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