Budgeting for a 6-Day Solo Trip in Seoul: How Much Korean Won Do You Need for Transportation, Meals, and Souvenirs?

Seoul, the vibrant capital of South Korea, is a city that beautifully blends modernity with tradition. From its towering skyscrapers and bustling shopping districts to its serene palaces and temples, Seoul offers a unique experience for every traveler. If you’re planning a 6-day solo trip to this dynamic city, you might be wondering how much Korean won you should prepare for transportation, meals, and souvenirs. This article will provide a detailed breakdown of the costs you can expect to incur during your stay in Seoul, excluding accommodation and flight tickets.

Transportation

Seoul boasts an efficient and affordable public transportation system, which includes subways, buses, and taxis. For a 6-day trip, you can expect to spend around 30,000 to 40,000 KRW on transportation.

• Subway: A one-way subway ticket costs around 1,250 KRW. If you plan to use the subway extensively, consider getting a T-money card, which costs 2,500 KRW and can be topped up as needed. The card also offers a 100 KRW discount on each ride.
• Buses: Bus fares range from 1,200 to 2,000 KRW depending on the type of bus. Like the subway, bus fares are discounted when using a T-money card.
• Taxis: The base fare for taxis is 3,800 KRW, with an additional charge based on distance. Taxis are relatively affordable in Seoul, but costs can add up if used frequently.

Meals

Food in Seoul can be as affordable or as expensive as you want it to be. For budget travelers, you can expect to spend around 20,000 to 30,000 KRW per day on meals.

• Street Food: Street food in Seoul is delicious, diverse, and affordable, with prices ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 KRW per item.
• Local Restaurants: A meal at a local restaurant can cost between 6,000 and 15,000 KRW.
• Cafes: Coffee or tea at a cafe can cost between 3,000 and 6,000 KRW.

Souvenirs

Seoul is a shopper’s paradise, offering a wide range of souvenirs from traditional Korean crafts to K-pop merchandise. Depending on what you plan to buy, you can expect to spend around 50,000 to 100,000 KRW on souvenirs.

• Traditional Crafts: Traditional Korean crafts such as hanji paper, hanbok dolls, and celadon pottery can range from 10,000 to 50,000 KRW.
• K-pop Merchandise: K-pop albums, posters, and other merchandise can range from 10,000 to 30,000 KRW.
• Cosmetics: Korean cosmetics are popular souvenirs, with prices ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 KRW per item.

In conclusion, for a 6-day solo trip in Seoul, excluding accommodation and flight tickets, you can expect to spend around 300,000 to 500,000 KRW on transportation, meals, and souvenirs. This is a rough estimate and actual costs may vary depending on your personal preferences and spending habits.