Prices and Cost of Living in South Korea
Travel Budget Calculator
Calculate how much money you will spend on your vacation in South Korea. Sample budget for each type of traveler - food, transportation, sightseeing and accommodation expenses.
Backpacker's budget
Traveling with a backpack
from 150.01 PLN to 182.54 PLN
Average daily expenses were calculated on the basis of the prices of accommodation, food (restaurants and shops), transport (public transport and taxis) and some tourist attractions. Values may vary depending on the city, tourist season, or during major religious and public events. Update 17 April 2025.
How much do you spend per day on travel and sightseeing?
Traveling and sightseeing in a cheap way (hostels, cheap food), you can fit into a budget from 56555 KRW (150 PLN) to 68819 KRW (183 PLN). On the other hand, a slightly higher standard (3-star hotel, meals in restaurants) you should expect to spend from 121796 KRW (323 PLN) to 169472 KRW (450 PLN). You should additionally take into account that if you are traveling alone, the cost may be slightly higher.
Food Prices - Calculate the Cost of Living
The calculator allows you to quickly and easily calculate how much you will spend on average to buy food at grocery stores in South Korea. Plan your daily, weekly and monthly food expenses.
Select the appropriate number of days to see how much you will spend on food during that period. Values given for one person.
Cheapest products
Here's how much you will spend in 1 day.
from 41.1 PLN to 68.38 PLN
Mid-range products
Here's how much you will spend in 1 day.
from 50.35 PLN to 85.43 PLN
Average values for capital or largest city. Purchase of food products in local stores and supermarkets corresponding to daily meals of 2,200 to 2,400 kcal was taken into account. Update 17 April 2025.
How much do you have to spend on groceries per day in South Korea?
When shopping for groceries in local stores and markets, the average daily cost of food expenses will range from 15495 KRW (41.1 PLN) to 25780 KRW (68.38 PLN) when buying the cheapest products. However, if you choose slightly more expensive products, you can expect to pay from 18982 KRW (50.35 PLN) to 32208 KRW (85.43 PLN) per day. These figures are based on daily meals consisting of approximately 2200-2400 kcal and may vary slightly depending on the city.
Budget and shopping basket update: 17 April 2025
Estimated budget and daily food costs are always given per person and are only a suggestion to help you plan your total travel costs.
Budget was calculated on the basis of average prices of accommodation in each category (hotels and hostels), food costs (restaurants and grocery shopping), transport prices and some tourist attractions.
BACKPACKER'S BUDGET
• accommodation in a hostel or cheap hotel,
• travel by public transport,
• dining in cheap local restaurants or buying food in local stores,
• small number of paid tourist attractions,
• two people travel (when traveling alone, prices may be higher, but only if we use a hotel room instead of a dormitory).
TOURIST'S BUDGET
• accommodation in a 3 star hotel (with a small number of available facilities, average prices of 3* and 4* hotels),
• traveling by taxis,
• catering in middle-class restaurants and buying food in grocery stores,
• average number of paid tourist attractions,
• two people travel (they share costs of accommodation and transport).
FOOD EXPENSES
• daily meals containing 2200 to 2400 kcal (applies to both price variants),
• shopping for food in local stores or supermarkets (no meals in restaurants),
• value per person & for the capital or largest city.
Prices in South Korea
Below you will find a list of prices for products and services in South Korea, which will help you determine what expenses you should prepare for when going on vacation in this country. City: Seoul.
Grocery Store Prices
| Apples (1kg) | 22.29 PLN |
| Banana (1kg) | 12.83 PLN |
| Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | 153 PLN |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | 53.05 PLN |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | 37.35 PLN |
| Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) | 11.94 PLN |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | 7.56 PLN |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | 13.35 PLN |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | 8.51 PLN |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 8.27 PLN |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | 10.92 PLN |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 39.85 PLN |
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | 7.66 PLN |
| Onion (1kg) | 10.60 PLN |
| Oranges (1kg) | 21.67 PLN |
| Potato (1kg) | 13.27 PLN |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | 12.57 PLN |
| Smirnoff Red Label Vodka 0.7 Litre | 67.95 PLN |
| Tomato (1kg) | 21.75 PLN |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | 3.66 PLN |
Food and beverage prices in South Korea
Popular food products found on store shelves in South Korea include bananas, rice, bread, onions, eggs, tomatoes, cheese, beef and potatoes, among others. Prices for a kilo of these products range from 3998 KRW (10.6 PLN) for a kilo of onions to 57514 KRW (153 PLN) for a kilo of beef. The price of white rice is 4737 KRW (12.57 PLN) per kilo, while a loaf of fresh white bread costs 4115 KRW (10.92 PLN) per half kilo. Bananas cost 4837 KRW (12.83 PLN) per kilo, while apples cost 8403 KRW (22.29 PLN) per kilo.
