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How to Travel South Korea on a Budget: $35/Day Survival Guide (2025)

· 6 min read
Kai Miller
Kai Miller
Cultural Explorer & Photographer

"South Korea is the new Japan." You hear this phrase often, usually referring to the culture, the safety, and yes, the price. The perception is that a trip to Seoul will drain your wallet faster than you can say "K-Pop."

But here is a secret: Korea is incredibly cheap if you know how to hack it.

While luxury Gangnam hotels charge $300 a night, a clean, private room just two subway stops away can cost $15. While a fancy BBQ dinner costs $50, a hearty, delicious meal at a driver's diner costs $6.

I didn't just visit Korea; I lived there on a student budget. I learned that saving money in Korea isn't about deprivation—it's about adopting the "local" lifestyle.

In this guide, I will show you exactly how to survive (and thrive) in South Korea on as little as $35 a day.

How to Travel South Korea on a Budget: $35/Day Survival Guide (2025)

1. Transport Hacks: Mastering the Systems​

Transportation is often a hidden budget killer. In Korea, the system is designed to save you money, but only if you follow the rules.

The Golden Rule: The "30-Minute Transfer Window"​

This is the single most important rule for budget travel in Seoul.

  • How it works: You can transfer between the subway and a bus (or between different bus lines) for FREE up to 4 times.
  • The Catch: You must transfer within 30 minutes (1 hour at night).
  • The Requirement: You MUST tap out (scanning your T-Money card) when you exit the bus or subway. If you forget to tap out, you will be charged double the next time you ride.
  • Savings: Instead of paying 1,500 KRW for the subway + 1,500 KRW for a bus, you pay 1,500 KRW total. You can even transfer more than once.

AREX vs. All-Stop Train​

Getting from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station involves two train choices that run on the exact same tracks.

  • Express Train (Orange): ~11,000 KRW (43 minutes). Reserved seat.
  • All-Stop Train (Blue): ~5,000 KRW (59 minutes). Subway style seating.
  • Verdict: Take the All-Stop Train. You save ~50% for a difference of only 15 minutes. Use that money for your first meal.

Intercity: Bus > Train​

Everyone loves the KTX (bullet train), but it's pricey (~60,000 KRW Seoul to Busan).

  • The Hack: Take the Premium Express Bus. It takes 4 hours instead of 2.5, but costs ~35,000 KRW and the seats recline 160 degrees like business class on a plane. It’s often more comfortable than the train.

2. Accommodation: Sleeping for Under $30​

Forget hotels. If you want to save big, you have to sleep like a local.

The Jjimjilbang (Korean Sauna) - ~$12/Night​

This is the ultimate Korean budget hack. A Jjimjilbang is a 24-hour bathhouse.

  • The Deal: You pay an entry fee (~12,000 - 15,000 KRW). This gets you a uniform, access to baths, saunas, and a massive communal sleeping hall with heated floors (ondol).
  • Pros: insanely cheap, cultural experience, relax after walking all day.
  • Cons: Sleeping on the floor with a thin mat, snoring content, no privacy.
  • Luggage: Most have lockers for backpacks, but not huge suitcases.
  • Best for: Solo travelers or one-night gaps.

The Goshiwon (Exam Room) - ~$15/Night​

Originally for students studying for exams, these are now open to travelers.

  • The Deal: A tiny room (literally just a bed and a desk) with a shared bathroom and kitchen.
  • Pros: Private room, brutally cheap (~15,000 - 25,000 KRW/day), usually free rice/kimchi/ramen in the kitchen.
  • Cons: Claustrophobic. The walls are thin.
  • Best for: Introverts on a budget who need privacy.

Hostels & Guesthouses​

Myeongdong and Hongdae are full of excellent bunk-bed hostels for ~25,000 - 35,000 KRW. They are clean, social, and modern.

3. Food: Eating Well Without Going Broke​

You can spend $100 on a meal in Seoul, or $4. Both will be delicious.

