Seoul Prices & Travel Costs

Last Updated: Jan 2024

An underrated Asian city until recently, Seoul is suddenly on fire in popular culture. Korea’s capital is a huge, modern city with plenty to see and do, although it’s the cuisine and pop culture that seem to be capturing imaginations lately.

Is Seoul Expensive or Cheap?

Seoul is truly a massive city, and it has things in nearly every price range available. It’s definitely cheaper than Tokyo, but more expensive than most of the larger cities in China. Bargains can be found in Seoul hotels and hostels, and extreme luxury is also available.

Most of the main attractions are well within reach of nearly any budget so at least once you arrive you can see all the major sights without having to go hungry.

Seoul City Featured Image

Travel Costs to Seoul

Population 10,500,000
Area 24,500,000
Timezone UTC+9
Currency South Korea won
Airports Incheon International Airport (ICN)
BACKPACKER INDEX: US$52.66
1 USD = 1,333.7700 KRW
134 World cities ranked cheapest to most expensive: Backpacker Index for 2024

Accommodation Costs in Seoul

Seoul Hotel Seasons

Seoul Hotel Prices

Rating Price(USD)
starstarstarstarstar13.50 - 59.98
starstarstarstarstar14.97 - 112.46
starstarstarstarstar41.24 - 144.44
starstarstarstarstar68.09 - 208.97
starstarstarstarstar152.78 - 341.52

Seoul Hostels Prices

Type Price(USD)
Hostel Bed7.50 - 10.50

Seoul Attractions Prices

Best tours in Seoul

Location Description Type Price(USD)
Gyeongbokgung PalaceSeoul's royal palace is a major attraction. For one price you can also visit 3 other nearby palaces.
adults
children
2.25
1.12
Lotte WorldA huge indoor amusement park in Seoul is popular with locals and tourists. Entry including unlimited rides is about 60% more.
adults
junior
44.24
38.99
Seoul City Bus TourThis company runs 3 all-day hop-on, hop-off routes around the city, and each one lasts around 2 hours if you don't get off. Doing just one route is cheaper.
adults
students
11.25
9.00

Seoul Food and Drink Prices

Food Type Description Price(USD)
Budget breakfastIf your hotel doesn't include breakfast there are plenty of fast and cheap options.2.70 - 5.62
Budget lunchLook for places where locals go for good-value and good quality lunches.4.05 - 7.50
Budget dinnerProper sit-down restaurants range in price greatly, but cheaper ones are there if you look.5.40 - 9.00
Beer .5LLocal lagers can be cheap, especially in pitchers or on special deals. Restaurants are cheaper than bars.2.47 - 4.12
Soju (.36L bottle)This sake-like rice liquor is cheap and extremely popular with locals. Even cheaper at markets.2.47 - 3.75
Beer .33L retailBeer in mini-markets is only a bit cheaper than in restaurants.1.65 - 2.47
Soju (.36L bottle) retailThis 13% ABV drink is cheaper than beer in mini-markets.1.27 - 1.72

Seoul Transport Prices

Type Price(USD)
Taxi from airport to city center48.73 - 67.48
Limousine bus from airport to city center7.50 - 11.25
Public bus from airport to city center6.07 - 6.75
3km taxi ride in Seoul2.59 - 4.50
Subway ride in Seoul0.94 - 1.01

Getting to Seoul

Getting around Seoul

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When to visit Seoul

Temperature and rainfall

Month High F Low F Precip (inches)
January35210.9
February39250.9
March50341.8
April64453.0
May73554.0
June80645.2
July847112.9
August857213.7
September78625.4
October68501.9
November53372.1
December40261.0

Seoul Weather advice

Sunrise and sunset

21 Mar6:35am6:44pm
21 Jun5:11am7:56pm
21 Sep6:18am6:31pm
21 Dec7:43am5:17pm

Where to go before and after