Estimated Cost for a Self-Guided Trip to South Korea from A-Z

South Korea, the land of kimchi, captivates travelers with Gyeongbokgung Palace, the vibrant Myeongdong street, and the picturesque Jeju Island. How much does it cost to travel to South Korea is a question many people ask when planning their trip. The journey to explore Seoul, Busan, or the red leaves of Naejangsan is not only beautiful but can also be economical if you know how. This article shares detailed costs and tips to fully enjoy South Korea.

How much does it cost to travel to South Korea for a comfortable experience?

How much does it cost to travel to South Korea? A summary of expenses?

Understanding the costs helps to accurately plan how much it costs to travel to South Korea. Based on real experiences, below is a detailed analysis for a 5-day, 4-night trip, focusing on Seoul and Jeju.

>>> See more: Traveling to South Korea in the Snowy Season: The Beauty of the Land of Kimchi Covered in White

Visa application fees

A tourist visa for South Korea (C-3-9) is mandatory for Vietnamese citizens, except for those traveling to Jeju (visa-free if flying directly). The visa fee is about 20-50 USD (460,000-1,150,000 VND), depending on the service type. Required documents include a passport (valid for 6 months), a 3.5x4.5 cm photo, proof of financial means (savings of 5,000 USD), and an itinerary. Submit at the South Korean Embassy (Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City), with a processing time of 8-10 days. Register through nvktravel.com for quick document support, saving time.

A tourist visa for South Korea (C-3-9) is mandatory for Vietnamese citizens

Flight ticket costs

Round-trip tickets from Ho Chi Minh City/Hanoi to Seoul (Incheon Airport) range from 6,000,000-10,000,000 VND, depending on the airline (Vietjet, AirAsia) and booking time. Booking 2-3 months in advance through nvktravel.com can help you find cheaper tickets, around 5,000,000 VND. The flight takes 4-5 hours, usually landing in the morning or evening. If adding a domestic flight from Seoul to Jeju, the cost is about 2,000,000 VND round-trip. The average total flight cost is 7,000,000-12,000,000 VND/person.

>>> See more: Travel Experience in South Korea: Tips for Exploring the Land of Kimchi

Accommodation costs

Accommodation in South Korea is diverse, from homestays to 5-star hotels. In Seoul, homestays in Hongdae cost 500,000-800,000 VND/night, suitable for young groups. A 3-star hotel in Myeongdong (like Lotte Hotel) costs 1,200,000-1,800,000 VND/night, with modern amenities, close to the center. In Jeju, a beachfront homestay (like Jeju Cozy House) costs 600,000-1,000,000 VND/night. On average, accommodation costs for 4 nights are about 2,000,000-7,200,000 VND/person, depending on the type. Book through nvktravel.com for special prices and to check amenities (Wi-Fi, extra beds).

Accommodation in South Korea should choose homestays

Transportation costs in South Korea

The public transportation system in South Korea is modern and economical. In Seoul, subway fares are 1,250 KRW per ride (22,000 VND), using a T-money card (10,000 KRW, recharge at the station). City bus fares are similar. Taxis (Kakao T) start at 3,800 KRW (70,000 VND), suitable for groups. Intercity bus (Seoul-Busan) costs about 30,000 KRW (500,000 VND). If traveling to Jeju, renting a scooter (300,000 VND/day) or a car (800,000 VND/day) allows for flexible exploration. Total transportation costs for 5 days are about 500,000-1,500,000 VND/person.

Food and beverage costs in South Korea

Korean cuisine is a highlight not to be missed. A simple meal (bibimbap, tteokbokki) at Gwangjang Market costs 5,000-10,000 KRW (90,000-180,000 VND). Mid-range restaurants (bulgogi, seafood hotpot) cost around 20,000 KRW (360,000 VND/person). In Jeju, fresh seafood (oysters, squid) costs 30,000 KRW (500,000 VND/portion). Coffee in Hongdae is about 5,000 KRW (90,000 VND/cup). On average, food and beverage costs for 5 days are about 1,500,000-3,000,000 VND/person (3 meals/day). Bring your own drinking water to save costs.

