Seoul trip cost and budget guide
Palaces, K-food and neon-lit neighbourhoods. Here’s what a trip to Seoul typically costs, when to go, where to stay and how to plan your days.
How much a trip to Seoul costs
Daily costs depend most on how you travel. On a budget, expect around $35–$65 per person a day; in comfort, $82–$150; and in luxury, $235–$430 (two people sharing a room, before getting there).
| Typical cost | Budget | Comfort | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotelper room per night | $30–$55 | $80–$140 | $220–$400 |
| Foodper person per day | $10–$18 | $20–$38 | $60–$110 |
| Local transportper person per day | $4–$7 | $7–$12 | $20–$40 |
| Activitiesper person per day | $6–$12 | $15–$30 | $45–$80 |
A sample trip: 2 adults, 5 days and 4 nights
- Budget: $320–$590 in total, about $160–$295 per person.
- Comfort: $740–$1,360 in total, about $370–$680 per person.
- Luxury: $2,130–$3,900 in total, about $1,065–$1,950 per person.
Hotel prices are about 15% higher in peak season and 10% lower in the low season. Amounts are in US dollars and don’t include getting there, visas or insurance. They’re TravelWise planning estimates, last checked 12 October 2026, not quotes: check prices before you book.
Best time to visit Seoul
April–May for spring blossoms and September–October for autumn colours.
| Month | Season | Temperature | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Low | -6–2°C | mostly dry |
| February | Low | -4–5°C | mostly dry |
| March | Shoulder | 1–11°C | mostly dry |
| April | Peak | 7–18°C | some rain |
| May | Peak | 12–23°C | some rain |
| June | Shoulder | 18–27°C | some rain |
| July | Low | 22–29°C | rainy |
| August | Low | 23–30°C | rainy |
| September | Shoulder | 17–26°C | some rain |
| October | Peak | 10–20°C | mostly dry |
| November | Shoulder | 3–12°C | mostly dry |
| December | Low | -3–4°C | mostly dry |
Where to stay in Seoul
- Budget: Guesthouse, around Hongdae or Insadong ($30–$55 a night).
- Comfort: 4★ hotel, around Myeongdong or Jongno ($80–$140 a night).
- Luxury: 5★ hotel, around Gangnam or Jamsil ($220–$400 a night).
A sample Seoul itinerary
After an arrival day, here’s how you could spend your time:
- Day 2: Palaces
- Gyeongbokgung guard change
- Bukchon Hanok Village
- Insadong tea house
- Day 3: Namsan & Myeongdong
- N Seoul Tower
- Myeongdong street food
- Cheonggyecheon stream
- Day 4: Hongdae
- Street performers
- Cafés and vintage shops
- Korean BBQ dinner
- Day 5: Gangnam
- COEX Starfield Library
- Bongeunsa Temple
- Garosu-gil shopping
Money, apps and practical tips
- Currency: KRW. Plan on about $10–$25 in cash per person a day. Cards work nearly everywhere; a T-money card covers transit and convenience stores.
- Emergency: Police 112 · Fire & ambulance 119
- Plugs: Types C & F · 220 V
- Tipping: Not expected
- Maps: Naver Map, KakaoMap. Google Maps has limited walking and driving directions in Korea
- Rides: Kakao T, Uber. Kakao T accepts foreign cards
- Translation: Papago. Best for Korean menus and signs
Entry and visas
- Most visa-free visitors need a K-ETA before flying unless their nationality is temporarily exempt.
- Valid for your stay; 6 months is recommended.
- Apply for a K-ETA at least 72 hours before you fly if your passport needs one.
Entry rules change and depend on your passport: always confirm them with official government sources before you travel.
Plan your Seoul trip
Enter your own dates, travellers and travel style to see a full budget with every cost broken down, real places to stay and eat, a day-by-day plan you can add activities to, and the total in your currency.
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