Seoul, South Korea
Palaces, nightlife, hiking, markets, and modern neighborhoods.
Daily budget baseline: $90 USD. Food, culture, and city energy
How much does a trip to Seoul cost?
A practical midrange budget for Seoul is about $90 USD per traveler per day. For a 7-day trip for two people, ground costs land around $986 USD before long-haul flights—usually cheapest in January, February, and June.
- Daily budget baseline: $90 USD / traveler
- 7 days for 2 people: ~$986 USD ground costs (2nd traveler ≈ 62% of daily rate, shared room)
- Usually cheapest: January, February, and June
- Busiest months: July, August, October, and December
Sample food prices
- Bibimbap — avg $9.00 USD
- Korean fried chicken — avg $16.00 USD
- Samgyeopsal — avg $18.00 USD
- Tteokbokki — avg $4.00 USD
- Kimchi jjigae — avg $8.00 USD
Ground-cost planning assumptions dated July 2026. Use the calculator to personalize origin, dates, and group size. See how group size affects cost.
When is the best time to visit Seoul?
Aim for March, April, May, September, and November if you want the best overall window. January, February, and June usually bring lower trip costs, while July, August, October, and December draw the biggest crowds.
What are the top things to do in Seoul?
- Gyeongbokgung Palace — Grand Joseon palace with changing of the guard.
- Bukchon Hanok Village — Traditional houses and hillside views.
- Hongdae — Youthful streets for cafés, shops, and nightlife.
- N Seoul Tower — City panorama above Namsan Park.
- Gwangjang Market — Classic spot for bindaetteok, mayak gimbap, and more.
What's the food and dining like in Seoul?
Must-try food in Seoul usually includes Bibimbap, Korean fried chicken, Samgyeopsal. Typical plates below help you budget meals before you go.
- Bibimbap — Rice bowl with vegetables, egg, and gochujang. (avg $9.00)
- Korean fried chicken — Crispy double-fried chicken, often shared. (avg $16.00)
- Samgyeopsal — Grilled pork belly with lettuce wraps. (avg $18.00)
- Tteokbokki — Chewy rice cakes in spicy-sweet sauce. (avg $4.00)
- Kimchi jjigae — Hearty kimchi stew often shared at dinner. (avg $8.00)