Seoul travel tips — 4 useful tips to visit Seoul on a budget - Living + Nomads – Travel tips, Guides, News & Information! (2024)

Seoul is Asia’s most fascinating destination in recent years because of the sweeping wave of Korean entertainment culture. Traveling to Seoul, South Korea is the dream of anyone, but the price in the capital is very expensive. Is there a way to travel to Korea at the most economical cost? Here are some things you can apply for your next Seoul trip to save money and time and get many great things. Let’s find out4 useful tips to visit Seoul on a budget below.

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Use public transport cards

You do not be afraid to use public transportation because it is very convenient to move. If you buy a T-money or Cashbee card, you can travel by all public transportation like buses, subway or even some taxi companies.

These cards can be found easily at convenience stores in Seoul like CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, Ministop, With Me, Buy The Way, and Story Way. T-money cards are also available at the ticket stores in the subway stations. At the same time, these machines can recharge the card for you to use.

In addition, T-money and Cashbee cards are also used in many other cities throughout Korea, not only having in Seoul. Not only are you entitled to a discount on bus lines, subway or bus transfer to a subway, and vice versa, you also can save time when you do not have to buy an individual ticket for each moving time.

These types of cards are also easy to buy at the airport, at convenience stores. When they come back home, they can become a souvenir gift because their designs are so cute and unique.

Hire a homestay, hostel for backpacking tourism

If you travel alone or with a few friends, stay inhomestays because it is much cheaper than a hotel (hotels in Korea are expensive). Moreover, in many homestays, guests can use the washing machine for free, so you needn’t bring too many clothes when traveling.

Another option is the hostel for backpacking tourism. Many places are quite nice and comfortable. This is also a good way for you – foreign visitors – to meet indigenous people, the opportunity to increase Korean and experience the different corners of Seoul that only local people know.

Eat as local people

Try eating places where local people visit Seoul frequently because these places which serve tasty and cheaper food. Street food is always the attractive and economical choice, to help you have a full night than having dinner in a luxury restaurant. When you stay at a homestay, hostel for backpacking travelers, you also get more advice or an introduction to good and cheap food places.

You should also save in your “note book” for Korean food names that you like to eat or want to try. For example:

Bibimbap: Rice is mixed with vegetables, meat, eggs and red hot chili sauce (or Dolsot bibimbap: mixing the rice in the bowl).

Samgye-tang: Chicken is stewed with the whole chicken which is stuffed with rice, onion, garlic, chili … marinated spices.

Japchae: noodle is mixing with meat and vegetables.

Jjajangmyeon: Korean Black Sauce noodle.

Bulgogi: Beef is marinated with spice and cooked after.

Haemul Pajeon: Seafood and onions pancakes.

Shopping in night markets

If you intend to shop, the Seoul night markets both on the ground and in the commercial centers of the subway station are worth place to visit. These places have everything for you want to find, and it’s also easier to bargain from clothing, accessories, to cosmetics, even street food.

Yeouido: It is located close to the Han River Park with a variety of eateries, entertainment venues, and artisanal shops.

Dongdaemun: There is many shopping places with Dongdaemun Design Plaza night market selling fashion goods, live art performances, Dongdaemun gold tents market selling clothes, accessories and late-night food markets.

Gwangjang: Located farther away from the Dongdaemun Gate is a popular traditional market with local items, delicious street food, traditional Korean costumes clothes…

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Seoul you can refer to

Are you finding more top things to do in Seoul: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here.

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Seoul travel tips — 4 useful tips to visit Seoul on a budget - Living + Nomads – Travel tips, Guides, News & Information! (2024)

FAQs

What not to wear in South Korea? ›

In South Korea, it's important to dress modestly, especially if you're visiting a temple or other religious site. This means avoiding clothing that's too revealing or tight. Women should leave low-cut shirts at home but should feel comfortable showing as much leg as they like.

How to travel to Seoul on a budget? ›

13 tips for visiting South Korea on a budget
  1. Consider whether you need a SIM card. ...
  2. Fly to South Korea in January, November, October or March. ...
  3. Leave the airport by bus or airtrain. ...
  4. Buy a Korail Pass for unlimited travel by train. ...
  5. Ride the slow rail. ...
  6. Use transportation cards for discounted bus and subway fares.