Water, available in 1.5-liter bottles, costs 1380 KRW (3.66 PLN). Dairy prices in South Korea, on the other hand, are as follows: 1 liter of milk costs about 2889 KRW (7.66 PLN), and 1 kilogram of locally produced cheese is an expense of 15023 KRW (39.85 PLN). Chicken filet, which is a common ingredient in meat dishes, costs in the range of 14080 KRW (37.35 PLN) per kilo. Eggs (12 pieces per package) are an expense of about 5034 KRW (13.35 PLN), and the average price of tomatoes is 8198 KRW (21.75 PLN) per kilo.
Restaurant Prices
| Cappuccino (regular) | 13.81 PLN |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | 5.23 PLN |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) | 10.61 PLN |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | 18.57 PLN |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | 21.22 PLN |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | 179 PLN |
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | 23.87 PLN |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) | 2.82 PLN |
What is the typical cost for an affordable meal?
Prices in restaurants in South Korea vary and depend on several factors, such as the type of restaurant, location and time of day. For instance, a Cappuccino typically costs around 5206 KRW (13.81 PLN), while a 0.33-liter bottle of Coca-Cola or Pepsi is priced at approximately 1971 KRW (5.23 PLN). At a fast-food restaurant such as McDonald's, you can expect to pay 8000 KRW (21.22 PLN) for a meal, whereas a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant could cost around 67500 KRW (179 PLN). Budget-friendly dining options are also available, with some restaurants offering meals for as little as 9000 KRW (23.87 PLN).
Public Transportation Prices
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 146 PLN |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 3.45 PLN |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | 35.81 PLN |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | 2.92 PLN |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 10.08 PLN |
How much does transportation cost in South Korea?
The average expense of a one-way trip using local transportation stands at approximately 1300 KRW (3.45 PLN), while a monthly ticket for public transportation has an average cost of roughly 55000 KRW (146 PLN). Choosing to travel by taxi would entail an initial fee of 3800 KRW (10.08 PLN), along with a per-kilometer charge of 1100 KRW (2.92 PLN).
Fuel Prices
| Diesel 1L | 4.06 PLN |
| Gasoline 1L | 4.54 PLN |
| LPG 1L | 2.91 PLN |
Fuel prices in South Korea
Average fuel prices in South Korea are 1712 KRW (4.54 PLN) per liter of gasoline and 1530 KRW (4.06 PLN) per liter of diesel. A liter of LPG autogas costs 1096 KRW (2.91 PLN).
Entertainment Prices
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | 37.13 PLN |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | 186 PLN |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | 64.57 PLN |
Apartment Rental Prices
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | 2 609 PLN |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | 2 040 PLN |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | 9 495 PLN |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | 5 847 PLN |
How much does it cost to rent an apartment in South Korea?
The cost of renting or buying an apartment in South Korea varies according to its location. On average, renting an apartment with one bedroom and a living room outside the city center costs approximately 769141 KRW (2040 PLN) per month, while the same type of apartment in the city center can cost around 983451 KRW (2609 PLN) per month. In comparison, the purchase price of an apartment in the city center is 28265500 KRW (74973 PLN) per square meter.
Apartment Buying Prices
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | 74 973 PLN |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | 39 116 PLN |
Average Salary
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | 9 252 PLN |
Hotel Prices in South Korea
A comprehensive list of the current prices of accommodations in various cities, ranging from budget-friendly hotels to high-end luxurious stays.
What is the average cost of a hotel room?
Accommodation prices in South Korea vary depending on the city, neighborhood or tourist season. For example, the average price of accommodation in Seoul (December 2024) ranges from 50142 KRW (133 PLN) per night in a hostel to about 248076 KRW (658 PLN) in a 3-star hotel. The price of a night in a luxury hotel is an expense from 447942 KRW (1188 PLN) upwards.
• Prices for products and services in Seoul. Prices may vary from town to town.
• Updates: oldest data 09/2022, latest data 10/2024.
• Prices were calculated based on several sources including Expedia.com, Booking.com, local supermarket websites, own sources, submissions from users. We do not guarantee their accuracy, however, we try, to keep them high.
• If you have noticed an error, please report it.
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