Annyeong! Welcome to South Korea, the land of well-preserved traditional palaces, cloud-scraping modern buildings, flavourful food, and infectious pop music. There’s never a shortage of things to do in the country, no matter your age or interest. You don’t have to let a limited budget stop you. There are plenty of ways to make travelling in South Korea affordable for everyone.
Here are 15 hacks to save you money and time:
1. Stay at a hostel
Book an accommodation in Myeongdong to get uninterrupted views of the shopping district and to be in the centre of all the activities. Credit: hadus2
If you’re going to be travelling all around the city for most of the day, you can get big savings by opting to book a hostel, instead of staying at a pricey hotel. You may be sharing the room with strangers but it will only be during nighttime. Since most hostels also have security lockers, you can leave your belongings safely as you enjoy the day.
2. Get a transportation card
Make sure you tap your card before and after you get off the bus. Credit: ojhoony
One way to save on transportation costs when exploring Seoul? Use a T-Money or Cashbee transportation card. You can buy and top them up at convenience stores all around the city. Then, use the cards at the subway, buses, and even taxis (with T-Money and Cashbee logos). The fare for subway and buses is usually cheaper when you use the card compared to using cash!
3. Go on a hike at one of Seoul’s nearby mountains
Revel in the fresh air and stunning Seoul sights from the top of the Inwangsan Mountain. Credit: climber_yoonji
As much as possible, try not to stick with tourist staples and change up your South Korea travel with a leisurely hike in the capital city. Choose between Inwangsan in central Seoul, or Bukhansan Mountain, situated in the northern part of the city. Both are beginner-friendly hikes that can take around two hours. Both also boast unobstructed views of the city skyline but you can find Guksadang Shrine, Korea’s most important shamanistic shrine, on Inwangsan Mountain.
4. Take a trip to the Bongeunsa Temple
Visit the Bongeunsa Temple, which was constructed back in 794. Credit: chloe.kozlow
Head to the north of COEX mall for a visit to the Bongeunsa Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist structures in the country. You can enter the monument for free, but time your visit at 18:40 to watch a traditional ceremony of monks using percussion instruments to wish salvation for all beings.
5. Watch the fountain show at Banpo Bridge
Sunset plus a fountain show equals perfection. Credit: seon_uk.cr
K-drama fans will recognise the sprawling Banpo Bridge from shows like Itaewon Class and Hotel del Luna. On top of that, it’s also the location of the popular Moonlight Fountain Show where hundreds of jets of water burst from the side of the bridge while illuminated by rainbow-coloured lights. The show usually starts at 19:30, depending on the season, and repeats every 30 minutes until the last one at 21:30.
6. Get a tax refund
Shop til you drop at one of Seoul’s shopping streets. Credit: Luke Paris
Excited to shop for souvenirs? Before taking out your wallet, check if the store is participating in the tax-free system. If they do, you’re entitled to a tax refund for the 10% tax on items worth more than 30,000 KRW (around 34 AUD) but less than 500,000 KRW (about 560 AUD). Make sure to keep your receipt and show it along with your passport at the store or airport before you leave.
Klook tip: Look for the “Shop Tax Free” signs on storefronts to save money.
7. Travel back in time at Bukchon Hanok Village
You can rent a hanbok and explore the traditional village in style. Credit: jessie.will92
Conveniently located near Gyeongbokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine, Bukchon Hanok Village is one of Seoul’s must-visit attractions. With its rows of well-preserved traditional houses, it offers a glimpse of Korea from 600 years ago in the midst of the ultra-modern city that is Seoul today. There are also restaurants to try for the full experience.
8. Board the KTX Express Train
Maximise the Korea Rail Pass which is only available for tourists.
When it comes to South Korea travel, you don’t want to just stick to Seoul. Take a train to Busan, Daejeon, and even Mokpo to discover the country’s lesser-known gems. But don’t buy individual tickets which can cost over 100 AUD. Instead, save money and get the Korea Rail Pass! Enjoy unlimited rides on the high-speed railway and travel from north to south, west to east, without worrying about expensive train fares.
9. Eat at the right places
Enjoy gimbap, hotteok, and more at a discount at Gwangjang Market. Credit: neil.and.a.camera
One of the most appealing reasons to travel to South Korea is the food. The dishes (and side dishes) are indulgent, healthy, flavourful, sweet, and spicy. But eating at restaurants for the entire holiday can rack up the bills pretty fast. Get savings without missing out on good food by eating at Gwangjang Market, where you can buy noodles, gimbap, and fresh octopus right by the stalls.
10. Visit the Seoul Global Cultural Center
Feel like kings and queens as you dress up like Korean royalty at the cultural center. Credit: fah_prapatsara
Immerse yourself in the local culture with a trip to the Seoul Global Cultural Center! You can get Korean calligraphy lessons, take photos wearing a hanbok (for free!), and even learn the dance moves from your favourite K-pop music videos. The activities are available in English, Japanese, and Chinese, so you can join in on the fun.
11. Spend some time at the park
Grab a cuppa and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere at Namsan Park. Credit: w____you
Find some peace and quiet in the middle of Seoul’s bustling streets with a stop at Namsan Park. Take a walk through the park to find various plants and animals. #KlookTip: Visit during April to see a long pathway lined with cherry blossom trees in full bloom and take part in the cherry blossom festival.
12. Avoid peak season
Make sure to stop for some photos at the Blue House’s garden and get a nice view of the sprawling property. Credit: minayoung___
One way to save on accommodation costs and flights is to schedule your trip in the low and shoulder seasons. The demand for Korea usually peaks from April to May for cherry blossom season and from September to October for the autumn foliage. There will still be plenty of things to do in the other times of the year but there will be less crowds and more savings to enjoy.
13. Learn about Korea’s rich history at the museum
Admire historically significant works of art at the National Museum of Korea. Credit: cordes_sur_ciel_csc
Get to know the country’s colourful history and culture in-depth with a visit to the National Museum of Korea. The permanent exhibition is free, although some exhibitions might have an entrance fee. The museum is arranged by time period on each floor, so you can start with the earliest days of Korea’s civilisation on the first floor and end with contemporary history on the sixth level.
14. Grab an attractions pass for discounts
Get a discount to the N Seoul Tower and enjoy uninterrupted views of Seoul. Credit: pila__2so
A tried-and-tested way to save money on holidays is by getting an attraction pass. With the Discover Seoul Pass, you’ll get to visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace, N Seoul Tower Observatory, MBC World, and SMTOWN@coexartium, just to name a few. Not to mention it also acts as a T-Money transportation card and includes discounts to Lotte Duty-Free, Dynamic Maze, and more.
15. Book on Klook for cheap prices
Visit the Garden of the Morning Calm and see Nami Island, Petite France, and more in one day with Klook.
Keen to join a day trip or enjoy one of Seoul’s many attractions? Book with Klook and save while travelling around South Korea. All you have to do is reserve your spot online then show the voucher on your phone. Easy peasy! Experience one of Klook’s many offerings including a Nami Island day trip from Seoul that includes a professional guide and roundtrip transportation to and from the city.
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