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What expenses are involved in a trip to Korea, and how much should you budget? Discover practical tips to save on your Korean travel expenses today with Mytour!
Korea is blessed with breathtaking natural landscapes, a rich cultural heritage, and a vibrant culinary scene. Combined with its world-class entertainment and arts industry, this country attracts millions of visitors from around the globe, including Vietnam.
In Korea, you can enjoy exciting activities in Seoul, such as wearing traditional Hanbok, exploring shopping paradises, and savoring delicious street food. You can also visit famous islands like Jeju, Nami, and Busan.
So, do you know how much a trip to Korea costs? This article will reveal the total expenses for a trip to Korea and share useful tips to explore the 'Land of Morning Calm' on a budget. Plan your unforgettable Korean adventure with Mytour today!
What Expenses Are Included in a Trip to Korea?
Currently, many travel companies offer all-inclusive Korea tour packages priced between 14-20 million VND. However, to freely explore Korea to the fullest, it’s best to plan your own itinerary and budget for your trip.
The cost of a self-guided trip to Korea includes visa fees, airfare, transportation, food, accommodation, and other expenses like entertainment and shopping. For a 7-day, 6-night trip, you should prepare around 30 to 55 million VND per person. The total cost may vary depending on personal preferences and unforeseen expenses during the trip.
Let’s dive deeper into the essential costs you need to know for a self-guided trip to Korea below!
How Much Does a Korean Tourist Visa Cost?
A visa is a mandatory requirement for entering and traveling within Korea. You can choose the appropriate visa type based on your purpose, whether it’s tourism, sightseeing, or business activities in Korea.
The Korean visa application process is typically handled at the Korean Embassy or Consulate. First, you need to prepare necessary documents such as your passport and related paperwork. Then, submit your application and pay the fee directly at the registration office.
Below is a list of popular Korean tourist visa types and their corresponding fees:
Loại visa | Thời hạn hiệu lực | Lệ phí |
Visa nhập cảnh 1 lần | 3 tháng | 20 USD ~ 508.950 VNĐ |
Visa du lịch ngắn ngày | 3 tháng | 30 USD ~ 763.575 VNĐ |
Visa du lịch dài ngày | 3 tháng | 50 USD ~ 1.272.375 VNĐ |
Visa nhập cảnh 2 lần liên tiếp trong vòng 6 tháng | 1 năm | 60 USD ~ 1.526.700 VNĐ |
Visa đại đô thị (nhập cảnh nhiều lần) | 5 năm | 80 USD ~ 2.035.600 VNĐ |
Note:
- Fees in VND are updated according to the latest exchange rate as of May 9, 2024.
- These agencies only accept payments in USD. Therefore, you need to prepare the appropriate amount in USD. To save time, you can opt for a full-service visa application.
How Much Does a Flight Ticket to Korea Cost?
One of the most significant factors affecting the total cost of a trip to Korea is airfare. On average, round-trip flight tickets from Vietnam to Korea range from 5,000,000 VND to 10,000,000 VND per person, including taxes and fees.
In Vietnam, three airlines currently operate direct flights to Korea: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Asiana Airlines. Direct flights between the two countries are frequently operated by airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Korean Air, Jeju Air, and Asiana Airlines.
Please refer to the detailed price table for popular Vietnam-Korea flight routes:
Điểm khởi hành | Điểm đến | Giá vé một chiều (VNĐ) | Thời gian bay (thẳng) |
Hà Nội | Seoul | 2.000.000 - 8.500.000 | 4 giờ 15 phút |
Busan | 2.600.000 - 9.000.000 | 4 giờ | |
TP.HCM | Seoul | 2.500.000 - 9.000.000 | 5 giờ 05 phút |
Busan | 2.300.000 - 9.000.000 | 4 giờ 50 phút | |
Đà Nẵng | Seoul | 2.500.000 - 5.500.000 | 4 giờ 30 phút |
Busan | 2.600.000 - 6.500.000 | 4 giờ 15 phút |
Note:
- Prices may vary depending on the booking time and the airline you choose.
- Take advantage of airline promotions to secure better deals.
How Much Does Transportation Cost in Korea?
Korea is renowned for its advanced and efficient transportation system, making travel within and between cities highly convenient. Transportation costs for tourists in Korea depend on the chosen mode of transport and frequency of travel. The estimated total transportation cost for 7 days ranges from 3,000,000 to 5,000,000 VND.
1. Bus Transportation Costs in Korea
- Fare: 1,500 Won per ride (approximately 28,000 VND)
- Advantages: Affordable, easily accessible, and widely available nationwide.
- Disadvantages: Travel time may be longer compared to other transportation options.
