How Much Does It Cost to Stay in Seoul for 2 Weeks in 2026?

Two weeks in Seoul typically costs between 1,900,000 and 4,200,000 KRW (approximately 1,350 to 3,000 USD) per person, depending on your accommodation standard, how often you eat out at restaurants versus convenience stores, and whether you take day trips outside the city. Budget travellers staying in hostels and eating street food can manage on around 135,000 KRW per day, while mid-range visitors in hotels with sit-down meals average closer to 210,000 KRW daily, and those choosing boutique hotels and fine dining will spend 300,000 KRW or more. This guide breaks down every major cost category so you can build a realistic budget that matches how you actually want to travel, not an idealised backpacker itinerary that leaves you exhausted or a luxury estimate that assumes hotel breakfast and taxis everywhere.

At a glance

Budget daily average: 130,000-150,000 KRW (~92-106 USD): hostel dorm, convenience store meals, public transport, free and low-cost sights
Mid-range daily average: 200,000-250,000 KRW (~142-177 USD): private hotel room, mix of restaurant and casual meals, palaces and museums, occasional taxi
Comfortable daily average: 300,000-400,000 KRW (~213-284 USD): boutique hotel, full restaurant meals, paid attractions, flexible transport, evening drinks
Two-week total range: 1,900,000-5,600,000 KRW (~1,350-3,970 USD) per person, excluding flights. Budget closer to 1.9M, mid-range 2.8-3.5M, luxury 4.5M+
Entry requirements cost: Zero for 22-country K-ETA exemption (US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, most of EU). Must file free e-Arrival Card instead at e-arrivalcard.go.kr
Cash vs card: Cards widely accepted. Carry 50,000-100,000 KRW cash for traditional markets, small street vendors and temple donation boxes

In this guide

Accommodation costs for 14 nights in Seoul
Daily food and drink budget
Public transport and the T-money card
Entrance fees for palaces, museums and attractions
Mobile data, SIM cards and connectivity
Miscellaneous costs and what travellers forget
Entry requirements and pre-arrival costs
14-night Seoul budget by travel style (per person, approximate)
Practical tips
Frequently asked questions

Accommodation costs for 14 nights in Seoul

Accommodation will be your largest single expense. Hostel dorm beds in neighbourhoods like Hongdae (홍대), Itaewon (이태원) or Myeongdong (명동) run roughly 25,000 to 40,000 KRW per night depending on season and how far in advance you book. A 14-night stay in a dorm costs around 350,000 to 560,000 KRW total. Guesthouse private rooms with shared bathrooms start around 50,000 to 70,000 KRW per night, totalling 700,000 to 980,000 KRW for two weeks. Mid-range hotels near subway stations in districts like Myeongdong, Gangnam (강남) or Jongno (종로) charge approximately 90,000 to 150,000 KRW per night for a standard double, or 1,260,000 to 2,100,000 KRW for 14 nights. Boutique and international chain hotels in central areas start around 180,000 KRW per night and go well above 300,000 KRW, putting two weeks at 2,520,000 to 4,200,000 KRW or more. Prices rise significantly during Korean public holidays, especially Chuseok (추석, autumn harvest) and Seollal (설날, Lunar New Year), and during cherry blossom season in early April and autumn foliage in late October. If your dates overlap with these periods, book early or add 20-30 percent to the estimates. All listed hotel prices include tax and service charges; tipping is not customary in South Korea, so the rate you see is the final price. For location, prioritise proximity to a subway line over being in a famous district name. Seoul's subway system is fast, affordable and runs until around midnight, so staying two stops away from Myeongdong in a quieter area can save 30,000 KRW per night with no real inconvenience if you are comfortable using public transport.

