1050
5 days	$200	$600	$1750
7 days	$280	$840	$2450
10 days	$400	$1200	$3500

Per person, excluding international flights. Couples sharing accommodation will spend 20–30% less per person.

Money-Saving Tips

1. Get a T-money card for subway, bus, and convenience store payments
2. Many restaurants and shops stay open past midnight
3. Download Papago app for Korean translation
4. Visit free attractions — Parks, markets, and neighborhood walks cost nothing and are often the highlight of a trip
5. Visit palaces on the first day — free entry when wearing hanbok rental
6. Cook some meals if your accommodation has a kitchen — breakfast and snacks from a supermarket save $14 per day
7. Install Naver Map — Google Maps is unreliable for Korea navigation
8. Avoid currency exchange at the airport — Rates are always worse. Use ATMs or local exchanges instead
9. Set a daily cash budget in South Korean Won (₩) and withdraw at the start of each day
10. Book activities directly rather than through hotel concierges, who typically add a 10–20% markup

Hidden Costs to Watch For

• Tourist taxes: Some accommodations charge a nightly city or tourist tax ($2–$6/night)
• SIM card / data: A local SIM with data costs $4–$8 for a week
• Visa fees: Check whether South Korea requires a visa — costs vary by nationality
• Travel insurance: $12–$36 per day depending on coverage level
• Tipping: Research local tipping customs — some destinations expect it, others do not
• Baggage fees: Budget airlines charge for checked luggage ($15–$50 per bag)
• ATM withdrawal fees: Some banks charge $3–$5 per transaction; use fee-free cards when possible

Is Seoul Expensive?

Compared to other destinations in Asia: Seoul is moderately priced. It is neither the cheapest nor the most expensive option in the region.

The verdict: A mid-range traveler spending $120 per day in Seoul will enjoy comfortable accommodation, excellent food, and access to all major attractions. That is a strong value proposition for what is genuinely one of Asia's best destinations.

Budget travelers can absolutely make it work for $40/day with careful planning. And at the luxury end, $350/day buys an outstanding experience by any global standard.

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