Quick answer: Seoul runs about EUR 90 per day mid-range - noticeably less if you eat local and walk. Cheapest window: April (cherry blossom) or October (autumn).
What things actually cost
| subway ride with T-money card | 1.10 EUR |
| street-food snack (tteokbokki or hotteok) | 2.50 EUR |
| specialty cafe latte | 3.50 EUR |
| Korean BBQ dinner per person | 12 EUR |
| Gyeongbokgung Palace entry | 2.20 EUR |
| taxi base fare | 3.50 EUR |
Eat well for little
- Samgyeopsal (pork belly BBQ) grilled at your tablebudget 10-14 EUR per person with sides and soju
- Bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) at Gwangjang Marketfried fresh in front of you, about 4 EUR
- Kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup) at Myeongdong Kyojafilling bowl with endless kimchi, about 7 EUR
- Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) from a street cartthe classic snack, 2-3 EUR a portion
- Chimaek (fried chicken and beer) in Hongdaea whole chicken to share runs 14-18 EUR
Money mistakes to avoid
- Not loading a T-money card on arrivalbuy one at any convenience store; it works on subway, buses and even taxis and saves queuing for single tickets
- Tippingit is not customary in Korea and can cause awkwardness; just pay the bill as stated
- Booking a DMZ tour last minutereputable tours sell out days ahead and require your passport details in advance
- Only eating in Myeongdongprices there are inflated; the same dishes cost 30-40 percent less in Mangwon or university districts
Transport without the tourist tax
From Incheon Airport take the AREX all-stop train to Seoul Station for about 3.50 EUR (roughly 60 minutes) or the Express for about 7 EUR. In the city the subway is fast and signposted in English - rides cost about 1.10 EUR with a T-money card, and taxis start around 3.50 EUR for short hops.
Planning the full trip? Start with the 5-day Seoul itinerary.