Located in the northwest of South Korea and divided by the scenic Han River, Seoul is a city where tradition and innovation coexist in a way that will capture your heart the moment you arrive. Seoul is the kind of place where you can spend your mornings exploring ancient palaces and bustling markets, your afternoons hiking forested mountains on the city’s edge, and your evenings feasting on sizzling Korean BBQ under glowing neon signs.
If you’re planning to visit Seoul and are looking for tips for travelling in Seoul on a budget, you’re in the right place. This post is about how to minimise the expenses of your Seoul trip whilst simultaneously maximising the fun.
Seoul is one of the more affordable cities in Asia, especially in comparison to Tokyo and Hong Kong. Yes, it can be expensive, but it’s also perfect for anyone on a tighter budget. Attractions, food, and transport are all relatively cheap, and with these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy a jam-packed Seoul itinerary without breaking the bank.
As someone who has lived in Seoul for almost two years, I can’t sing the city’s praises enough. Seoul, IMO, is one of the most underrated cities in Asia, and, although it’s gaining attention as a desirable travel destination, it’s often eclipsed by Asia’s big hitters like Tokyo and Hong Kong.
This Seoul travel guide will show you why the South Korean capital deserves a top spot on your bucket list and how to do it without breaking the bank.
Get a T-Money Card
Considering how sprawling Seoul is, it’s surprisingly easy and cheap to get around. The subway is one of the best in the world, offering clean, air-conditioned, efficient travel at a refreshingly affordable price. This Seoul travel guide wouldn’t be complete without mentioning how great the public transport system is.
Like most capital cities, there’s a travel card known as the T-Money card. These are available in most subway stations and convenience stores. You can top it up as you go and even get a refund before you depart South Korea. Using the card offers reduced fares, meaning a journey across the city can be as low as 1,400 won ($1).
The T-Money card isn’t just for the subway; it also works on buses and registered taxis. It’s a great way to get around cheaply and removes the worry of having cash or incurring unwanted credit card fees.
If you want to post your Seoul adventure on Instagram, you can also purchase the Seoul Pass. This package contains a T-Money card and an unlimited SIM card aimed at tourists. These can be purchased at all the airports and are a great addition to any Seoul itinerary.
Stay in Hongdae
If you’re not familiar with Seoul, it can be overwhelming trying to decide where to stay. The metropolitan area spans 605 km² and is the fourth largest in the world. With no clearly defined centre, everywhere is an option. Understanding what each neighbourhood offers will help you find the perfect spot and minimise expensive late-night taxis.
Most travel guides advise staying in Myeongdong, and this is a good option. Located fairly centrally, it’s an ideal starting point to explore the city. Myeongdong is most famous as the place to visit for some retail therapy. All the Korean beauty brands have homes here, as well as other Korean and Asian brands. Although the nightlife and restaurants aren’t anything to get excited about, you’ll find some amazing street food here most days — a must for anyone looking for the best things to do in Seoul.
If Seoul’s nightlife is at the top of your agenda, consider staying in Hongdae or Gangnam. Both have a wealth of bars, restaurants, and clubs. Hongdae is home to Hongik University, giving it a budget-friendly, youthful vibe. Most of Seoul’s hostels are here, so this is where you’ll find the cheapest beds. There’s a thriving Korean food scene and street stalls offering super cheap late-night snacks.
Gangnam is renowned as the home of glitzy glamour and K-pop, so it’s slightly more expensive, and many of the big hotel chains are here. Most of the big clubs and some pretty swanky restaurants are in this area. However, you can still find some great, affordable options if you explore a little — all worth adding to your Seoul itinerary.
Eat Locally
When Korean food is so delicious, why would you want to eat anything else while in South Korea? But once you land in Seoul, the temptation becomes clear. Seoulites love their food, and every international cuisine is easy to find. However, these places can often have inflated price tags and will quickly impact your budget.
Korean food is usually ridiculously good value. Some great options are gimbap (Korean sushi-style rolls), mandu (dumplings), and tteokbokki (rice cakes in a spicy sauce). What’s better, they often come in at just $2–3. They can usually be purchased in restaurants and from street vendors. Eating local is one of the best things to do in Seoul for food lovers.
Korean BBQ is another great option if you’re watching your spending, as long as you don’t choose a high-end place. You can have pork belly, rice, Korean beer, and soju (a strong but tasty Korean spirit) for around $15. Some restaurants even offer all-you-can-eat for a set price.
Another Korean favourite that’s less familiar to Western menus is dak galbi. It’s a dish of stir-fried chicken and cabbage in a spicy sauce, with cheese often sprinkled over the top. A filling yet affordable meal you won’t tire of — another must-try on your Seoul itinerary.
