Want to travel Korea without breaking the bank? You’re in the right place. In this guide, you’ll discover the best budget-friendly places to visit, where to find authentic Korean street food that costs less than a latte, and how to experience Korea’s nature without spending a single won.
This is your ultimate Travel Korea guide if you’re looking to explore the country smart, cheap, and with unforgettable experiences
Whether it’s your first time planning a travel to Korea trip, or you’re coming back for more, this post will help you explore Korea smart, cheap, and in style. ✨
Bonus Tip: Before you go, grab a T-money card (Korea’s public transport card) at any convenience store. You’ll save money on subway fares, and it works on buses too. Plus, avoid airport taxis – the AREX train or buses are a fraction of the price.
Let’s dive into the best places to travel Korea on a budget!
Seoul
Where Culture Meets Budget-Friendly Fun
Why you should visit:
✅ Tons of free cultural attractions
✅ Affordable and amazing street food
✅ Beautiful parks and hiking spots in the city
If you plan to Travel Korea on a budget, Soul should definitely be on your list.
You might think Seoul, as the capital, would be too pricey – but it’s actually one of the best places to experience Travel Korea on a budget. The city is packed with free attractions, scenic hikes, and delicious food stalls that cost less than $5.
What to Do in Seoul on a Budget:
Start your journey at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most iconic royal palace. Entrance is under $3, and if you rent a hanbok (traditional Korean dress – around $10 for a few hours), you get in for free. That’s a win-win for your wallet and your Instagram feed.
Wander over to Insadong, where you can browse artsy shops, taste traditional teas, and maybe even try your hand at calligraphy – often for free or a small tip.
If you want a local vibe, head to Hongdae, Seoul’s vibrant student district. On weekends, you’ll see live performers, free art galleries, and cheap bites everywhere. Grab a cup of banana milk and a $3 gimbap and enjoy the show.
Looking for nature in the middle of the city? Try:
- Naksan Park for sunset views
- Cheonggyecheon Stream for a peaceful walk
- Bukhansan National Park for hiking (and serious calorie burning)
You’ll be amazed how much you can do here without spending much at all.
Busan
Beaches, Markets, and Budget Eats
Why you should visit:
✅ Gorgeous beaches with no entrance fees
✅ Seafood heaven on a budget
✅ Amazing temples with free entry
If you plan to Travel Korea on a budget, Busan should definitely be on your list.
Busan is Korea’s coastal queen. It offers the perfect mix of beach, culture, food, and chill vibes. And the best part? It’s affordable – especially if you skip the luxury hotels and stay in guesthouses near Seomyeon or Nampo-dong.
What to Do in Busan on a Budget:
Let’s start with the beach. Haeundae Beach is iconic and 100% free. Bring a towel, grab a cold drink from a nearby convenience store, and you’ve got yourself a beach day for under $2.
Visit Gamcheon Culture Village, a hillside neighborhood filled with colorful houses, murals, and quirky art shops. Entry is free, though you might want to spend a few bucks on a street snack (try twisted donuts or fish cake skewers!).
If you’re exploring Travel Korea on a budget and love seafood, don’t miss Jagalchi Fish Market. It’s an unforgettable local experience where you can eat fresh raw fish for less than $10, or try grilled mackerel for around $5. If you’re feeling brave, go for sannakji (live octopus) – it’s definitely a story for the travel journal.
Other cheap or free highlights:
Yongdusan Park and Busan Tower – Climb for views or take the lift for a couple bucks
Beomeosa Temple – A peaceful escape in the mountains
Gwangalli Beach – With a view of the lit-up bridge at night
Jeonju
Korea’s Food Capital (That Won’t Drain Your Wallet)
Why you should visit:
✅ Birthplace of bibimbap – cheap and authentic
✅ Traditional Hanok village experience
✅ Delicious street food everywhere
If there’s one word for Jeonju, it’s flavor. This city is a dream for foodies, and it’s way more affordable than Seoul. Here, meals don’t just taste amazing—they often cost less than $6.
What to Do in Jeonju on a Budget:
Start your day with a walk through Jeonju Hanok Village. With over 800 traditional houses, it feels like stepping back in time. Entry is free, and you can rent a hanbok for beautiful photos (typically $10–15 for 2 hours).
Hungry? Head straight for a bowl of bibimbap, the city’s signature dish. You’ll get a steaming hot bowl with colorful vegetables, perfectly cooked rice, and a fried egg for under $7. Pair it with makgeolli, Korea’s milky rice wine, and thank me later.
One of the best things about Travel Korea is discovering regional specialties like these. In Jeonju, local flavors come alive with dishes like the famous Choco Pie from PNB Bakery and the mouthwatering treats at Nambu Market
Don’t miss:
- Choco Pie from PNB Bakery – So iconic that people line up for it
- Street food at Nambu Market – From spicy chicken skewers to mochi-like desserts
- Omokdae Pavilion – A small hilltop offering panoramic views of the village
There’s something deeply relaxing about Jeonju’s slow pace. It’s a perfect break between the big cities.
Gyeongju
The Open-Air Museum of Korea
Why you should visit:
✅ Rich in history and ancient tombs
✅ Many sites are free or very cheap
✅ Serene nature meets Korean heritage
If you plan to Travel Korea on a budget, Gyeongju should definitely be on your list.
Think of Gyeongju as Korea’s version of Athens or Rome. It’s packed with historical significance, ancient architecture, and peaceful parks—and it’s one of the most underrated Travel Korea destinations.
What to Do in Gyeongju on a Budget:
Visit Daereungwon Tomb Complex, home to over two dozen royal burial mounds. For about $2, you’ll walk among grassy hills that hold centuries of history. Some tombs are open to the public, with mini-museums inside.
A short walk away is Cheomseongdae Observatory, the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia. You can view it for free and stroll through the surrounding flower gardens.
Don’t miss:
- Bulguksa Temple – A UNESCO World Heritage site with jaw-dropping carvings and pagodas
- Anapji Pond – Stunning both day and night, especially when the traditional buildings reflect on the water
- Hwangnidan-gil Street – A trendy street full of cafes in renovated hanoks
Gyeongju blends old and new perfectly, and it’s incredibly wallet-friendly.
Seoraksan National Park
Nature Lover’s Paradise – For Free!
Why you should visit:
✅ Some of Korea’s best hiking trails
✅ Free park access
✅ Epic mountain views and waterfalls
You haven’t really experienced Travel Korea until you’ve spent a day out in its wild landscapes – and Seoraksan National Park is one of the best places to do that. Whether you’re a serious hiker or just love peaceful walks, this park is a must-see.
What to Do in Seoraksan on a Budget:
The best part? The park is completely free to enter, though you might pay a small fee for parking or cable car access if you choose that route.
Popular hikes:
- Ulsanbawi Rock Trail – Around 4km each way with steep stairs, but views at the top are unforgettable
- Biryong Falls – An easier hike that takes you to a peaceful waterfall
- Heundeulbawi Rock – A massive boulder you can try to move (spoiler: you won’t)
Even if you’re not into hiking, the Sinheungsa Temple near the entrance is worth visiting. It’s home to a massive bronze Buddha and offers a calm, spiritual start to your day.
Nature is a huge part of the Travel Korea experience. And at Seoraksan, you get it in full force—without spending a cent on entry.
Final Thoughts
Travel Korea doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, it can be one of the most affordable travel experiences in East Asia – if you know where to go and what to eat. From the neon-lit streets of Seoul to the peaceful beaches of Busan, the ancient history of Gyeongju, and the mountain peaks of Seoraksan, Korea is full of budget-friendly gems.
You don’t need a luxury hotel or a platinum credit card to have the time of your life here.
If you like this blog post, maybe a cheap travel to Italy is something for you? Click here to check it out.
Thanks for reading – and if you’re planning your next travel to Korea trip, check out all my budget guides here. ✌️💙
Catch you next week!
/Thomas
Travel Korea on a Budget FAQ
What is the cheapest time to travel to Korea?
Late fall and winter (November to March) are cheapest, with lower flight and hotel prices. Avoid holidays like Lunar New Year.
How much does a budget trip to Korea cost?
Expect around $40–70 per day, including meals, transport, and accommodations in guesthouses or hostels.
What’s the best Korean food for travelers on a budget?
Gimbap, tteokbokki, bibimbap, and hotteok are all delicious and cost under $5. Street food is your best friend!
Can I use public transport easily in Korea?
Yes, Korea has one of the world’s best public transport systems. Use a T-money card and download KakaoMap for easy navigation.
Is Korea safe for solo or budget travelers?
Absolutely. Korea is one of the safest countries in Asia with excellent infrastructure and friendly locals.