Best Things to do in Seoul on a Budget: A Deep Travel Guide

Seoul regularly tops travel lists, but with popularity comes the risk of expense. In this essential budget guide from One Planet Journey, Ulyana Kallander stays in Seoul for a month and shares the secrets to unlocking the city’s cultural depths without depleting your funds. The best things to do in Seoul: from goshiwon accommodation to finding the cheapest, most authentic food. Discover how to turn a month of meaningful exploration in Seoul’s different neighbourhoods into a lifetime experience.

Seoul – The “It Town” 

Whether you are a fan of Korean beauty products and skin care, an avid K-Pop listener, or simply enjoy East Asian culture, Seoul consistently exceeds visitors’ expectations. But with increased popularity comes additional demand, and with that, inevitable price increases. 

Seoul. Even typing the name fills me with a rush of excitement as I think about all the city has to offer. It is a place I once called home for six unforgettable months as a university exchange student. During that time, I briefly experienced some of Seoul’s unique and captivating cultural diversity. However, after packing up and leaving, a nagging knot settled in my stomach. I left with so much undiscovered; so many stories I had yet to hear about the city’s roots. I had to return.

Deep Travel on a Budget – Possible in Seoul? 

While planning for this trip, I worried that the Seoul I once knew had turned into an overcrowded and expensive tourist trap, especially in Seoul’s fashion and high-end retail districts. I told myself there would be no luxury shopping or unnecessary spending (well, maybe a little). This time, I made it my mission to meet Seoul on a humble journey. I set aside a full month for travel, giving myself plenty of opportunity to dive deeper into the city’s rich art and history. Staying long, connecting with the culture, the food, and the locals, is what excites me as a deep traveller, and finally I got to apply this travel philosophy in my dear Seoul.

After rigorous budgeting and planning with some helpful advice from friends and locals, I mapped it out for myself. And for you, of course. What follows is the ultimate guide to the best things to do in Seoul on a budget.

When to Visit Seoul? 

Summer in South Korea is the closest thing one can compare to being steamed alive. Perhaps I’m being dramatic, but the sun and humidity take a toll. Even locals choose to travel abroad from June through September. Plus, it’s pricier, so for budget travel to Seoul, skip the summer.

Personally, I find South Korea to be a paradise during spring and autumn. As someone who’s had the privilege of experiencing both, I recommend spring for romantics who love to see the blooming cherry blossoms and autumn for those who enjoy watching the ginkgo leaves turn a deep golden-yellow. 

Being sentimental, I travelled in mid-October knowing the weather would be warm for at least another month. Autumn in South Korea lasts much longer than in most European countries. This allows the scenery to undergo a slow, beautiful transformation before the cold winter rain takes over, as happens in Stockholm, my hometown.

Settling in for a Month 

Accommodation in Seoul – Goshiwon 

Planning your first long-term stay in another country can be intimidating. How do you pick the best yet still budget-friendly option? Certain short-term rentals in South Korea are technically illegal and likely overpriced. And hotels, I prefer only for shorter stays. 

Since I wanted something inexpensive and private, I opted for a goshiwon. Goshiwons are small, dormitory-like private rooms. Their original use came from students preparing for exams who needed just the basics: a bed to sleep in and a desk to study at. Translated literally, “goshi” means examination and “won” a place or house. Intended for students, you often find them close to universities. This arrangement has many benefits for visitors, such as easy access to public transportation. 

Goshiwon Budget Stay

My one-room unit came equipped with a private bathroom, desk, closet, and a small but comfortable bed. For $385 (￦530.867) a month, I also had Wi-Fi, access to the laundry room, and unlimited rice and tea from the kitchen. 

It was an unusual sleeping arrangement with the bed just a half a step from where I would shower. However, after spending my last three nights living in a capsule following my Tokyo trip, I quickly settled in. I imagined myself as a student at a traditional American university, sharing a dorm room and decorating it to feel more like home.

I found my goshiwon, Mielle Residency, on Goshipages – a website that lists goshiwons in all locations and with varying amenities. Make sure you read through the listings carefully to get an idea of what to expect. Some accommodations lack windows or have shared bathrooms. After choosing your favourite, it is best to contact the goshiwon directly by KakaoTalk or e-mail.

Communications H3

An eSIM is essential during most of my travels, but here is the first of many secrets from a former exchange student: ChinguMobile. With this telecom provider, you can get both long-term and short-term SIM cards with different plans. ChinguMobile lets you pre-pay and pick up your SIM at the airport or various retail locations. 