Tteokbokki is a must-try during the trip

Costs for sightseeing and entertainment when traveling to South Korea

Attractions in South Korea are reasonably priced. Entrance to Gyeongbokgung Palace is 3,000 KRW (50,000 VND), hanbok rental for photos is 20,000 KRW (360,000 VND). Namsan Tower is 10,000 KRW (180,000 VND), Everland Park is 60,000 KRW (1,000,000 VND). In Jeju, Seongsan Ilchulbong is free, Cheonjiyeon Waterfall is 2,000 KRW (35,000 VND). If shopping in Myeongdong (cosmetics, clothing), budget 2,000,000 VND. Total costs for sightseeing and entertainment are about 1,500,000-3,000,000 VND/person.

Namsan Tower is a wonderful sightseeing spot

Estimated total costs for traveling to South Korea

In total, the cost for a 5-day, 4-night trip to South Korea ranges as follows:

• Visa: 460,000-1,150,000 VND
• Flight tickets: 7,000,000-12,000,000 VND
• Accommodation: 2,000,000-7,200,000 VND
• Transportation: 500,000-1,500,000 VND
• Food and beverages: 1,500,000-3,000,000 VND
• Sightseeing and entertainment: 1,500,000-3,000,000 VND

Total cost: 12,960,000-27,850,000 VND/person (about 13-28 million VND), excluding personal shopping. Choosing homestays and eating at local eateries can save significantly. All-inclusive tours through nvktravel.com start from 15,000,000 VND, including tickets, visa, and a guide.

Tips for saving when traveling to South Korea

To optimize costs when traveling to South Korea, here are practical tips to save while still fully enjoying the experience:

• Book tickets and tours early: Hunt for cheap flight tickets 3-4 months in advance through nvktravel.com, choose night flights to save time. Book all-inclusive tours (15,000,000-20,000,000 VND) for a ready-made itinerary, including visa and entrance tickets.
• Choose economical accommodation: Stay at homestays in Hongdae (500,000 VND/night) or traditional hanok (800,000 VND/night) instead of 5-star hotels. Book through nvktravel.com for deals. Choose places near subway stations to reduce transportation costs.
• Eat smart: Prioritize local eateries at Gwangjang Market, Namdaemun (bindaetteok 90,000 VND). Buy combo lunch boxes at convenience stores (CU, 7-Eleven, 70,000 VND/portion). Bring a personal water bottle, limit buying expensive coffee (90,000 VND/cup).
• Save on transportation: Buy a T-money card (10,000 KRW), recharge 50,000 KRW to use for a week on the subway and buses. Walk in the central areas (Myeongdong, Insadong) to save on taxis. Use Naver Map to find the shortest routes.
• Visit free or low-cost attractions: Many places like Bukchon Hanok Village, Insadong Street, Hyeopjae Beach (Jeju) are free. Visit the palace on free admission days (usually the last Wednesday of the month). Buy combo tickets for Everland through nvktravel.com to save 10-20%.
• Shop wisely: Choose cosmetics in Myeongdong during sale hours (19:00-21:00), face masks only 10,000 VND each. Buy souvenirs (paper fans, mini hanbok) in Namdaemun, prices starting from 50,000 VND. Avoid shopping in expensive tourist areas like Gangnam.
• Off-peak times: Travel in May or November to avoid peak seasons (spring, autumn), flight and hotel prices drop by 20-30%. Check tour promotions on nvktravel.com.
• Bring personal items: Prepare a universal power adapter (50,000 VND), tissues, and cold medicine to avoid buying in South Korea (prices are 2-3 times higher). Download Google Translate for communication, saving on guide fees.

How much does it cost to travel to South Korea is no longer a concern with a clear plan. From the magnificent Gyeongbokgung Palace, the fragrant tteokbokki at Gwangjang Market, to the pristine beaches of Jeju, every experience is worth it. The laughter in Hongdae, the spicy smell of kimchi, and the lights of Seoul leave unforgettable memories.

Plan to save with tours to travel to South Korea details at nvktravel.com – the place that provides itineraries and tips for a memorable trip! Start your journey to South Korea today! Which destination excites you the most? Share in the comments!