Daily food and drink budget

Food costs vary more than any other category because Seoul offers everything from 1,000 KRW triangle kimbap (삼각김밥) at a convenience store to 150,000 KRW tasting menus in Gangnam. A realistic budget traveller eating convenience store breakfasts, street food or kimbap (김밥) for lunch, and casual restaurant meals like jjigae (찌개, stew) or bibimbap (비빔밥) for dinner will spend roughly 20,000 to 30,000 KRW per day on food. That works out to 280,000 to 420,000 KRW over two weeks. Mid-range travellers eating one casual meal and one sit-down restaurant meal daily, with coffee or a snack, should budget 40,000 to 60,000 KRW per day, or 560,000 to 840,000 KRW total. Comfortable eaters who want barbecue dinners, occasional Korean fine dining, dessert cafes and regular coffee shop visits will spend 80,000 to 120,000 KRW daily, totalling 1,120,000 to 1,680,000 KRW for the fortnight. Alcohol adds cost quickly: a beer at a convenience store is around 2,500 to 4,000 KRW, but the same beer at a Hongdae bar costs 6,000 to 9,000 KRW, and cocktails in Itaewon or Gangnam start around 15,000 KRW. Soju (소주) is the most economical option at restaurants, usually 4,000 to 6,000 KRW per bottle. Traditional markets like Gwangjang Market (광장시장) and Namdaemun Market (남대문시장) offer prepared food at lower prices than sit-down restaurants: bindaetteok (빈대떡, mung bean pancake), tteokbokki (떡볶이, spicy rice cakes) and sundae (순대, blood sausage) cost 3,000 to 6,000 KRW per portion. Convenience stores sell ready-made lunchboxes (도시락) for 4,000 to 7,000 KRW, instant noodles for under 2,000 KRW, and fresh fruit, though fruit in Korea is notably expensive compared to Western countries. Do not expect large breakfast buffets unless you are staying at an international chain hotel; most Korean accommodation does not include breakfast, and Koreans typically eat light in the morning or skip it entirely. Coffee culture is significant: a cafe americano costs around 4,000 to 6,000 KRW at a chain like Ediya or Mega Coffee, but 6,000 to 9,000 KRW at an independent cafe in Samcheong-dong (삼청동) or Yeonnam-dong (연남동).

Modern Seoul subway platform with digital signs and waiting passengers during daytime — Photo: frakorea / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

Public transport and the T-money card

Public transport in Seoul is cheap and efficient, and will likely be your main way of moving around. The subway base fare as of August 2026 is 1,550 KRW with a rechargeable T-money card (티머니) or 1,650 KRW for a single-journey ticket for trips up to 10 kilometres. Longer rides add distance-based surcharges of 100 KRW per additional 5 kilometres. A typical cross-city journey costs 1,650 to 1,950 KRW with a T-money card. City buses charge a similar base fare of around 1,500 KRW with a T-money card. If you transfer between subway and bus within 30 minutes, the system treats it as a single journey and does not charge a new base fare, only distance add-ons if applicable. Over two weeks, a visitor making an average of four subway or bus trips per day will spend roughly 90,000 to 120,000 KRW on transport. A T-money card itself costs around 2,500 to 4,000 KRW to purchase at convenience stores like CU, GS25 or 7-Eleven, or at subway station vending machines. Character and designer editions cost about 4,000 to 5,000 KRW. The purchase price of the card is not refundable, but you can reclaim any unused balance loaded onto it at convenience store counters or subway customer service centres before you leave, minus a small processing fee if your balance is under a certain threshold. Load the card with cash or card at machines in every subway station or at convenience store counters. Google Maps provides subway and bus transit directions in Seoul, but it does not show walking or driving routes because of South Korean mapping data export restrictions. Download Naver Map (네이버 지도) or KakaoMap (카카오맵) instead; both have English-language interfaces and work offline if you download map sections in advance. Taxis are an option for late nights or luggage-heavy trips. Regular taxis start around 4,800 KRW and charge based on distance and time; a 20-minute ride across central Seoul typically costs 10,000 to 15,000 KRW. Tipping is not done in taxis or anywhere else in Korea. If you plan a day trip to Suwon (수원), Incheon (인천) or the DMZ, budget separately for intercity transport, which is not covered by standard city transit passes and costs extra.

