Don't be alarmed by the tone of South Korean hits like Parasite and Squid Game: a visit to the capital city isn't synonymous with economic malaise.
But Seoul can indeed be stressfully expensive. With this guide to daily costs and money-saving tips, you won't be dropping millions of won at glittering nightclubs and five-star restaurants, but you will get to experience the best that the city has to offer. Here's how to have a fabulous trip to Seoul on a budget.
Dorm bed in a hostel: ₩20,000–₩40,000 Basic room for two: from ₩80,000 Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): from ₩100,000 Hanok (traditional Korean house) stays: from ₩120,000 Public transport ticket (one subway ride): ₩1400 Coffee: ₩5000 Gimbap (Korean sesame-oil-flavored rice wrapped in seaweed): ₩4000 Dinner for two: from ₩30,000 Beer at the bar: from ₩5000
Visiting Seoul at the right time can help your bottom line. June, July and August are South Korea's high season for travel, with hotels and airfare anywhere from 10% to 25% more expensive than in the off seasons. Visiting during winter or spring can be equally cost-effective, but the bitter cold of the former means you won't be able to enjoy many free outdoor activities, while the latter coincides with yellow dust season (when desert sand and industrial pollutants blow in from China, Mongolia and Kazakhstan).
Not only is fall generally considered Korea's most beautiful season, but it's also the perfect time of year to take advantage of hiking in one of the country's many mountains (more than 70% of South Korea is mountainous) and attending free festivals in the capital.
The last Wednesday of every month is designated as Culture Day, which means discounts or free admission to some 2000 cultural activities and attractions across South Korea. Both locals and visitors can take advantage of, say, discounted tickets to the Coex Aquarium, free entrance to the royal palace of Gyeongbokgung and movie theater tickets priced at ₩5000.
Just about any visitor to Seoul will tell you that the best experiences in the city involve narrow alleyways, vibrant neighborhoods and independent cafes. While popular tourist attractions like the N Seoul Tower and Lotte World can delight, the admission fees will add up. Your time – and your won – is usually better spent getting to know neighborhoods.
Start by adding explorations of Bukchon Hanok Village, Euljiro and Seongsu-dong to your itinerary: Bukchon Hanok Village is Seoul's most scenic and historic quarter, while the other two offer glimpses into more contemporary Seoul life. Each of these neighborhoods tells a story, and you could easily spend many days taking in their architecture, streetscapes and ambiance.
Because the Seoul Metro doesn't operate from midnight
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