2. Subway Transportation Costs in Korea
- Fare: 1,000 KRW per ride (approximately 19,000 VND)
- Advantages: Affordable and accessible in 5 major cities: Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, and Daejeon.
- Disadvantages: Can be crowded and cramped during peak hours.
3. Korea Train Express (KTX) Costs
- Fare: 24,000 - 60,000 KRW (approximately 450,000 - 1,100,000 VND). Check out exclusive combo tickets for the Seoul - Busan route.
- Advantages: Saves time for long-distance travel, with stations spread across major cities.
- Disadvantages: Relatively high fares, but you can use the Korail Pass for unlimited rides within a specific period.
4. Taxi Costs in Korea
- Cost: Approximately 300,000 - 500,000 VND per ride.
- Advantages: Fast and convenient, especially for distant destinations or quick inner-city travel.
- Disadvantages: Higher cost compared to public transportation.
5. Private Car Rental Costs in Korea
- Price: Depends on the car type and rental duration.
- Advantages: Flexible and comfortable, ideal for large groups planning self-guided tours.
- Disadvantages: High cost, especially for solo travelers or small groups.
How Much Does Food Cost in Korea?
The 'Land of Kimchi' is a paradise for food lovers, offering a rich and unique culinary experience. From convenience stores and food trucks to traditional eateries and high-end restaurants, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of delicious dishes.
The average food cost in Korea for a week ranges from 3,500,000 to 6,000,000 VND per person, depending on individual preferences. Below are some must-try dishes and their average costs when visiting Korea.
1. Cost of Bulgogi Beef in Korea
Both locals and tourists adore Korea's famous beef dish. Fresh Korean beef is marinated and grilled over charcoal or on a barbecue, delivering a sweet, savory, and juicy flavor in every bite. Bulgogi offers a unique and unforgettable culinary experience for visitors to Korea.
- Estimated price: 20,000 - 30,000 KRW per serving (~370,000 - 550,000 VND).
2. Cost of Bibimbap in Korea
Bibimbap is a mixed rice dish commonly found in Korean households. It features a colorful mix of ingredients, including spinach, mushrooms, stir-fried beef or pork, a fried egg, and spicy gochujang sauce. Each region in Korea has its own unique way of preparing Bibimbap, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.
- Estimated price: 10,000 - 12,000 KRW per serving (~185,000 - 220,000 VND).
3. Cost of Samgyeopsal in Korea
When visiting Korea during winter, don’t miss out on Samgyeopsal, a popular grilled pork belly dish. It’s best enjoyed at local barbecue joints, where fresh pork is grilled to perfection and wrapped in lettuce with kimchi, garlic, and ssamjang sauce (a mix of soybean paste and chili).
- Estimated price: 15,000 - 50,000 KRW per serving (~280,000 - 920,000 VND).
4. Cost of Japchae in Korea
Japchae is a traditional Korean glass noodle dish made with ingredients like beef, fish cakes, carrots, and spinach, all tossed in soy sauce and sesame oil. Its light flavor and vibrant colors make it a memorable dish for anyone who tries it.
- Estimated price: 13,000 - 30,000 KRW per serving (~240,000 - 550,000 VND).
5. Cost of Tteokbokki in Korea
Tteokbokki is a popular Korean street food made from rice cakes, fish cakes, and a sweet-spicy sauce. You can find Tteokbokki stalls almost anywhere on the streets or in traditional markets, offering various delicious versions of this dish.
- Estimated price: 5,000 - 10,000 KRW per serving (~93,000 - 185,000 VND).
How Much Does Hotel Accommodation Cost in Korea?
Korea attracts millions of visitors each year, offering a wide range of accommodation options. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose from luxury hotels to affordable homestays. The average hotel cost for a 6-night stay in Korea ranges from 8,000,000 to 15,000,000 VND per person.
For convenience in sightseeing and experiencing Korea’s vibrant nightlife, consider staying in hotels or hostels near the city centers of major areas like Sinchon, Hongdae, or Dongdaemun in Seoul. If you prefer a peaceful environment, famous islands like Busan and Jeju also offer numerous homestays and resorts with full amenities.
Here are 5 highly-rated hotel recommendations in Korea:
1. SEOUL N HOTEL Dongdaemun
- Address: 21, Jong-ro 66ga-gil, Jongno-gu
- Estimated price: 860,000 VND/night
2. Hotel Venue G
- Address: 117, Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu
- Estimated price: 1,500,000 VND/night
3. OPPA Hostel Sinchon-Hongdae
- Address: 18-5 Yonsei-ro 2na-gil, Seodaemun-gu
- Estimated price: 800,000 VND/night
4. Ventimo Hotel & Residence Jeju
- Address: 14, Yeonnam-ro, Jeju-do
- Estimated price: 1,650,000 VND/night
5. Libentia Hotel & Pool Villa
- Address: 33, Hanlim-ro, Hanlim-eup
- Estimated price: 1,580,000 VND/night
How Much Does a 7-Day 6-Night Trip to Korea Cost?