Entrance fees for palaces, museums and attractions

Many of Seoul's top sights are either free or very affordable compared to tourist attractions in Western cities. The five Joseon-era palaces—Gyeongbokgung (경복궁), Changdeokgung (창덕궁), Changgyeonggung (창경궁), Deoksugung (덕수궁) and Gyeonghuigung (경희궁)—charge entrance fees that generally range from 1,000 to 3,000 KRW per palace. Gyeongbokgung, the largest, is typically around 3,000 KRW. An integrated palace pass covering four palaces and Jongmyo Shrine (종묘) is available for roughly 10,000 KRW and valid for one month. Palaces close on certain weekdays, often Tuesdays, so check opening days in advance. Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을), Insadong (인사동) street, Cheonggyecheon Stream (청계천), the Dongdaemun Design Plaza exterior and Namsan Park (남산공원) are free to walk around. Many public museums are free or low-cost: the National Museum of Korea (국립중앙박물관) has free permanent exhibitions, though special exhibitions may charge around 5,000 to 10,000 KRW. The Seoul Museum of History and many district cultural centres are also free. The Seoul City Wall hike along the old fortress line is free and takes half a day to a full day depending on which sections you walk. Namsan Seoul Tower (남산서울타워) charges approximately 10,000 to 16,000 KRW for observatory access; confirm current rates on the official website before visiting. Theme parks and commercial attractions are more expensive: Lotte World (롯데월드) and Everland (에버랜드) day passes cost roughly 50,000 to 65,000 KRW depending on age and season; check their official sites for exact pricing and combo ticket options. A two-week stay allows time to mix paid and free attractions comfortably. Budget around 50,000 to 80,000 KRW total if you visit two or three palaces, one or two paid museums, and Namsan Tower, and leave theme parks and other major paid attractions as optional add-ons. If you visit during the last Wednesday of the month, many palaces and royal sites offer free admission for Culture Day, though this also means larger crowds. Temple stays and cultural experience centres like the Korea House (한국의집) charge separately and vary widely, so research specific programs if you are interested.

Mobile data, SIM cards and connectivity

Staying connected is straightforward in Seoul, but you will need a local SIM card or eSIM because free public WiFi, while available at subway stations, major tourist sites and many cafes, is not comprehensive enough for navigation and translation apps throughout the day. Prepaid tourist SIM cards for visitors are sold at Incheon Airport (인천국제공항) arrivals halls by carriers including KT, SK Telecom and LG U+, as well as by third-party mobile virtual network operators offering tourist packages. A typical prepaid SIM with 10 to 20 GB of data valid for 10 to 30 days costs approximately 30,000 to 50,000 KRW depending on the data allowance and plan length. Some packages include a small amount of international calling credit. eSIM options are also available from Korean carriers and international providers like Airalo; prices are similar, and setup is faster if your phone supports eSIM technology. Make sure your phone is unlocked before you travel. Coverage in Seoul is excellent across all carriers. Data is consumed quickly if you use Naver Map or KakaoMap for navigation, translation apps like Papago (파파고), and messaging apps to stay in touch, so choose a plan with at least 1 GB per day of expected use, or roughly 15 to 20 GB for two weeks of moderate use. Pocket WiFi rental devices are another option, rented at the airport or reserved online for pickup, and cost around 7,000 to 10,000 KRW per day, making them more expensive than a SIM card for a two-week trip but useful if you are travelling with multiple people sharing one device. Free WiFi at your accommodation and in chains like Starbucks, Ediya and McDonald's is reliable and does not require registration beyond accepting terms, but you cannot depend on it when you are out walking around neighbourhoods or hiking trails. Do not rely on international roaming unless your home carrier offers a specific Korea travel plan; default roaming rates are expensive. Include 30,000 to 50,000 KRW in your budget for connectivity unless you pre-purchase an eSIM at a lower rate from an online provider before departure.

Miscellaneous costs and what travellers forget

Small purchases and unexpected costs add up quickly over two weeks. Carry cash for traditional markets, small street food stalls, temple donation boxes and some guesthouses or older restaurants that do not accept cards, though card acceptance is widespread in Seoul. Budget around 50,000 to 100,000 KRW in cash reserves even if you plan to use a card for most purchases. Currency exchange is available at the airport, but rates are better at private exchange booths in neighbourhoods like Myeongdong, Namdaemun or Itaewon. Some ATMs accept foreign cards; machines at convenience stores and in subway stations often work with Visa and Mastercard debit cards, though your home bank may charge foreign ATM fees. The exchange rate in August 2026 is approximately 1,410 KRW to 1 USD, but this fluctuates; check a live rate using XE, Google or your banking app before converting money. Shopping and souvenirs are highly personal, but budget separately if you plan to buy cosmetics in Myeongdong, skincare products, Korean snacks, traditional crafts in Insadong or streetwear in Hongdae. Laundry costs around 5,000 to 8,000 KRW per wash and dry at a coin laundromat (빨래방), common in residential neighbourhoods; hotel laundry service costs significantly more. Public bathrooms are free and widespread in subway stations, parks, palaces and most public buildings, but carry tissues as not all stalls stock toilet paper, and soap and hand dryers are usually provided. Jimjilbang (찜질방), public bathhouse and spa facilities, cost around 10,000 to 15,000 KRW for entry and are a budget-friendly alternative to a hotel room if you are willing to sleep on a communal floor; they are not sightseeing attractions but a local service, and you stay overnight. Luggage storage lockers at major subway stations like Seoul Station (서울역) or Express Bus Terminal (고속터미널) cost roughly 2,000 to 5,000 KRW per day depending on locker size. Tips are not given anywhere in South Korea, including restaurants, taxis, hotels, bars or spas; service charges are included in all listed prices, and leaving money can confuse staff. If you are travelling during a public holiday, some restaurants and shops close for one to three days, especially smaller family-run businesses, so confirm opening hours and have a backup plan. Travel insurance is not included in these estimates but is strongly recommended, covering medical emergencies, trip cancellation and lost baggage. Most Korean hospitals expect payment upfront if you do not have insurance documentation.

