Budget-Friendly Seoul Attractions for Families

Discovering Seoul’s Hidden Gems

If you think New York City is the city that never sleeps, just wait until you arrive in Seoul. This bustling South Korean capital is a sensory overload in the best possible way – from the vibrant nightlife and endless shopping to the ancient palaces and modern skyscrapers. And the best part? It’s all surprisingly budget-friendly.

As someone who has spent extensive time exploring this incredible country, I can confidently say that Seoul is one of my favorite cities in the world. During my first visit, I had only planned to spend a few days in the capital, but I ended up staying for three full weeks. I just couldn’t bring myself to leave! From the lively street performers in Hongdae to the delectable Korean BBQ, every corner of this city had me eager to discover more.

On my return trip, I made sure to venture beyond just Seoul, exploring the stunning natural landscapes and cultural marvels that South Korea has to offer. From the colorful houses of Busan to the serene tea plantations of Jeju Island, this country consistently surprised and delighted me. And the best part? It’s all incredibly budget-friendly, even in a post-pandemic world when travel costs have been soaring.

So, if you’re ready to be swept away by the vibrant energy and rich cultural heritage of South Korea, read on. I’m about to share all my top tips and tricks for experiencing the best of Seoul on a budget.

Navigating Seoul’s Public Transportation

One of the most impressive aspects of traveling in South Korea is just how seamless and efficient the public transportation system is. Seoul, in particular, boasts one of the most extensive subway networks in the world – it’s clean, modern, and remarkably easy to navigate, even for first-time visitors.

As I mentioned in my South Korea travel guide, the key to mastering Seoul’s public transport is getting your hands on a T-Money card. This magical little card allows you to tap and go on subways, buses, taxis, and even some vending machines and grocery stores across the entire country.

You can pick up a T-Money card at any convenience store or vending machine in the airport, and you’ll only pay 4,000 won (around $3 USD) for the card itself. From there, you can top it up with however much cash you think you’ll need – I found that 40,000 won ($30 USD) was the perfect amount for my two-week stay.

The subway fares in Seoul are calculated by distance, with a base rate of 1,350 won (about $1 USD) for trips under 10 km. For the longer journeys I took during my sightseeing adventures, I typically spent around 5,000 won ($4 USD) per day on the subway. It’s an incredibly affordable and efficient way to get around the city.

And if you’re venturing outside of Seoul, the train system in South Korea is equally impressive. The high-speed KTX trains can whisk you from the capital to destinations like Busan in just over two hours, with fares starting at around 60,000 won ($45 USD) one-way. While it’s the pricier option compared to the buses, the time you’ll save makes it well worth the investment.

Feasting Your Way Through Seoul

If there’s one thing I know for certain, it’s that food is the primary driver behind my love of travel. And when it comes to South Korea, I can confidently say that this country has cemented its place among my top five culinary destinations in the world – joining the likes of India, Vietnam, Mexico, and Greece.

From the classic Korean barbecue to the mind-blowing kimchi, the food scene in Seoul is nothing short of extraordinary. I found myself in a constant state of panic, worried that there simply wouldn’t be enough meals in the day to try everything I wanted to.

At the hotel in Seoul where I stayed, the staff were quick to point me towards some of the city’s must-try local dishes. Samgyetang, a delicious ginseng chicken soup, quickly became a new favorite, as did the addictive Korean fried chicken that had me sheepishly returning for seconds.

Of course, the classic Korean barbecue reigned supreme, providing a truly interactive and fun dining experience. Gather a group of friends, order an absurd amount of marinated meat, and take turns grilling it up right at your table. It’s a mesmerizing culinary performance that’s sure to delight both your taste buds and your inner foodie.

When it comes to pricing, you can expect to spend around 10,000-15,000 won (roughly $8-$12 USD) for a typical Korean restaurant meal. If you venture into more Western-style eateries, you’re looking at closer to 20,000 won ($15 USD) per dish – but trust me, you’ll want to stick to the local fare. The kimchi alone is worth the price of admission!

My partner Dave and I often practiced intermittent fasting during our time in South Korea, which helped us keep our daily meal costs to around 25,000 won ($19 USD) on average. But on the days we really went all out, indulging in traditional Korean banquets with dozens of small plates, we still managed to keep the price tag reasonable at just 20,000 won ($15 USD) per person.

Exploring Seoul’s Iconic Attractions

When it comes to activities and attractions in Seoul, the city is absolutely packed with options – and the best part is that many of them won’t break the bank.

One must-do activity that I highly recommend is visiting the city’s impressive collection of royal palaces. For just 10,000 won ($8 USD), you can purchase a combo ticket that grants you access to Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, and its secret garden, as well as several other significant historical sites. If you only have time for a couple, be sure to hit up Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung – they’re the most visually stunning of the bunch.

Beyond the palaces, Seoul is a city that truly rewards the urban explorer. I loved wandering the vibrant neighborhoods, cafe-hopping in Hongdae, shopping in bustling Myeongdong, and admiring the street art in Itaewon. These activities cost little to nothing, but they provide an immersive glimpse into the heart and soul of this dynamic city.

One particularly memorable free activity was strolling along the Cheonggyecheon Stream, a peaceful oasis that runs right through the center of downtown Seoul. What was once a busy highway has been transformed into a scenic waterfront promenade, complete with lush greenery, art installations, and fun water features. It’s the perfect respite from the city’s non-stop energy.

Of course, no trip to Seoul is complete without a visit to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) – the infamous border between North and South Korea. While the full-day tours that actually take you into the Joint Security Area are quite pricey at around 195,000 won ($150 USD), there are more budget-friendly options available. For just 76,000 won ($56 USD), you can join a DMZ tour that allows you to explore the area from the South Korean side, getting an up-close look at this historically significant site.

Budgeting for the Perfect Seoul Getaway

After tallying up all of my expenses from my time in South Korea, I found that I was able to comfortably explore Seoul and beyond on a budget of around 137 USD per day. Now, I’ll admit that I did splurge a bit on my accommodation, opting to stay in some of the city’s top-rated hotels. But even with those higher-end lodging choices, my overall daily costs were still remarkably affordable.

If you’re willing to forgo the fancy hotels and stick to hostels or budget guesthouses, you can expect to shave off a significant chunk of your daily expenses. A dorm bed in a well-reviewed hostel will set you back around 18 USD per night, while a private room in a mid-range hotel can be had for around 30 USD.

When it comes to transportation, you’re looking at around 10 USD per day for the subway and local buses. And as I mentioned earlier, the high-speed KTX trains, while more expensive than the buses, can be worth the splurge to save precious time.

As for activities and attractions, the majority of Seoul’s top sights are incredibly budget-friendly, with most costing between 3-8 USD per entry. The only real splurge you might want to consider is the DMZ tour, which can run upwards of 150 USD per person.

With all of that in mind, a conservative daily budget of around 82 USD per person should be more than enough to cover your accommodation, transportation, meals, and activities in Seoul. Of course, if you’re really looking to stretch your won, you can shave that down to around 50 USD per day by opting for dorm rooms and sticking to the most affordable local eats.

No matter how you slice it, South Korea – and Seoul in particular – is a remarkably budget-friendly destination, especially when compared to other major cities around the world. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your family’s unforgettable Seoul adventure today!