12 Ways To Save Money In Seoul: South Korea Travel Ideas for 2024
Seoul, the dynamic capital of South Korea, seamlessly fuses tradition with modern living, as historic palaces stand next to towering skyscrapers.
Bustling markets, like Dongdaemun and Namdaemun, showcase the city’s vibrant street culture and culinary diversity. Renowned for its cutting-edge technology, K-pop phenomenon and picturesque urban parks, Seoul offers a captivating blend of rich history, innovative trends, and a lively urban atmosphere.
Travelling on a budget in Seoul, South Korea, is entirely feasible with savvy planning and a few insider tips:
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Utilize Public Transport
Seoul’s efficient subway and bus systems offer affordable transportation options compared to taxis. Simply purchase tickets at the stations and hop on and off across the city.
There is also the option to invest in a T-money card for discounted fares and unlimited transfers.
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Explore Free Attractions
Take advantage of Seoul’s wealth of free attractions, including Gyeongbokgung Palace’s exterior, Bukchon Hanok Village, and the lively streets of Myeongdong and Insadong. All of the above are great places to explore as they paint a great picture of Seoul’s diverse culture.
Visit During Culture Day
Plan your trip around the last Wednesday of each month, which is designated as Culture Day. On this specific day many museums and cultural sites offer free or discounted admission. You can choose from many attractions including the Royal palaces, Jongmyo Shrine and the National Theater of Korea.
Drink Tap Water
Seoul has clean and safe tap water which is readily available throughout the city. Although bottled water would only be a small cost, every little helps when on a budget.
Indulge in Street Food
Experience Seoul’s culinary delights without breaking the bank by sampling affordable and delicious street food offerings, such as tteokbokki and kimbap, from local vendors.
Our favourite was Myeongdong Night Market, although this can be a little touristy and therefore the prices are a little more than others. Try Gwangjang Market for a truly authentic experience.
Explore on Foot
Opt for free or low-cost walking tours to explore Seoul’s vibrant neighbourhoods like Hongdae and Itaewon, immersing yourself in the city’s culture while saving on transportation costs.
In addition many attractions are located close to each other so with correct planning you can minimise travel costs by walking from place to place.
Travel Off-Peak
Take advantage of off-peak travel times to secure discounted accommodations and airfare, especially during Seoul’s shoulder seasons in spring and autumn. Our favourite part about this tip is you can avoid the crowds of summer plus you may be able to catch the Cherry Blossom Season in Spring.
Purchase Attractions Online
Save on entrance fees by booking attractions and tours online in advance, often offering discounted rates compared to on-site purchases.
Make sure to always purchase through a reliable agency, we highly recommend Get Your Guide for all tours and trips!
Below are some amazing attractions that we recommend!
Dine at Convenience Stores
Enjoy budget-friendly meals at convenience stores like GS25 and CU. They are located all around the city and offer a wide selection of affordable snacks, ready-to-eat meals, and beverages. You can even prepare them inside the store and eat them there, which is perfect for an on the go lunch or dinner.
Stay in Hostels
Opt for budget-friendly accommodations in Seoul’s hostels or guesthouses, offering affordable rates and a chance to connect with fellow travelers.
Booking online via trusted websites and comparison sites is a great way to find affordable accommodation.
Embrace Free Activities
Explore nature for free by hiking Bukhansan National Park or strolling along the picturesque Han River, enjoying panoramic views of the cityscape.
Seoul also has a lot of green space which should be enjoyed, our favourite was Yongsan Family Park as it was beautiful and a perfect place to relax.
Claim Tax Refunds
Before departing Seoul, remember to claim tax refunds on eligible purchases made during your trip at designated tax refund counters at the airport, this will provide additional savings on your expenditures.
Conclusion
Seoul is indeed an expensive city to visit, however, by following these tips travellers of any budget can enjoy this vibrant capital. Preparing before, following these tips during and claiming back taxes after your trip will ensure your trip stays low-cost.
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The best way to find flights and the cheapest deals is by using a flight comparison website. Skyscanner allows you to book at the cheapest price and is our number 1 tool when booking flights. - > BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION
For hotels we stick to booking.com as it is the most widely used platform across the world. If you are looking for somethnig more social, we recommend using Hostelworld. - > GET INSURANCE
Travel insurance is the most important thing you need to purchase before any trip. It will protect you from illness, injury, theft and cancellations. To avoid any unexpected bills, we never travel without insurance. Check out SafteyWing for the best travel insurance. - > STAY CONNECTED
The best way to stay connected whilst travelling and avoiding fees is to use an eSIM. Using an eSIM allows you to keep your regular SIM in your phone, so that you can still receive calls and texts to your number. Check out Airalo for the best value on eSIMS. - > FIND THE BEST TOURS
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Check out our resource page for the best companies we use when we travel. These are the companies we use each time we travel, and highly recommened them!