Entry requirements and pre-arrival costs

Entry into South Korea as a tourist is free for citizens of many countries under visa-exemption agreements, but there are administrative steps you must complete before arrival. From 1 January to 31 December 2026, nationals of exactly 22 countries are temporarily exempt from applying for K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization): the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Poland, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Belgium, Denmark, Austria, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. If you hold a passport from one of these 22 countries and are visiting for tourism for up to 90 days, you do not need to pay for or apply for K-ETA during this exemption period. However, if your nationality is not on that list—including Irish, Portuguese, Swiss, Greek and Czech citizens—you must apply for K-ETA online at k-eta.go.kr before departure; the fee and processing details are on that site. Because the exemption is temporary and applies to a closed list, always verify your own nationality's current status on the official K-ETA website before booking your flight. All travellers entering South Korea without a K-ETA approval must instead submit the e-Arrival Card online at e-arrivalcard.go.kr within three days before arrival. The e-Arrival Card is free and replaces the paper arrival and customs declaration forms previously handed out on the plane. Since most Western tourists currently fall under the K-ETA exemption, the e-Arrival Card is the actual form you need to complete, not K-ETA. If you do hold a valid K-ETA approval from before the exemption period or because your nationality requires it, you do not need to submit the e-Arrival Card. Complete the form on a laptop or phone with your flight details, passport information and accommodation address; save or screenshot the confirmation. The process takes about five minutes. There is no cost for the e-Arrival Card itself or for visa-exempt entry. Your total pre-arrival administrative cost is zero if you are from one of the 22 exempt countries and submit the free e-Arrival Card. This saves the previous K-ETA fee that applied before 2026, which is a helpful cost reduction for two-week trips.

14-night Seoul budget by travel style (per person, approximate)

Cost category	Budget traveller	Mid-range traveller	Comfortable traveller
Accommodation (14 nights)	350,000-560,000 KRW	1,260,000-2,100,000 KRW	2,520,000-4,200,000 KRW
Food and drink (14 days)	280,000-420,000 KRW	560,000-840,000 KRW	1,120,000-1,680,000 KRW
Local transport	90,000-120,000 KRW	120,000-180,000 KRW	180,000-300,000 KRW
Sightseeing and entry fees	30,000-50,000 KRW	60,000-100,000 KRW	120,000-250,000 KRW
Mobile data (SIM or eSIM)	30,000-50,000 KRW	40,000-60,000 KRW	40,000-60,000 KRW
Estimated total (14 nights)	780,000-1,200,000 KRW (~550-850 USD)	2,040,000-3,280,000 KRW (~1,450-2,325 USD)	3,980,000-6,490,000 KRW (~2,825-4,600 USD)

Practical tips

Load a T-money card the day you arrive

Your T-money transport card works on subways, city buses, some taxis and even convenience store purchases, but the machines and processes can be confusing when you are tired from a flight. Buy and load the card at a convenience store counter at the airport or your first subway station, not at a vending machine; staff will help, and you can pay with cash or a foreign card at the counter. Load at least 20,000 KRW to avoid needing a top-up after every couple of trips.

Eat lunch at traditional markets and save dinner budget for sit-down meals

Traditional markets like Gwangjang Market, Namdaemun Market and Tongin Market (통인시장) serve cheap, filling and authentic food at lunch, with most dishes costing 3,000 to 6,000 KRW. Going at lunchtime when vendors are busiest also means the food is freshest. Save your dinner budget for neighbourhood restaurants or barbecue spots where you want to sit, relax and experience table service after a full day of walking.