Based on the detailed breakdown of expenses provided above, the total cost for a 7-day 6-night trip to Korea ranges from 30 to 55 million VND. Let’s summarize the entire travel budget for a 7-day 6-night trip to Korea to give you a clear overview before planning your itinerary:
Loại chi phí | Chi phí ước tính (VNĐ/người) |
Làm Visa | 763.575 |
Vé Máy Bay (khứ hồi) | 5.000.000 - 10.000.000 |
Khách Sạn | 8.000.000 - 15.000.000 |
Ăn Uống | 3.500.000 - 6.000.000 |
Di Chuyển | 3.000.000 - 5.000.000 |
Tham Quan, Giải Trí | 5.000.000 - 8.000.000 |
Chi Phí Khác (mua sắm, SIM) | 5.000.000 - 10.000.000 |
Tổng Cộng | 30.263.575 - 54.763.575 |
(*) The above costs are for reference only and may vary depending on the group size, itinerary, and financial capacity of each traveler.
How Much Does a 5-Day 4-Night Trip to Korea Cost?
For those planning a short trip to Korea, the budget for a 5-day 4-night trip typically ranges from 18 to 30 million VND. Below is a detailed breakdown of the expenses:
Loại chi phí | Chi phí ước tính (VNĐ) |
Xin Visa | 508.950 |
Vé Máy Bay (khứ hồi) | 5.000.000 - 10.000.000 |
Khách Sạn | 3.200.000 - 6.000.000 |
Ăn Uống | 2.000.000 - 4.000.000 |
Di Chuyển | 2.000.000 - 3.000.000 |
Tham Quan, Giải Trí | 3.000.000 - 5.000.000 |
Chi Phí Khác (mua quà, SIM) | 2.000.000 - 3.000.000 |
Tổng Cộng | 18.708.950 - 31.508.950 |
What Is the Currency of Korea?
The official currency of Korea is the Won, denoted as KRW (Korean Republic Won). Each Won is divided into 100 jeon, but jeon is not used in daily transactions.
Additionally, to accurately calculate and budget for unexpected expenses while traveling and shopping in Korea, you should stay updated with the latest exchange rates. As of now, the exchange rate between the Korean Won and the Vietnamese Dong is approximately 1 KRW ≈ 18.59 VND.
If you want to save on your trip to Korea, Mytour offers attractive deals for tourists, including discounted tickets for attractions, entertainment activities, dining, and spa services. Using Mytour vouchers and discount codes can help you save money and enjoy a fantastic travel experience without worrying about your budget.
Tips to Save Money on a Self-Guided Trip to Korea
To plan and balance your budget for a fulfilling journey exploring Korea, keep these money-saving tips in mind:
- Book flights and hotels 1-2 months in advance on online booking platforms to secure the best deals and options.
- Choose hotels in prime locations near major transportation routes for easy access to city attractions and beyond.
- Use buses, subways, and trains instead of taxis to save on transportation costs.
- Purchase prepaid EZL cards or unlimited Korail Passes for convenient travel and shopping in Korea.
- Enjoy fast food at convenience stores like GS25, 7-11, Circle K, or try street food at local markets and small eateries to save on dining expenses.
- Explore free attractions such as parks, gardens, and historical sites for budget-friendly sightseeing.
- Access free Wi-Fi or purchase unlimited 4G SIM cards, T-Money cards, or portable Wi-Fi devices for seamless connectivity during your trip.
Traveling to Korea not only allows you to explore its breathtaking natural beauty but also offers a chance to experience its modern and fascinating culture. We hope this article has provided you with a clear understanding of travel costs to Korea and equipped you with smart money-saving tips for your journey.
Now you have the answer to the question, "How much does a trip to Korea cost?" A self-guided trip becomes simpler and more enjoyable when you have a clear understanding of the travel expenses.
In addition to money-saving tips, you can find many exciting travel guides for Korea on Mytour Blog: Updated Korean Visa Application Process, 18 Best Shopping Spots in Seoul, A 10-Day Itinerary for Korea Covering Seoul, Busan & Jeju, Seoul Subway: A First-Timer’s Guide, 21 Affordable Korea Tours for Independent Travelers, 35 Budget-Friendly Hotels Worth Experiencing, 20 Must-Try Korean Restaurants, Everland Korea: The Ultimate Entertainment Destination,...
Now that you’ve mastered the guide to saving on travel costs to Korea, it’s time to plan your self-guided trip to Korea today!
