How much money do you need for a trip to South Korea ? This is undoubtedly a common question among those planning to explore the land of kimchi on their own. To visit, you need a visa along with certain financial requirements. Additionally, it's essential to carefully calculate expenses related to transportation, sightseeing, dining, and shopping. Here's everything you need to know about the costs of traveling to South Korea to prepare best for your trip.
How much money is enough to explore the beauty of the "Land of Kimchi"?
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1. How much does it cost to travel to South Korea? A summary of expenses for solo travelers
Traveling to South Korea costs about 8,000,000 – 20,000,000 VND/person for about 2 days. This amount may vary depending on when you travel, how long you stay, your dining and shopping needs, and where you stay. For example, traveling in Seoul usually costs more than other places in South Korea.
Here are the expenses you need to consider when traveling to South Korea:
1.1 Visa fees
To enter South Korea, you first need a visa, a pass that facilitates your movement across the country. How much is the visa fee?
To apply for a visa, you need to submit all necessary documents to the Embassy. The visa fee at the South Korean Embassy in Vietnam is 20 USD (about 490,000 VND) for stays under 90 days, 50 USD (about 1,200,000 VND) for a single entry over 90 days, 60 USD (about 1,450,000 VND) for two consecutive entries within 6 months, and 80 USD (about 1,950,000 VND) for multiple entries.
A South Korean tourist visa is an essential document for your trip.
1.2 Passport fees
First-time travelers abroad need a passport issued by the local Immigration Department. The cost for a passport (including electronic and non-electronic chip passports) is 200,000 VND for a new issue and 400,000 VND for a reissue due to damage or loss.
1.3 Airfare costs
Air travel is the most popular means to get to South Korea. Round-trip airfare from Vietnam to South Korea ranges from 6,000,000 VND to 16,000,000 VND/person, depending on the airline and ticket class. To get better prices, passengers should book tickets 1 - 2 months in advance.
You can also look for airline ticket sales. A budget airline to consider is Vietjet.
Currently, Vietjet offers many routes to South Korea with attractive prices and promotions. Popular routes include Ho Chi Minh City - Seoul , Ho Chi Minh City - Busan , Hanoi - Seoul , Hanoi - Busan , Da Nang - Seoul. Visit www.vietjetair.com to check routes, prices, and the latest offers from Vietjet.
1.4 Accommodation costs
Accommodation is a necessary expense anywhere you travel. In South Korea, you can find prices for hotels and homestays near city centers on reputable websites. Typically, accommodation costs range from 1,500,000 – 2,000,000 VND/night for 4-star hotels, 700,000 – 1,400,000 VND/night for mid-range hotels, and about 400,000 VND/night for budget homestays.
For accommodation, it's wise to choose reputable places and review information and ratings from various guests. Also, book hotel rooms 1 - 2 months in advance during peak travel seasons.
The bustling Myeongdong neighborhood offers budget accommodation options suitable for your trip.
1.5 Transportation costs
There are many affordable transportation options in South Korea for your consideration:
Train: From 100,000 – 400,000 VND/trip.
High-speed train: From 100,000 – 400,000 VND/trip.
Bus: About 28,000 VND/ride.
Subway: About 19,000 VND/ride.
Taxi: About 300,000 – 500,000 VND/trip.
1.6 Dining costs
South Korea has a rich cuisine with many delicious dishes like gimbap, tteokbokki, hot fish cakes, bibimbap, cold noodles, black bean noodles, kimchi stew, beef bone soup, ginseng chicken soup, live octopus, fried chicken, grilled meat... On average, Vietnamese tourists might spend at least 200,000 - 500,000 VND per day on food.
South Korean cuisine is incredibly diverse and rich with many famous and delicious dishes.
1.7 Entertainment and leisure costs
South Korea has many entertainment and leisure spots. Here are the costs of visiting some famous tourist attractions:
Museums: About 95,000 VND/person.
Palaces, temples, shrines: About 38,000 VND/person
Bars, clubs, cafes: About 185,000 VND/person.
Amusement parks: Ticket prices range from 90,000 – 350,000 VND/person.
1.8 Souvenir shopping costs
A trip isn't complete without gifts and souvenirs for friends and family. South Korea offers a wide range of gifts from luxury to budget-friendly options:
Ginseng, red ginseng: From 500,000 VND upwards.
Traditional tea: From 300,000 VND/box.
Sheet masks: From 10,000 – 20,000 VND/piece.
Socks: From 25,000 VND/pair.
Handmade soap: From 35,000 - 500,000 VND/package.
>> See more: Must-visit beaches in South Korea
2. Tips for budget travel to South Korea
To maximize savings on your trip to South Korea, consider these tips:
- Regularly check for promotions from airlines to get the best airfare to South Korea.
- Travel during the off-peak seasons to save costs.
- Prefer budget accommodations or homestays.
- Choose public transport like buses and subways to save on transportation costs.
- Travel with friends to share expenses.
- Purchase mobile SIM cards and entertainment tickets in advance through apps.
- Exchange currency in Vietnam for better rates.
- Enjoy street food and casual eateries instead of upscale restaurants.
Save on your trip to South Korea with cheap flights from Vietjet today.
>> See more: 7 simple tips for finding cheap flight tickets
Hopefully, the useful information shared in this article answers your questions about the cost of traveling to South Korea and alleviates concerns about high expenses. May you have a fulfilling, enjoyable, and cost-effective trip with loved ones and friends.
For more travel information and offers from Vietjet, visit:
