Discover South Korea on a budget! Though often thought of as expensive, this beautiful country is actually quite affordable. In fact, it’s 8% cheaper than neighboring Japan and 50% less pricey than the United States.
Planning a trip in 2023? We’ve got tips on how to save even more money, whether you’re taking a girls’ trip or embarking on a 14-day adventure. Don’t miss out on visiting one of Asia’s most fascinating destinations on your next trip to Korea!
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Tips for Budget Holidays in South Korea
#1 Markets & Street Food
Choose your food wisely! While dining out can be affordable, some places can get pricey. During our 2 weeks in South Korea, we ate at a variety of places such as markets, street stalls, convenience stores, and grocery stores. Cooking your own food is a great way to save money, plus you can indulge in endless ramyeon!
Check out these budget-friendly eating options: Myeongdong Street Food, Maru in Insadong, and our favorite Gwangjang Market in Seoul. If you’re in Busan, try Haeundae Market or Gwangbokdong Food Street. Fast-food chains like Lotteria, No Brand Burger, and Subway are also great options.
#2 Use a local SIM card
Discover how to stay connected and save money while traveling in South Korea! While many sources recommend purchasing a sim card or wifi, it’s totally possible to explore the country without one. But with our solution, you won’t have to sacrifice connectivity for budgeting. Get an E-Sim for just 15,000₩ (€10.99 for 12 days) and enjoy mobile data without having to plan ahead or carry around extra equipment.
Our experience showed us just how convenient it is to have the internet on the go in South Korea, but with offline maps and a traveler-friendly city like Seoul, even a short wait to purchase the E-Sim was no problem. Don’t miss out on the benefits of staying connected while maximizing your travel savings!
#3 Fly to South Korea in January, November, October, or March
Attention all winter travelers! January is the best time to catch a flight to South Korea for the lowest airfare prices and a chance to enjoy winter sports without the crowds. If freezing temperatures aren’t your cup of tea, no worries, November, October, and March are also affordable options. Just make sure to book at least five weeks in advance to snag the best deals.
No matter what time of the year you need tickets to South Korea, you can save money with one hack. To do this, you need to change your location, as ticket prices in another region can be much lower. Wondering how to change location on iPhone without too much difficulty? All you need is VeePN with many available servers. Changing the region is done in a couple of clicks, so you can check prices in different countries and find the best deal.
#4 Take a trip to the Bongeunsa Temple
Discover one of South Korea’s oldest Buddhist landmarks by heading north of COEX mall: the Bongeunsa Temple. Entrance is free, but for an unforgettable experience, visit at 18:40 to witness a traditional ceremony where monks use percussion instruments to bless all living beings. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the country’s rich cultural heritage.
#5 Get a tax refund
Are you eager to purchase souvenirs? Don’t open your wallet just yet! First, confirm if the store participates in the tax-free system. If they do, you can receive a tax refund on items priced between 30,000 KRW (approx. 34 AUD) to 500,000 KRW (approx. 560 AUD) with a 10% tax. Remember to keep your receipt and present it, along with your passport, before leaving the store or airport.
#6 Watch the fountain show at Banpo Bridge
If you’re a fan of K-dramas, then you’ve likely seen the Banpo Bridge in shows such as Itaewon Class and Hotel del Luna. But this bridge is more than just a filming location. It’s also home to the dazzling Moonlight Fountain Show, where hundreds of water jets shoot from the bridge, illuminated by vibrant rainbow lights. Catch the show starting at 7:30 pm (depending on the season) and every 30 minutes until the last one at 9:30 pm. Don’t miss out on this spectacular sight!
#7 Use KTX Express Train
Explore beyond Seoul on your South Korean travel with ease by taking the high-speed railway. Don’t waste money on individual tickets that can cost over 100 AUD.
Get the pass and enjoy unlimited rides to discover gems in Busan, Daejeon, and Mokpo without worrying about expensive fares. Travel effortlessly from north to south, and west to east on your adventure.
#8 Use Klook
Discover the best way to book activities, tours, and experiences in South Korea with Klook – the go-to site for discounted tickets and sim card/portable Wi-Fi deals. While similar to GetYourGuide, Klook is more widely used across Asia and has proven to be a reliable source for tickets to popular attractions like Seoul Tower and Hanbok rentals.
With Klook, you can conveniently book your activity in advance and even opt to pick up your ticket at the airport upon arrival. If it’s not available in your country, just use a VPN. You can download it here to start benefiting early and book your tickets in advance. Don’t miss out on unforgettable experiences in South Korea – book with Klook today!
Conclusion
Traveling in South Korea can be a surprisingly affordable experience with the right planning. Armed with these tips, you’ll find it easier to have an amazing trip without breaking your budget. So grab your bags and go explore South Korea! You won’t regret it. Bon voyage!
