๐ธ 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! ๐
✈️ 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.
๐ 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
๐ฑ 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
๐ญ 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
๐ก 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!
๐ฌ Practice Korean with Me on italki!
Want to feel confident saying “์ด๊ฑฐ ์ผ๋ง์์?” (How much is this?) or asking for directions? Book a 1:1 class with me on italki to practice real-life Korean situations! ๐
๐ Final Thoughts
Note: All costs are estimated and may vary. ๐
