What budget to travel South Korea? Money and currency

What budget for activities and outings South Korea?

Entrance fees for history and culture museums are generally very affordable, rarely exceeding 2,000 won. The same applies to temples, which are often free of charge; the only possible surcharges are for parking.

It's worth noting that the last Wednesday of the month is Culture Day in South Korea. This means you can take advantage of discounts or free admission to many sites. And if you're wearing a hanbok (traditional Korean garb), you can enter Seoul's palaces completely free of charge.

It's also worth noting that for people over 65 and children under 7, most sites and visits are still free. However, you must be able to prove your age with official identification (a passport is ideal).

For zero won, you can do a bit of sport in Korea. In fact, there are countless small open-air areas with machines for weight training, stretching and even waist-shaping hoops. These are the favorite spots for older Koreans who want to keep fit.

As far as clothing stores are concerned, it's like everywhere else, there are some really cheap items and others that are a little more expensive. If you want to do luxury shopping you have to go to the Duty Free, places where there is no tax. But in reality in South Korea, the cost of living is going to be similar to that of France. Smokers will be able to take advantage of very low rates on cigarettes (4,500 won for a packet) and thus fill up before taking the plane.

For a nightclub entrance, you need between 10,000 and 30,000 won, drinks not included. For the shows, the prices are really variable but it is good to note that often you can get a discount by taking the tickets directly on their website. For karaoke, it all depends on which one you choose. The cheapest way is certainly to go to a noraebang corner (코인 노래방) because you pay per song (about 500 won). Then for the other noraebang, the rate will vary according to the standing of the establishment, between 7,000 and 30,000 won for one hour. Finally, for the establishments where you can eat and drink, you should count between 45,000 and 60,000 won, drinks and food included. In the vast majority of noraebangs, you are offered 20 minutes of songs for free.

What budget to eat South Korea?

South Korea is famous for its low-cost restaurants. This is not false advertising, because for 7,000 to 15,000 won, you can have a quality meal. When it comes to barbecue restaurants, the minimum order is often for 3 people. It's very easy to find soup or stew dishes for less than 10,000 won per person. For slightly more upscale tables, you'll need to budget between 20,000 and 50,000 won, and around 10,000 won for gourmet meals.

In South Korea, it's important to know that in some establishments (restaurants as well as cafés/bars), it's compulsory to order one dish per person. Many travelers are unaware of this, but it is possible to order as many side dishes as you like(banchan/반찬) in every restaurant. You'll often find small coffee machines at the entrance to an establishment - go ahead, it's free! Keep an eye out, as many establishments offer 2+1 or 3+1 on grilled meat, or on beer and soju. If you don't have the time, or don't feel like eating out, you can always visit the "Tous les Jours" or "Paris Baguette" shops (they're everywhere!), which offer sandwiches, salads, savoury bread... at reasonable prices. The same goes for convenience stores such as CU, 7/Eleven, Ministop...

A single americano or espresso costs around 2,500-4,000 won. That's about the same as in Europe. As for beers and cocktails in bars, the prices are the same as ours. Korean beers (Cass, Hite, Kloud...) are less expensive than those from Europe.

If you decide to drink soju in a hof, the bottle costs around 4,000 won, which is a good deal because it doesn't take much to make you happy. On the other hand, you almost always have to order something to nibble on at the same time (it sponges up!).

What is the budget for accommodation South Korea?

In South Korea, you'll find all types of accommodation, from youth hostels at 20,000 won, through motels at around 60,000 won, to classic mid-range to luxury hotels at between 70,000 and over 400,000 won. It's often possible to obtain attractive discounts by booking directly via the establishment's website.

Travel budget South Korea and cost of living

Airline tickets and extras aside, here are a few possibilities for spending a day, according to different types of budget.

Low budget: youth hostels, small restaurants, public transport, free activities or under 10,000 won: 50,000 won.

Medium budget: Motel or mid-range hotel, good restaurants, public transport and/or cab: 120,000 won.

Big budget: hotel or luxury hotel, good restaurants, cab: 220,000 won.

It's worth noting that hotel rates often drop dramatically in the low season, and that there are many discounts when you book a room directly via their website. The last Wednesday of the month is a day dedicated to culture in South Korea, and visits are often half-price or free.