The one-month plan I used cost around $20 (￦27.577) for unlimited calls and data. Even though an eSIM is about the same price or even cheaper, there is something you need to be aware of. To order a simple coffee, it isn’t uncommon to need a phone number, or when booking time slots in shops and cafés. 

If you have a hard time selecting a plan, I’ve listed two typical options and their benefits below:

Transport and paying in Seoul 

Don’t worry if you can’t locate yourself or a particular station on the Seoul subway map. I lost track of how many times I got turned around trying to navigate the railway system. The spiderweb of tracks consists of over 23 different lines, including rapid transit, light rail,  and commuter rail. Thankfully, fellow teachers and students understood when I would arrive 20 minutes late, drenched in sweat after my journey across town. To ensure your first ride on the subway is smoother, I recommend downloading Naver Map, which is a navigation app that helps you plan trips on public transport all over South Korea.

T-Money 

South Korea primarily relies on the T-Money card to pay for public transportation. It’s available at any convenience store and comes in multiple cute designs. You top it up with funds for travel or to make purchases at designated retail locations. Just remember, you can only top it up with cash, whether you’re at a store or using the subway station recharge machines. 

Climate Card

A newer addition to the public transportation system is the Seoul Climate Card. Essentially, it works similarly to T-Money but on a fixed price rather than a pay-per-ride system. It’s great for those who plan to take more than two to three trips, as the Climate Card’s 30-day pass is more economical. 

However, if you’d like to use the airport lines and explore outside Seoul, the T-Money card is the better option. I topped up with ￦30.000 (about $22) upon my arrival, which lasted until almost the end of my trip.

What will suit you more? Find out below:

Budget areas for staying in Seoul 

I arrived in Seoul just after 8pm local time, and it took me two more hours to settle into my temporary home in Ewha, located in central Seoul. This is one of several university communities in Seoul close to other student hubs, like the Hongdae and Sinchon neighbourhoods. Staying near university campuses affords many benefits for those travelling on a budget, such as affordable restaurants, reasonably priced shopping areas, and fun activities that stay open past midnight. 

These areas have become like little towns and are always full of life – in recent years more for travellers than actual students. However, if you prefer a quieter area, Ewha is probably the better choice, as Hongdae and Sinchon have a well-known clubbing culture. 

Best things to do in Seoul when on a budget 

Shortly after arriving, I ventured out with my buddy Naver Map to find the nearest coin-operated karaoke. These venues, called “noraebang” or “song rooms”, offer private rooms with singing equipment and books of never-ending options in different languages. There is no need to feel unsure or shy. The next opera singers, rock stars, and rap artists might practise in the adjoining rooms, and none of them judges your singing ability. The best thing? Belting your heart out for an hour only costs $7 (￦9.594), and if you split it with friends, it’s practically free. 

The same goes for the 24/7 photo booth studios and arcades. I love this always-open culture, which allows my fellow night owls and me to entertain ourselves without needing to keep employees awake at all hours. A four-cut (four photos divided by frames on a long vertical strip) or sharing a karaoke room are traditional ways to hang out or pass time, as there are constantly new variations to try. Many photo booths include props, Instagram-quality lighting, or a vanity mirror, and nearby shops sell frames with popular animated characters or seasonal designs.

After serenading the room and taking multiple pictures with cute filters, I went to bed more than satisfied and ready to return to what I consider the “New York City” of East Asia. Just like its American counterpart, Seoul is overflowing with art museums, exhibitions, and galleries. Remembering my promise to explore this city on a humble journey, I spent most of my time discovering new galleries and hopping between cafés. 

Deeper into Seoul 

When I first started exploring Seoul and its art community, I quickly learned that paid exhibitions often create an intentional, formal gap between the art and the viewing public. However, curators and gallery assistants love striking up conversations about the artists whose works are on display, sharing their specialised knowledge. On more than one occasion, I secured invitations to future exhibitions or received complimentary food and drinks for simply visiting. Although there may be a language barrier, I discovered there is a silent, mutual understanding among people who appreciate art. 

Surprisingly, you can sometimes see exhibitions of the complete works of notable artists for free in galleries, yet be required to pay in order to view a single piece of their art in a museum. For those travelling to Seoul on a budget, I think it’s clear which establishment is the more economical choice.

