5 Days in Seoul on a ₩1,000,000 Budget? A Realistic Itinerary & Cost Breakdown
Hello! This is Sunny from K-Music Note.
Planning an exciting 5-day trip to Seoul, but hesitating because of a tight budget? "Is it really possible to do it all for ₩1,000,000 (about $710 USD), excluding flights?" This is probably the biggest question on every savvy traveler's mind.
Let me tell you the answer right away: "Yes, with smart planning, it's absolutely possible!"
This isn't about surviving on instant noodles. It's about enjoying what Seoul has to offer while sticking to your budget. From a realistic budget breakdown to a 5-day itinerary that saves you time and money, here is the perfect financial roadmap for your trip to Seoul.
#1. The ₩1,000,000 Game Plan: A Core Budget Breakdown
First, we need to divide your total budget into key categories. Below is a realistic budget simulation for a 4-night, 5-day trip. (All costs are estimated as of September 2025).
| Category | Total Budget (5 Days) | Daily Average | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (4 nights) | ₩200,000 | ₩50,000/night | Based on a guesthouse in the Hongdae area |
| Food & Drink (5 days) | ₩350,000 | ₩70,000 | Budget-friendly breakfast/lunch, one nice dinner |
| Transportation (5 days) | ₩75,000 | ₩15,000 | T-money card, includes airport train (AREX) |
| Tours & Activities (5 days) | ₩175,000 | ₩35,000 | 2-3 paid attractions, other experiences |
| Shopping/Contingency | ₩200,000 | ₩40,000 | Souvenirs, snacks, emergency fund |
| Total | ₩1,000,000 | ₩200,000 |
#2. The Art of Saving: Pro-Tips by Category
Accommodation: Guesthouses over Hotels, Hongdae over Gangnam
Accommodation is your biggest expense, so this is where you need to be smart. Opt for a highly-rated guesthouse or Airbnb in the ₩40,000-₩50,000 per night range. Target areas near universities like Hongdae, Sinchon, or Hapjeong, which are not only well-connected by subway but also surrounded by cheap, delicious food options.
Food: Eat Like a Local, Explore the Markets
Restaurants in tourist-heavy areas are expensive. The best way to save is to eat where locals do: university cafeterias, small eateries packed with office workers, and the food stalls at traditional markets like Gwangjang or Mangwon Market. The food is cheap, authentic, and delicious.
Sightseeing: Mix in Free Attractions
Seoul has tons of incredible places you can enjoy without spending a single Won. Weave free attractions like Bukchon Hanok Village, Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), Seoul Forest, Hangang Park, and Bugaksan Mountain into your itinerary. A great hack is to rent a Hanbok to get free entry into Gyeongbokgung Palace, combining a cultural experience with a free ticket.
[Insider Warning: The Budget Killer]
The biggest enemy of your ₩1,000,000 budget is impulse shopping. A few "must-have" items from Myeongdong or Hongdae can quickly add up and wreck your plan. A good rule is to save all your shopping for the last day, using whatever is left in your contingency fund. Until then, make a list but don't buy!
#3. The Game Plan: A 5-Day Budget-Friendly Itinerary
Based on these tips, here is a model itinerary designed to be efficient and cost-effective.
| Day | Main Itinerary (Theme: Tradition & Modernity) | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive at airport → Check into Hongdae guesthouse → Explore Hongdae & Yeonnam-dong (Evening) | ~₩80,000 |
| Day 2 | [Gwanghwamun] Gyeongbokgung Palace (in Hanbok) → Bukchon Hanok Village → Insadong → Ikseon-dong Hanok Street | ~₩120,000 |
| Day 3 | [Seongsu] Stroll through Seoul Forest → Explore Seongsu-dong Cafe Street → [Dongdaemun] DDP Night View | ~₩100,000 |
| Day 4 | [Myeongdong] Window shopping & street food → N Seoul Tower (by cable car) for the night view | ~₩150,000 |
| Day 5 | Explore Mangwon Market for souvenirs → Head to the airport | ~₩50,000 |
* Note: These costs are for daily activities (food, transport, tours) and exclude accommodation and the shopping/contingency fund.
The 3-Line Summary
- Budget Allocation: A realistic plan for ₩1M is Accommodation (200k), Food (350k), Transport (75k), Activities (175k), and Contingency (200k).
- Key Savings: Choose guesthouses in university areas, eat at local spots and markets, and build your itinerary around Seoul's many free attractions.
- The Biggest Enemy: The #1 budget-breaker is impulse shopping. Plan your spending carefully to avoid running out of cash.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is ₩1,000,000 enough for a solo traveler?
A1: Yes, it is. However, accommodation can be more expensive per person. To save even more, consider staying in a dormitory room at a guesthouse, which can cost as little as ₩20,000-₩30,000 per night and is a great option for solo travelers.
Q2: What's the best way to get Korean Won (KRW)?
A2: Private money changers in Myeongdong generally offer better exchange rates than banks or airport services. It's a good idea to exchange only a small amount at the airport for immediate needs and then visit a money changer in Myeongdong for the rest.
Q3: What about the Discover Seoul Pass? Can it save me money?
A3: The Discover Seoul Pass offers free entry to many paid attractions within a set time limit. It can be a good deal IF your itinerary includes 3-4 of the covered attractions. However, since a budget itinerary relies heavily on free sites, finalize your must-see list first and then check if the pass is actually worth it for you.