💸 How to Travel Korea on a Budget (14‑Day 2025 Guide)
Planning a 2‑week adventure in Seoul, Busan & Jeju without overspending? This 2025 guide offers realistic cost estimates—from flights and food to accommodation and attractions—for visitors from different continents. All costs are approximate and may vary—happy budgeting! 😊
✈️ Sample Itineraries & Budget by Departure Country (14 days)
| Departing From | Flight (round‑trip) | Accommodation | Food & Transport | Activities & Extras | Total ≈ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA (LA) | $1,200 | $45/night hostel = $630 | $65/day = $910 | $300 | $3,040 |
| UK (London) | $900 | $50/night guesthouse = $700 | $65/day = $910 | $300 | $2,810 |
| Australia (Sydney) | $1,000 | $45/night hostel = $630 | $65/day = $910 | $300 | $2,840 |
| Japan (Tokyo) | $400 | $45/night = $630 | $65/day = $910 | $300 | $2,240 |
*All prices based on mid‑2025 rates. Your actual expenses may vary based on exchange rates, season, and travel style.
🚆 Transportation & Accommodation in Korea
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- T‑Money Card (for public transit): ~$4/day
- KTX Seoul⇄Busan: ~$120 round trip
- Ferry to Jeju: ~$80 round trip
- Bus in Jeju: ~$20/day
- Hostel/Guesthouse: $35–55/night
- Capsule or Budget Hotel: $55–80/night
🍱 Food & Low‑Cost Dining
- Convenience store meals (~$5–7): kimbap, ramen
- Street food: $3–10/item
- Casual Korean meals: $12–15
- Korean BBQ (mid-range): $30–50/person
🎭 Free & Affordable Activities
- Palace & museum: $2–5
- Mountain hikes (e.g., Hallasan): Free
- Jjimjilbang (overnight sauna): $10–15
- Festivals, parks, Han River, performances: Mostly free
💡 Did You Know?
In 2023, Korea's Ministry of Culture and the National Institute of Korean Language found that over 30% of slang among youth originated from YouTube and TikTok. Digital culture is now the biggest driver of language change in Korea!
💬 Practice Korean with Me on italki!
Want to feel confident saying “이거 얼마예요?” (How much is this?) or asking for directions? Book a 1:1 class with me on italki to practice real-life Korean situations! 😊
💌 Final Thoughts
Note: All costs are estimated and may vary. 😊