Seoul is full of art hubs such as Insadong and Itaewon, however my best kept secret is the area between Anguk and Gwanghwamun. I recommend taking a walk to see all the galleries, traditional architecture, tea houses, and craft markets. 

The Stone-wall 

In late October, the trees blend into a symphony of vibrant pigments that transports you into a classical oil painting, such as one by Monet or Van Gogh. Many locals enjoy taking leisurely strolls along the promenade with family or friends. I like to pop in some earphones and enjoy the surroundings on my own. 

On this trip, I started my journey at City Hall and walked along the Deoksugung Stone-wall Path. This 900-metre trail represents South Korea’s first attempt to create an urban space where people can enjoy nature. It is lit up at night and includes benches to rest. 

The Stone-wall Path also encloses a piece of Seoul’s history: the remnants of a small village that once housed royalty. 

Gyeongungung Palace 

Originally named the Gyeongungung Palace, people know it primarily as the last residence of King Gojong, the last King of the Joseon Dynasty and the first Emperor of Korea. In 1897, Emperor Gojong took official residence in the palace and began making several changes; specifically constructing buildings in a distinctly Western architectural style. In 1907, when Emperor Gojong abdicated his throne (by force), they renamed the residence Deoksugung Palace, which means “palace of virtue and longevity”, in a prayer for his long life.

The current location of the emperor’s last residence serves as a unique metaphor for his desire to incorporate Western features into traditional architecture. Today, the former palace stands amidst a bustling working area, framed against a backdrop of tall skyscrapers and modern office buildings. I think Emperor Gojong would approve.

Duson Gallery 

Northwest of the palace lies one of my favourite galleries, the Duson Gallery, which translates to “two hands”. It began as an antique dealership in 1969 and officially opened as an art gallery in 1977. After moving several times – including to New York City in the 1990s – it returned to Seoul in the late 2000s. 

In 2022, the gallery moved into a building constructed in the late 19th century. Here, the establishment reclaimed its original name: “Duson Gallery”, also hosting a café. The owners saw this move as a way to create a space that more fully supports and promotes South Korean artists that use both traditional and contemporary methods. The gallery also showcases modern South Korean art alongside pieces from well-known American artists, such as Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol. 

In 1896, to avoid Japanese invaders, King Gojong took refuge in the Russian diplomatic mission located in Deoksugung. Once safely inside, the King received a customary cup of black coffee. He liked the beverage so much that he returned to the palace with a personal supply to share with fellow aristocrats. 

Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukcheon Hanok Village 

Just a short walk to the north is the large square leading up to the gorgeous Gyeongbokgung Palace – the largest of the five palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. While its history alone deserves an entire article, I wanted to show you what awaits behind it.

Known as Anguk, this area is home to the Bukcheon Hanok Village. Translated literally, “Buckcheon” means “northern village” and “Hanok” describes the type of traditional houses associated with the Joseon Dynasty. 

If you are a fan of handmade crafts and desserts, tea houses, and historic architecture, this is a great way to spend the afternoon. There are plenty of modern shops mixed in, as well as unique experiences such as walking tours and classes in making kimchi. When you visit, keep in mind that the Buckcheon Hanok Village is still home to around 6,000 residents, so be mindful of how much noise you are making and don’t leave litter in the village’s alleyways. 

I would often walk here from Gwanghwamun, allowing time for the evening sky to turn orange and for the air to slow down and create tranquil melodies as it passed through wind chimes. 

Handmade ice cream at Baekmidang Café.

Gyeongbokgung Palace – beautiful all day

NAMSAN

If my Korean friends taught me anything, it is that they often prefer simple hiking over an extravagant outing. Seoul does not have ready access to large areas of pristine nature, so the public treasures the one natural area that does exist – Namsan Park and Mountain. Having lived right by it, I spent several afternoons trudging up the mountain toward the Namsan Tower that never seemed to get closer.

DDP

Dongdaemun, known by many fashion lovers for hosting Seoul Fashion Week and its inexpensive shopping, is instantly recognisable by its giant, futuristic, chrome-coloured plaza – the Dongdaemun Design Plaza. It contains art exhibitions, underground shopping, and studios. Outside, you find numerous multi-level shopping malls and retail stores, such as Migliore and the Doota Mall, that stay open until 5am! There are clothes, accessories, jewellery, shoes, electronics, and whatever else your heart might desire. 

