Make it a trip · Seoul, South Korea
What Seoul costs
once you land
Real prices, from the airport ride to a room for the night, each with where we found it. Checked October 2026, around Myeongdong and Hongdae.
Prices as the source quoted them.
Private room, a cheap lunch, dinner out (your half), a coffee, two beers, two rides and the top sight.
Arriving
-
AREX all-stop train to Seoul Station Fixed
About an hour with a T-money card. The non-stop express takes 43 minutes for about ₩11,000.
Source: Travelling South Korea, AREX guide (2026)
₩4,800 Book an airport pickup -
Visa free, K-ETA waived until end of 2026 Fixed
For AU, NZ, GB, US, CA, NL, DE, FR, SG passports.
These passports are on the 22-country K-ETA exemption, which runs to 31 December 2026. Fill in the free e-arrival card before landing.
Sources: LoyaltyLobby, K-ETA waiver through 2026 (2026-01), Seoul Window, K-ETA by nationality (2026-08)
Free -
K-ETA travel authorisation Fixed
For IE passports.
Ireland is not on the exemption list. Apply on the official K-ETA site at least 72 hours before you fly.
Sources: Seoul Window, K-ETA by nationality (2026-08), Tictivity, K-ETA 2026 guide (2026)
₩10,000
Getting around
-
Subway or bus ride Many reports
With a T-money card from any convenience store. Transfers within 30 minutes are free.
Source: Numbeo, Seoul (2026-10)
₩1,600
Eating and drinking
-
Meal at a cheap local place Many reports
Kimchi jjigae, bibimbap or a bowl of naengmyeon. Side dishes are free and refilled.
Source: Numbeo, Seoul (2026-10)
₩12,000 -
₩10,000
-
Dinner for two, three courses Many reports
A mid-range restaurant, without drinks. Korean BBQ for two lands about here. No tipping.
Source: Numbeo, Seoul (2026-10)
₩90,000 -
Cappuccino Many reports
Seoul has cafés on every corner. Chain americanos cost less.
Source: Numbeo, Seoul (2026-10)
₩5,500 -
Draught beer, half a litre Many reports
Cass or Terra. Fried chicken and beer, chimaek, is the classic night out.
Source: Numbeo, Seoul (2026-10)
₩5,000
At the supermarket
-
Water, 1.5 litres Many reports
Tap water is safe, but most people drink filtered or bottled.
Source: Numbeo, Seoul (2026-10)
₩1,500 -
₩2,100
-
Beer, half a litre can, to take away Many reports
Convenience stores often do four cans for a deal. Drinking outside is legal.
Source: Numbeo, Seoul (2026-10)
₩3,100
Doing
-
Gyeongbokgung Palace Fixed
Adults 19 to 64. Free if you wear a hanbok, which rents nearby from about ₩8,000. A price rise has been proposed for 2027.
Sources: Korea Herald, palace visitors (2026-07), Korea Trip Tips, Gyeongbokgung (2026)
₩3,000 Get tickets -
DMZ half-day tour, from Range
Third Tunnel, Dora Observatory and Imjingak, with pickup, usually ₩58,000 to 70,000. Bring your passport.
Source: Trip.com, Seoul experiences (2026)
₩58,000 Book the tour
Sleeping, per night
-
Hostel dorm bed, from Range
Usually ₩25,000 to 45,000 in Hongdae, Insadong and Itaewon. A jjimjilbang overnight costs ₩10,000 to 20,000.
Source: Seoul Tourism, budget accommodation (2026)
₩25,000 Find a hostel -
Guesthouse or budget chain hotel, from Range
Usually ₩50,000 to 90,000 for a small room with a private bathroom. Weekends cost more.
Source: Seoul Tourism, budget accommodation (2026)
₩50,000 Find a guesthouse -
Holiday apartment, from Range
Airbnb or OYO apartments usually run ₩60,000 to 140,000. Check the listing has a city permit.
Source: Seoul Tourism, budget accommodation (2026)
₩60,000 Find an apartment
Prices change. Fixed fees come from official or widely reported figures; ranges are what travellers and operators report for 2026. Some links are affiliate links: they never change what you pay. How we make money.
Want the flight to match? Exit Row tells you when fares to Seoul from your city drop well below the usual price.
Start 14-day free trial