How Much Is a Trip to South Korea in 2025? A Travel Costs Breakdown

When planning a trip to South Korea, you might be wondering how much would it cost. Is South Korea expensive? Travel costs in South Korea are similar to Japan and are about twice as expensive as in other Asian countries, but you'll find that the great services and quality experiences make it worthwhile.

Different classes of hotels, modes of transportation, and experiences in South Korea can make a big difference to costs. In this article, we'll break down the travel costs in South Korea and share tips on how to make the most of your money.

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How Much Does a Private Tour to South Korea Cost?

Being a small country, you're recommended to spend 7–10 days to do justice to the main destinations in South Korea.

A private tour in South Korea is around US$400–500 per day per person based on 2–4 people. This includes 4-star hotels, private guides, private cars, tickets for attractions, and a full-day itinerary. So, the total cost is about US$2,800–3,500 for a week and about US$4,000–5,000 for 10 days.

The Cost of International Flights to South Korea

Seoul, the capital city, offers numerous flight options. The average cost of a round-trip economy flight from cities in the USA like New York or Los Angeles to Seoul ranges from US$1,000–1,700.

From the U.S., the cheapest time to fly to South Korea is in mid-January and February, with round-trip prices around US$1,000–1,300. And the most expensive times to buy flight tickets are during the summer vacation months (June to August) and Christmas, when costs typically rise to US$1,500–2,000.

Direct flights from Europe to South Korea are fewer and most requires at least one stopover. A round-trip from London to Seoul is about US$900–1,500 on average.

For the best deals on flights to South Korea, we suggest you book your flights at least 3 months in advance. If you plan to travel during the busiest times like summer vacation, Christmas or New Year, it's better to book at least 3–6 months ahead.

Want to plan a memorable South Korea trip? Check more details about How to Plan Your Trip to South Korea>>>

The Cost of Accommodation in South Korea

The prices of South Korea's hotels range widely based on the hotel, room, and travel season. Peak season prices from June to August and in December tend to be higher and might rise by 30% to 50%.

Hotels in the capital city of Seoul are more expensive than in other popular cities like Busan and Jeju Island. A standard room in a 4-star hotel in Seoul costs from US$200–250 per night, while in Busan or Jeju Island one costs around US$100–150 per night.

Don't miss staying at a wooden Hanok hotel for an authentic Korean accommodation experience. A 4-star Hanok hotel costs around US$300–400 per night, where you could sleep on tatamis and enjoy Korean cuisine for breakfast. If you're traveling with your kids, some Hanok hotels offer family rooms where all of you (3–5 persons) can stay together.

To secure the best discounts at your favorite hotels and avoid last-minute changes, you're recommended to make reservations 3 months in advance. This is especially important during peak seasons like summer vacations and Christmastime.

Here are some itinerary ideas to South Korea based on the popular travel length: 7 days, 10 days, 14 days. Our South Korea travel advisor could customized the itinerary according to your preferences.

The Cost of Transportation in South Korea

KTX (Korea Train Express) is the fastest and most popular way to travel between cities in South Korea. For example, a trip from Seoul to Busan costs around US$45.

You can easily reach cities like Busan and Gyeongju by taking the KTX. If you're heading to a city without KTX services, a private car ride will take you there in about two to three hours.

Public transportation in South Korea is convenient and efficient. In urban areas, subway trains are the most chosen option with fares typically 1–2 USD, depending on the distance. Taxis are the expensive option, there are two kinds of taxis in South Korea, taking Seoul as an example:

• General taxis: The starting fare is US$3 for the first 1.6 kilometers. These taxis are typically orange, silver, or white.
• Premium taxis: The starting fare is from US$5 for the first 3 kilometers. Most drivers can speak English and offer excellent services. The cars are more spacious than general taxis and are usually black.

We highly recommend taking a private car when touring within A city. Taking a spacious private car provides you an effortless way to travel around, usually costing US$150–200 per day. This option helps you save time and energy, allowing you to dedicate more time to exploring highlights instead of figuring out routes.

In contrast, public transportation is cheaper, but you may have to walk more than 20,000 steps a day. Since South Korea is a mountainous country with many slopes, this might be challenging for older people or those with limited mobility.

If you are thinking of a trip to South Korea, we'd like to create a wonderful trip based on your needs and interests.

The Cost of Food in South Korea

Most travelers who come to South Korea are attracted by its delicious and affordable Korean cuisines.

• Street food is abundant and inexpensive, costing US$1–5 per dish, and including snacks like rice cakes and fish cake skewers.
• A meal at a mid-range Korean restaurant ranges from US$5 to 15 per person, a bowl of bibimbap usually costs US$8–10.
• Casual BBQ restaurants cost around US$15–25 per person.
• A high-end restaurant can cost US$50–100 or more.

South Korea boasts numerous cafés, with a cup of coffee typically ranging from US$3 to 5. If you opt to add a dessert, the total cost may come to around US$6–8.

The Cost of Attractions/Activities in South Korea

Most attractions and museums in South Korea are free, and many of the others cost only US$2–5. If you wear Hanbok to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace or Changdeokgung Palace, they're free too.

Prices of amusement parks in Seoul like Lotte World and Everland are higher, ranging from US$40–50 per person.

For some authentic South Korean experiences like a cooking class, traditional rice wine brewing, or a K-pop dancing class, prices typically range from US$ 50–80 per person. However, these activities are great value as they would immerse you in the local culture, bring you expert's insights into Korean traditions, and make your trip richer and more memorable.

Having a private guide might cost US$120–150 per day. With a professional private guide accompanying you, you'll enjoy high-quality guiding services, discover stories behind the attractions, and gain insights into Korean history and culture.

To save money, you could mix private guiding with exploring attractions on your own. While a private guide can deepen your understanding of the country, especially when visiting historical sites in Seoul and Gyeongju, cities majoring on natural beauty like Jeju Island can be explored at your own pace and appreciated to the full independently.