Drink at Convenience Stores
Seoulites love to party, and there’s no end of cool places to drink and spend the evening. The cost of hopping between these every night will quickly add up. As one of the highest consumers of alcohol in the world, it’s no surprise that Seoul has found an affordable alternative.
Welcome to convenience store drinking. It’s exactly as it sounds. Owners place tables and chairs outside, often on the street, with canopies and heaters to brave the cold winters. Koreans then sit around drinking, chatting, and eating crisps or chicken. Everything is cheap, and you can even order food for delivery if you want something more substantial. This unique local experience is easily one of the best things to do in Seoul on a budget.
Enjoy Seoul’s History
Due to the devastating effects of the Korean War, many of Seoul’s historical buildings are sadly no longer standing. Compared to most European cities, Seoul is very modern. However, there are still many palaces and temples to see, and they’re often very cheap to visit.
A combined ticket to view the four main palaces — Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung (excluding the Secret Garden), Changgyeonggung, and Deoksugung — plus Jongmyo Shrine costs a ridiculously low ₩6,000 ($4). Seoul’s museums are also free, making this part of the city’s culture perfect for any Seoul travel guide or Seoul itinerary.
If you want to see traditional Korean buildings, head to Bukchon Hanok Village. Located in North Seoul, it has been restored to look like a traditional Korean village. It’s free to walk around, and it’s a great way to learn about Korea’s past. Visiting Bukchon is easily one of the best things to do in Seoul if you love history and culture.
Download the Kakao Taxi App
The only drawback of the Seoul Metro is that it can close quite early (around 1 am, depending on the line). This can make getting home after a night out slightly tricky. Taxis can be hailed on the street; however, they won’t always stop for tourists and can overcharge.
Although other taxi apps do operate, the main one is Kakao Taxi. Conveniently, it has an English language option, making it ideal for tourists. The app will give you an estimate of the price and route, meaning you won’t get ripped off. Only Korean bank accounts can pay through the app, so choose the ‘pay to driver’ option to use cash or a card. Knowing these local tricks is key to planning a smooth Seoul itinerary.
Go Watch Some Baseball
It may come as a surprise, but Korea is mad about baseball. Many students play after school and avidly follow their teams in the league. It’s a popular and affordable form of entertainment.
Most games take place in Jamsil and are packed with fans. Luckily, you rarely need to book in advance; tickets start from just 10,000 won ($7). Even if you don’t know much about baseball, it’s still one of the best things to do in Seoul for fun, atmosphere, and local culture.
While Koreans take their baseball seriously, they’re also there to have fun. Expect cheerleaders, songs, and a huge range of snacks and beers. The game itself might not be thrilling every minute, but the energy is infectious — a perfect addition to your Seoul travel guide.
Relax at the Han River Parks
Slicing through the middle of the city, the Han River quickly becomes a familiar sight on any Seoul trip. But not all tourists realise how worth exploring it is. Along the river, there are 11 river parks, each with its own character and attractions.
During Seoul’s warm summer evenings, this is where you’ll find families, groups of friends, and couples gathered with picnic blankets. Convenience stores have popped up in most of the parks, making it a cheap and easy way to enjoy the evening. You can even order food deliveries straight to the parks — easily one of the best things to do in Seoul for a relaxed night out.
The most popular park is Yeouido, which has a lot to offer, but it can get busy during peak times. During the summer, Nanji is home to a budget infinity pool and family water park, while Ttukseom is perfect for flower lovers. Bike hire is incredibly cheap and a great way to explore the parks via the riverbank cycle tracks — a peaceful highlight to add to your Seoul itinerary.
If you’re planning a trip to Asia, make sure you take time to enjoy Seoul.
It’s a vibrant, exciting, opulent, and historically rich city. The food is unique, the people are friendly, and compared to its neighbours, it’s great value for money. This Seoul travel guide is your reminder to go beyond the obvious and explore everything the city has to offer.
From palaces and markets to late-night BBQs and riverside picnics, there’s no shortage of amazing experiences. Whether you’re a foodie, culture lover, or budget traveller, discovering the best things to do in Seoul will fill your Seoul itinerary with memories you won’t forget.
Book your trip and find out for yourself why Seoul is one of Asia’s most captivating capitals.
Have you been to Seoul? Anything you’d add to this budgeting tips guide?
Leave a comment and let us know your tips for Seoul and if there’s anything that will help our community plan the trip of a lifetime there.
Happy adventuing!
Follow more of Natalias’ adventures here on The Cotswold Creative