The Convenience Store (CVS) Feast​

Convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) are the lifeblood of budget dining.

  • 1+1 and 2+1: Look for these tags on drinks and snacks. Buy one, get one free. This is how you get coffee or snacks for half price.
  • The "Mark Set": A viral recipe named after a K-pop idol. Mix Spaghetti Cup Ramen + Giant Sausage + String Cheese. Cook in microwave. Total cost: ~$5. Calories: Excessive. Taste: Heavenly.
  • Triangle Kimbap (Samgak-gimbap): Rice balls wrapped in seaweed. Cost: ~1,200 KRW ($0.90). Two of these make a lunch.

University Cafeterias (Hak-sik)​

You don't need to be a student to eat at university cafeterias.

  • Where: Yonsei University, Seoul National University, Ewha Womans University.
  • Cost: ~5,000 - 7,000 KRW for a balanced tray with rice, soup, meat, and kimchi.
  • Quality: Surprisingly good and nutritious.

Kimbap Cheonguk (Kimbap Heaven)​

Look to the orange sign. This 24/7 chain sells everything from Ramen to Tonkatsu.

  • Kimbap: ~3,500 KRW.
  • Ramen: ~4,500 KRW.
  • Set Menu: ~8,000 KRW.

4. Attractions: The Best Things in Life Are Free​

Seoul is generous with free culture.

  • Museums: The National Museum of Korea and the War Memorial of Korea are world-class museums with FREE admission. You could spend days here.
  • Palaces: Entry is usually ~3,000 KRW, but it is FREE if you wear a Hanbok. Rent a cheap Hanbok (~15,000 KRW for 4 hours) and get into Gyeongbokgung for free. It pays for itself if you visit 2-3 palaces and get great photos.
  • Hiking: Seoul is surrounded by mountains. Bukhansan National Park has no entry fee and offers the best views in the city.
  • Culture Day: On the last Wednesday of every month, many museums, palaces, and performing arts centers are free or heavily discounted.

5. Sample Daily Budget Breakdown​

Can you really do it on $35? Yes.

The "Broke Backpacker" ($35 / ~47,000 KRW)​

  • Accommodation: Jjimjilbang (15,000 KRW)
  • Breakfast: Triangle Kimbap + Banana Milk (2,500 KRW)
  • Lunch: University Cafeteria (6,000 KRW)
  • Dinner: Convenience Store Ramen + Sausage + Beer (7,000 KRW)
  • Transport: Subway x 2 (3,000 KRW)
  • Activity: Free Hiking / Museum (0 KRW)
  • Coffee: Paik's Coffee (Cheap chain) (2,000 KRW)
  • Buffer: 11,500 KRW (Snacks, more transport)

The "Smart Traveler" ($60 / ~81,000 KRW)​

  • Accommodation: Nice Hostel Bunk (30,000 KRW)
  • Breakfast: Hostel Toast/Eggs (Free)
  • Lunch: Kimbap Cheonguk Stew (9,000 KRW)
  • Dinner: Korean BBQ (Pork Belly 1 portion + Rice) (18,000 KRW)
  • Transport: Subway x 4 (6,000 KRW)
  • Coffee: Nice Cafe Latte (5,000 KRW)
  • Entry Fee: One Palace (3,000 KRW)
  • Buffer: 10,000 KRW

Final Tips​

  1. Drink Tap Water: It's safe in Seoul. Bring a refillable bottle.
  2. Daiso is your friend: Forgot a charger? Need an umbrella? Go to Daiso. Everything is 1,000 - 5,000 KRW.
  3. VAT Refund: If you spend over 30,000 KRW at a "Tax Free" participating store (like Olive Young), you can get an immediate refund or a slip for the airport. It’s essentially an instant 6-7% discount.

Traveling Korea doesn't have to be expensive. It just requires you to trade a little convenience for a lot of adventure.

Ready to plan your route? Check out our Top 15 Must-Visit Destinations in South Korea to decide where to spend your savings.