Do you need QR code to enter Korea? ›

Latest information on South Korea's Q-Code

As of 15 July 2023, a Q-Code is no longer required to enter South Korea. Travelers only need to have their K-ETA or VISA. For more updated and detailed information, you can check out Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

What do you need to travel to Seoul? ›

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

You must have a valid U.S. passport to enter Korea. From April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, the Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is not required for US citizens for stays of 90 days or less that are for tourism or business purposes.

Is it OK to wear leggings in Korea? ›

You don't want to wear a leggings on the streets in Korea unless you wanna be on the spot. If you happen to wear a leggings at work or school, everyone will probably stare at you bluntly and might think your outfit is inappropriate.

Are jeans allowed in Korea? ›

Are tourists visiting North Korea allowed to wear jeans? Yes you are allowed.

What month is the cheapest to fly to Korea? ›

Flying to Seoul
Cheapest flight found$716
Cheapest month to flyOctober
Average flight time13 hrs, 47 mins
Most popular airlineKorean Air
Average flights per week641

How much does a 7 day trip to South Korea cost? ›

South Korea Packages
South Korea PackagesDay/NightPrice
Delightful Seoul Holiday Package7 Days/6 Nights₹92,244
Budget-Friendly 5N Seoul Package6 Days/5 Nights₹1,57,213
Discover Beauty of Seoul & Busan Package5 Days/4 Nights₹1,46,725
SheTravels-K-Beauty Adventure in Korea Package9 Days/8 Nights₹2,28,241
6 more rows

How much does a 7 days trip to Korea cost? ›

A 7 days trip that includes staying at a 4-star property in Seoul and Jeju-do along with sightseeing would cost between INR 82,000 to INR 85,000 per person.

Do I need to fill arrival card Korea? ›

Visitors entering Korea are required to submit an arrival card, except for those who are staying for 90 days or more and have registered with the Korea Immigration Service.

What documents do I need to enter Korea? ›

If you're a US citizen planning a trip to South Korea, you'll need a valid passport with at least 6 months left before it expires and one to two empty pages. Generally, you'll also need to obtain an approved K-ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) for short-term stays, whether for businessor pleasure.

Do I need Covid test to enter Korea? ›

COVID-19 in Korea

Currently, the Republic of Korea has no COVID-19 testing, proof of vaccination, or quarantine requirements for entry to Korea.

What is Q-code Korea? ›

What is a Q-Code? The Q-Code is a South Korea QR code that holds all your vaccination information needed for entry. The travel requirement was created to help shorten the time for quarantine inspection for foreign travelers entering the country.

What are some strict rules in South Korea? ›

Local laws
  • Drugs. Don't carry or consume illegal drugs. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs include: ...
  • Employment. It's illegal to work in South Korea if it's not specified in your visa. This includes paid and unpaid work. ...
  • Other laws. Serious crimes, such as murder, may attract the death penalty.
Apr 17, 2024

What vaccines do I need for South Korea? ›

Courses or boosters usually advised: none. Other vaccines to consider: Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Rabies; Tetanus; Tick-borne Encephalitis. Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Japanese Encephalitis. No yellow fever vaccination certificate required for this country.

What is considered inappropriate clothing in Korea? ›

you don't want to wear a tank top (spaghetti strap) with exposed chest, run only wearing a sports bra, or not wear a bra. You'll probably get so much attention. (But interestingly, many Koreans are fine with wearing mini skirts and short shorts.)

What is considered impolite in South Korea? ›

Koreans consider it a personal violation to be touched by someone who is not a relative or close friend. Avoid touching, patting or back slapping a Korean. Direct eye contact between junior and senior businesspeople should be avoided. This is seen as impolite or even as a challenge.

Is it OK to wear crop tops in Korea? ›

It's typically best to avoid wearing a low-cut top or one that exposes your shoulders and/or stomach. Cold shoulder and off-shoulder tops, as well as even crop tops, are getting more popular among young Korean women today, but try to limit especially tops like tank tops in your wardrobe when in Korea.

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