Check palace and museum closing days before planning your route

Gyeongbokgung and most other palaces close on Tuesdays, while some museums close on Mondays or different weekdays. Public holidays also affect opening hours, especially Seollal and Chuseok when many sites close entirely for one to three days. Plan your two-week itinerary with flexible days, and confirm hours on Naver or the official site the morning you plan to visit rather than assuming it will be open.

Frequently asked questions

Is 2 million KRW enough for 2 weeks in Seoul?

Yes, 2 million KRW (approximately 1,420 USD) is enough for two weeks if you stay in a hostel dorm or budget guesthouse, eat a mix of convenience store and casual restaurant meals, use public transport exclusively and keep paid attractions and alcohol to a minimum. You will not have much cushion for shopping, theme parks or spontaneous restaurant splurges, but it is realistic for a careful budget traveller. Mid-range travellers should budget closer to 2.5 to 3 million KRW for more comfort and flexibility.

How much cash should I carry in Seoul daily?

Carry around 30,000 to 50,000 KRW in cash each day, especially if you plan to visit traditional markets, buy street food or eat at older neighbourhood restaurants. Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere in Seoul, including subway stations, convenience stores, chain restaurants and hotels, but small vendors and some family-run spots are cash-only. You can withdraw more from ATMs at convenience stores and subway stations if needed.

Do I need to pay for K-ETA to visit Seoul in 2026?

Not if you are a citizen of one of the 22 countries exempt from K-ETA during 2026, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Germany, France, Italy and 14 others. You do not apply for or pay for K-ETA; instead, you must submit the free e-Arrival Card at e-arrivalcard.go.kr within three days before your flight. If your nationality is not on the 22-country list, you need to check the K-ETA site at k-eta.go.kr to confirm whether you must apply and pay the fee. The exemption is temporary, so verify your status before booking.

Is Seoul expensive compared to other major cities?

Seoul is moderately priced compared to cities like London, Tokyo or New York, and significantly cheaper than those cities for accommodation, public transport and casual meals. A subway ride in Seoul costs around 1,550 KRW compared to 2.90 USD in New York or £2.80 in London. Restaurant meals are also affordable unless you are eating at high-end or Western-style establishments. Alcohol, especially imported drinks, and fresh fruit are more expensive than in some Western countries. Overall, travellers from North America, Western Europe and Australia typically find Seoul good value.

Can I use Google Maps to get around Seoul?

Only partially. Google Maps shows subway and bus transit directions in Seoul, but it does not provide walking or driving directions because South Korea restricts the export of detailed mapping data. Download Naver Map or KakaoMap instead; both have English interfaces and show walking routes, driving directions, real-time bus arrivals and even restaurant reviews. You can use Google Maps for broad orientation and transit, but you will need a Korean map app for actual navigation on foot.

Should I book accommodation in advance for two weeks in Seoul?

Yes, especially if you are travelling during spring cherry blossom season in early April, autumn foliage in late October, or around Korean public holidays like Chuseok and Seollal when prices rise and availability drops. Booking two to four weeks in advance usually gives better rates and more choice of location. If you are visiting in low season like mid-January or August, you can find same-week deals, but booking ahead still gives peace of mind and lets you choose neighbourhoods near subway lines you prefer.

Do I tip at restaurants and cafes in Seoul?

No. Tipping is not customary anywhere in South Korea, including restaurants, cafes, taxis, hotels, bars and spas. Service charges are already included in the menu price, and leaving extra money on the table or rounding up a taxi fare will confuse staff and may result in them chasing you down the street to return it. The price you see is the price you pay, and this applies across all service industries. Just pay the bill and leave.

Before you go

Two weeks in Seoul is affordable if you match your daily spending to your actual comfort needs rather than trying to sustain an artificially low budget that leaves you tired and hungry. Budget 130,000 to 150,000 KRW per day if you are happy with hostel dorms, convenience store breakfasts and lots of walking; budget 200,000 to 250,000 KRW if you want a private hotel room, regular restaurant meals and the flexibility to take a taxi when you are exhausted. Seoul rewards planning: buying a T-money card on arrival, downloading Naver Map before you leave the airport, and confirming palace and museum opening days the night before will prevent expensive mistakes and wasted time. Build in a cash buffer of 100,000 to 200,000 KRW beyond your main budget for one unplanned great meal, a day trip or an attraction you discover along the way.

Related guides

Prices, opening hours and transport schedules in Korea change often. Everything here was checked against official sources at the time of writing, but always confirm on the operator's own website before you travel. Fares and entry rules on this page were last verified on 2026-08-18.

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