Seoul, the dynamic capital of South Korea, combine tradition with modernity, offering a captivating choice of attractions for every traveler. Ancient palaces and historic neighborhoods, technology and trendy districts, Seoul has something to delight everyone. As a passionate fan of Korean dramas and K-pop, visiting Seoul was a dream come true for me. Exploring iconic filming locations to immersing myself in the vibrant culture of this city in a budget-friendly itinerary of 4 days, every moment was filled with excitement and memorable experiences, but always on budget!

1- Getting to Seoul ( Airport, Internet, Transportation )

To start my journey of and budget-friendly 4 days in Seoul, I started with securing the best flight deals via Skyscanner or Trip , ensuring a budget-friendly trip to this captivating city. Arriving at Incheon International Airport, the entry process was smooth, especially as my passport ( Moroccan passport) allowed visa-free travel to South Korea. For essential pre-travel information like visa requirements, weather, currency, safety and any other information about this destination, you can find them here.

Upon arrival, first thing to do is to purchase a SIM card either online an e-SIM by AIRALO around ₩10,000-₩30,000 depending on data plan, approximately $7-$22 USD or KLOOK, or you can find designated telecom company stands in the airport to buy your SIM card, to stay connected throughout the trip.

After that it is recommended to buy the transportation pass for the duration your are staying in Seoul, for 5 days around ₩47,500 for a T-Money card with unlimited rides, approximately $35 USD, it’s a hassle free and made exploring Seoul easy and budget-friendly, especially since Incheon Airport is well-connected to the city center via subway.

2- Budget-friendly accommodation in Seoul

Finding the right accommodation in Seoul is key to making the trip comfortable and memorable.

3- Budget-friendly Seoul Itinerary: 4 days on budget

Day 1: History in the morning, and vibing life by night

Morning: Start the day of the 4 days Seoul Adventure on budget, by exploring Bukchon Hanok Village, a scenic area filled with traditional Korean houses (hanoks). Entrance is free, making it a perfect spot for budget-conscious travelers seeking historical charm.

Midday: Continue to Gyeongbokgung Palace, where the admission fee is around ₩3,000-₩5,000 approximately $2-$4 USD . This majestic palace offers a glimpse into Korea’s royal history. It’s advisable to visit this location early to capture photos without crowds, and also to wear a Hanbok while visiting the place to take advantage and avoid the entrance fees.

Near the area of the palace there are several rental shops where you can try on Korean costumes Hanbok and take memorable photos either inside the shop for some privacy, they customized the place to look like the Palace , or photos outside with Korean monuments. The price depends on the Hanbok quality, accessorries, hair and makeup and also if you want it with photoshoot or without. for a budget-friendly Hanbok is around ₩10,000-₩15,000 approx. $10 USD for 2 hours.

Afternoon: Discover Insadong, a cultural hub known for its traditional crafts and tea houses. Enjoy browsing unique shops and sampling Korean snacks like hotteok the sweet pancakes and sikhye the sweet rice drink.

Evening: Stroll along Myeongdong Street, trying delicious street food like tteokbokki, odeng (fish cake skewers) and fried shrimp. Ended the day with dinner in Itaewon, known for its diverse international cuisine, budget-friendly and local restaurants offering affordable tasty meals.

Day 2: Namsan Tower and Local Markets

Morning: Take a bus or subway to Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower), where admission to the observatory is around ₩10,000-₩15,000 (approximately $7-$11 USD). Enjoy panoramic views of Seoul and lock a “love padlock” on the famous fence.

Afternoon: Explore Gwangjang Market, dive in various street foods like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), kimchi pancakes, and mayak gimbap (mini rice rolls). Budget-friendly tip: sharing portions to try more dishes without over-budgeting 🙂

Evening: Visit Namdaemun Market, one of Korea’s largest traditional markets, for shopping and trying local street food at affordable prices. Bargaining is common here, making it ideal for budget shopping enthusiasts. if you want to buy some souvenirs, here is the best place for that.

Day 3: Nami Island Petite Paris and Gangnam

• Morning: Travel by subway, bus, and boat to Nami Island and Petite France. Admission to Nami Island is around ₩13,000-₩15,000 approximately $10-$12 USD, including the ferry ride. then Petite France offers a unique European-inspired experience.

• Afternoon: Explore Gangnam district, visiting Gangnam Mall and Starfield Library. Enjoy browsing trendy shops and cafes, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of modern Seoul.

Day 4: Han River and Neighborhood Exploration

• Daytime: Spend the day at Han River Park, renting a bike or enjoying a picnic by the river. Recreate scenes from Korean dramas and admire the stunning city skyline.

• Afternoon: Explore Dongdaemun Design Plaza and Ihwa Mural Village, capturing artistic street scenes and taking Instagram-worthy photos.
• Evening: Conclude the day in Hongdae (Hongik University area), enjoying street performances, shopping for unique fashion items, and trying local street food. This youthful neighborhood is perfect for immersing oneself in Seoul’s vibrant youth culture.

4- Budget Breakdown in Seoul

Category	Budget-friendly Trip	Mid-Budget Trip
🏠 Accommodation	$25-$60 USD per night	$60-$110 USD per night
🍔 Food & Drinks	Street Food: $1-$5 USD per item	Average Meal: $8-$15 USD
🏕 Activities & Tours	Average budget: $10-$12 USD per activity	Average budget: $20-$40 USD per activity
🚌 Transportation	T-Money 5 days Pass: $35 USD Airport Transfer: $3 USD Bike full-day pass: $4 USD	KakaoTaxi base fare: $4 USD
🛎 Miscellaneous expenses	SIM Card: $7-$22 USD depends on internet Data Water bottle: $1 USD	Shopping, Souvenirs: Varies

5- How much will you spend for a 4 days in Seoul ?

6- Budget-friendly Tips in Seoul

• Use public transportation (subway & buses) with a T-Money card for unlimited rides.
• Explore free attractions like parks, markets, and cultural sites.
• Enjoy affordable street food for meals and snacks throughout the day.
• Book hotels with options included, like breakfast included

This budget breakdown provides travelers with a clear overview of estimated expenses for accommodation, transportation, activities, and dining while visiting Seoul on budget. Prices may vary based on personal preferences, exchange rates, and seasonal fluctuations. Adjustments can be made based on individual travel styles and budget constraints. Hope it can help 🙂