Part of our Korea guide.
2 places and guides from our Korea coverage, gathered into one page.
Best Hotels In Seoul, South Korea: Budget To Luxury Options
Seoul blends ultramodern skyscrapers with traditional palaces and temples. Budget hotels start at $30–$50 per night for a basic double room in Hongdae or Myeongdong. Mid-range business hotels in Jongno or Gangnam run $80–$150. Luxury properties such as the Signiel Seoul or Four Seasons hover between $250 and $500, with suites above $600. Many budget hotels include free Wi-Fi and a simple breakfast; luxury hotels add full-service spas, fine dining, and concierge. For a genuine local stay, look for a traditional hanok guesthouse in Bukchon, where prices range from $60 to $200 depending on the season and whether you get a private courtyard. If you are looking for hidden gems in Korea, a hanok stay in a quieter alley of Bukchon is one of them.
How Much We Spent On A 17-Day Trip To Korea
Our 17-day trip covered Seoul, Busan, Gyeongju, and Jeju Island. Total spending for two people came to approximately $3,800 (2019 prices). Here is the breakdown:
- Flights (round-trip from the US): $1,200 total for two – booked three months ahead on Korean Air.
- Accommodation: $1,100 – mix of guesthouses, budget hotels, and one mid-range hotel in Jeju.
- Food: $900 – street food meals ($3–$8 per person), casual restaurants ($10–$15 per person), and a few nicer dinners ($30–$50 per person).
- Transportation (domestic): $300 – KTX train from Seoul to Busan ($50 per person), express bus to Gyeongju ($20 per person), and a domestic flight to Jeju ($80 per person round-trip).
- Activities & entrance fees: $200 – included Gyeongbokgung Palace ($3), DMZ tour ($85 per person), and Jeju’s Seongsan Ilchulbong ($2).
- Miscellaneous (snacks, souvenirs, SIM card): $100.
The DMZ tour is a full-day trip from Seoul that includes the JSA; the ferry ride to Jeju takes about 2.5 hours from Busan, though we flew. For those wondering how long can I stay in Korea as a tourist, the visa-free period for most nationalities is 90 days. A good souvenir to buy in Korea is a handmade ceramic piece from Insadong. Is Chuseok holiday in South Korea a good time to visit? It is a major harvest festival, but many shops and attractions close for three to five days, so plan accordingly. For more ideas, see our things to do in Korea and South travel highlights in Korea pages.