Daiso 

Daiso is Korea’s most famous dollar store and, while it has branches internationally, nothing can beat Korean prices. It offers everything you need for your household, from snacks to kitchen supplies to makeup. Yes, locals consider makeup a household supply in South Korea. They categorise and often sort them into different levels, making most Daisos at least four or five stories high. 

What do I usually buy? Well, apart from the obvious things I don’t need, I recommend that everyone travelling to South Korea purchase a shower filter to keep their hair and skin healthy. South Korea has a reputation for its hard water, and Daiso offers an easy solution for a mere $3 (￦3,900).

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Authentic (and Affordable) Food in Seoul 

Depending on how budget-conscious or adventurous you’re feeling, there are a few places worth visiting. The best spots to eat always have a pleasant mixture of restaurants, shopping, and working areas, as employees of those businesses need lunch. 

Hongdae for Cheonsa Grilled Tripe 

I mentioned earlier that Hongdae has a university campus, so one might assume the food is cheaper here. Well, not quite. Because it has clubbing and trendy street style shopping, restaurants know tourists pay above-average costs for food. That’s why I have revealed another well-kept secret. 

If you want to try a true Korean delicacy, I recommend you order tripe – every Korean’s guilty pleasure. While many believe eating such fatty fare can damage the flawless Korean “glass skin”, one portion won’t hurt. 

The “all” plate comes with three types of tripe cooked and served in various ways for $12 (￦15,600). Each has its own consistency, but they all require quite the jaw workout to chew. The Daechang might be my favourite, as the fat surrounding the skin explodes into a warm river of flavour upon biting it. As full as I am at the end of every meal here, it would be a sin not to order the fried rice that staff mix with your leftovers for an additional $2 (￦2,600).

Jongno 3-ga for Korean Soul Food 

This area is the heart of the Jongno district, which is an industrial zone full of automobile shops, small businesses, and cheap food. The only way to describe it is like stepping through a time machine into the 1990s, immersed in an underground lair of jewellery dealers, hip-hop, and funky bars. 

Labab is a chain that you find in multiple places around the city. What’s on the menu? Everything. Cutlets, kimbaps (Korean-style rice rolls), and stews. I would reach the word limit if I named everything this chain restaurant offers, so I shall categorise it as Korean soul food. I usually ordered a filling pork cutlet kimbap with a drink for a mere $4 (￦5,200).

Jamsil For Blood Sausage Soup 

Across the Han River, you see the luxurious Lotte World Tower. It’s the sixth-largest building in the world, with external lights that illuminate the night sky and often change colours and patterns to create mesmerising visual displays. Inside is Seoul’s largest multi-purpose shopping complex, cinema, art museum, concert hall, and the Lotte World Aquarium.

Here, I visited the Boseunghall restaurant with a former university classmate. Feeling adventurous, I opted for the blood sausage. They make it into a delicious soup (SunDaeGuk) that I believe has healing abilities with each bite. I love this meal when I am sick or when it’s cold outside, as it truly feels like a comforting, homemade meal. A soup here is $8 (￦10,400), which is still pretty affordable considering its location in an upscale neighbourhood. 

Seoul – Deep, Trendy, and Budget-friendly 

Before you ask: “But you’re in Seoul! Did you not get cheap skin care procedures?” or “Did you not eat convenience store ramen every day?” No, and partially no. I visited Seoul to give myself the time to connect with the city in a way I couldn’t, or didn’t know how to, during my six months of studies. Still, after two longer visits, I haven’t been able to get enough of the ginkgo trees during autumn or the way the subway cars jingle.

Seoul is complex, and it contains a greater diversity of people than any other city I have visited. At first glance, it is exciting, trendy, and cheap, which may be exactly what you want for your trip. But if you take the time to explore the city’s less famous tourist areas, you might uncover the best things to do in Seoul. The same ones that have me returning. 

Inexpensive convenience store food comes in handy, but it is more meaningful to eat at a family-owned restaurant that you remember a year later, feeling the warmth of recognition from the owners who shared their stories in broken English and fed you midnight meals. Fancy skincare procedures are nice, but it is more worthwhile visiting the same art gallery and finding new curators and gallery assistants willing to teach you previously unknown facts. 

That is Seoul – trendy, cheap, and forever deep. 

Have you been to Seoul? What would be on your best things to do in Seoul list? Let us know in the comments. Subscribe to our newsletter and benefit from travel guides, sustainable tourism and luxury travel tips, insightful interviews, and inspirational places to visit. One Planet Journey – The World’s First Deep Travel Magazine.