Seoul is a popular holiday destination for Singaporeans, whether your're visiting for Korean food, shopping, K-beauty or sightseeing.
While you enjoy the city on a reasonable budget, expenses can add up quickly, especially when you start exploring its cafes, markets and shopping streets.
For Singaporean travellers, a 5-day Seoul trip costs around S$800 to S$1,500 per person, excluding return flights and shopping depending on your accommodation, dining choices and activities.
If you prefer more comfortable hotels, popular restaurants and paid attractions, you may want to set aside a little more.
This guide breaks down the average Seoul travel cost from flights and hotels to food, transport and shopping, so you can plan your budget before flying from Singapore.
Before getting into the details, here's a quick overview of how much you might spend in Seoul. These are estimated prices for planning purposes rather than fixed rates.
Expense | Estimated Cost in KRW | Approx. Cost in SGD |
Budget meal | ₩5,000–10,000 | S$4.70–9.40 |
Mid-range meal | ₩12,000–25,000 | S$11.30–23.60 |
Coffee | ₩2,000–6,000 | S$1.90–5.70 |
Subway ride | From ₩1,550 | From S$1.50 |
Bus ride | Around ₩1,500–1,600 | S$1.40–1.50 |
Budget accommodation | ₩50,000–100,000 per night | S$47–94 |
Mid-range hotel | ₩120,000–250,000 per night | S$113–236 |
Attraction tickets | ₩3,000–40,000 | S$2.80–37.70 |
SIM card or eSIM | ₩10,000–30,000 | S$9.40–28.30 |
Note: Accommodation prices are per room per night unless otherwise stated. Prices vary depending on location, travel season and booking dates.
Flights are usually one of the biggest expenses when planning a Seoul holiday. The flight from Singapore to Incheon International Airport takes approximately 6 to 7 hours making Seoul a convenient destination for a short getaway.
For a return economy ticket, you can generally budget around S$350 to S$700 per person, depending on the airline, travel season and how early you book.
Flight Type | Estimated Return Fare |
Budget airline | S$350–500 |
Full-service airline | S$500–700 |
Peak-season flights | S$700 or more |
If you're travelling during cherry blossom season, autumn foliage or the year-end holidays, flight prices may be higher.
Accommodation prices in Seoul depend on the neighbourhood, hotel category and time of year. Staying near popular areas such as Myeondong, Hongdae or Gangnam can be convenient, but prices may be higher during busy travel periods.
Here is an estimated accommodation budget for different types of stays.
Accommodation Type | Estimated Cost per Night |
Hostel or dormitory | S$25–50 per person |
Budget hotel | S$50–95 per room |
Mid-range hotel | S$95–180 per room |
Luxury hotel | S$200–400+ per room |
Choosing the right neighbourhood can also help you manage your travel expenses.
Myeondong is a convenient choice for first-time visitors. It is close to shopping streets, restaurants and popular attractions, with easy access to public transport. However, hotels in this area can be more expensive so please book early.
Hongdae is popular with younger travellers thanks to its cafes, street performances, fashion shops and nightlife. It also has a good selection of guesthouses and budget hotels.
These areas are suitable for travellers who want to explore Seoul traditional side. They offer convenient access to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village and other cultural attractions.
Gangnam is a good option if you prefer modern shopping malls, stylish cafés and upscale restaurants. However, accommodation here can be more expensive than in some other neighbourhoods.
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One of the best parts of visiting Seoul is trying its local food. From affordable Korean street food to Korean barbecue restaurants, there are plenty of choices for different budgets.
You don't need to spend a lot to enjoy good food in Seoul. Local eateries, traditional markets and convenience stores offer plenty of affordable options.
Food and Drinks | Estimated Price in KRW | Approx. Price in SGD |
Gimbap | ₩3,000–5,000 | S$2.80–4.70 |
Tteokbokki | ₩3,000–5,000 | S$2.80–4.70 |
Jajangmyeon | ₩7,000–9,000 | S$6.60–8.50 |
Kimchi jjigae | ₩8,000–11,000 | S$7.50–10.40 |
Bibimbap | ₩10,000–13,000 | S$9.40–12.30 |
Korean fried chicken | ₩20,000–25,000 | S$18.90–23.60 |
Korean BBQ pork belly (200g) | Around ₩21,000 | Around S$19.80 |
Iced Americano | ₩2,000–5,000 | S$1.90–4.70 |
If you're hoping to keep your food expenses low, here are some places and options worth considering.
Getting around Seoul is relatively affordable, thanks to its extensive subway and bus networks. Most popular attractions are easily accessible by train or bus.
The Seoul subway is one of the most convenient ways to travel around the city. As of November 2026, the adult base fare is ₩1,550 when using a transport card.
Transport | Estimated Fare |
Adult subway ride with transport card | ₩1,550 (S$1.50) |
Adult single-journey ticket | ₩1,650 (S$1.60) |
Additional distance charge | Applies to longer journeys |
Fares may increase depending on the distance travelled. Using a transport card also makes transfers between eligible subway and bus services more convenient.
Buses are another affordable way to explore Seoul, especially when travelling to places that are not directly connected to a subway station. Fares depend on the bus type and payment method.
Bus Type | Approximate Adult Fare |
Blue or green bus | ₩1,500–1,600 |
Yellow bus | ₩1,400–1,500 |
Red express bus | ₩3,000 or more |
Most Singaporean travellers will arrive at Incheon International Airport. From there, you can take the Airport Railroad Express (AREX), airport limousine bus or taxi to reach Seoul.
The AREX All-Stop Train is a more affordable option, while the Express Train provides a direct connection between Incheon Airport and Seoul Station.
Taxi fares depend on your destination, traffic conditions and additional charges.
Transport | Estimated One-Way Cost |
AREX All-Stop Train | Around S$5–7 |
AREX Express Train | Around S$12–15 |
Airport limousine bus | Around S$12–18 |
Taxi | Around S$55–90+ |
For most visitors, setting aside around S$5–10 per day for local public transport should be sufficient if you're mainly using the subway and buses.
For a 5-day trip, you can budget approximately S$25–50 for getting around Seoul, excluding airport transfers.
Seoul has a good mix of free attractions and paid experiences. You can spend a day exploring traditional neighbourhoods and scenic parks without spending much or purchase tickets for observation decks and entertainment attractions.
Here are some popular places to include in your itinerary.
Attraction | Estimated Admission Fee |
₩3,000 (S$2.80) | |
Changdeokgung Palace | ₩3,000 (S$2.80) |
Around ₩26,000 (S$24.50) | |
Around ₩60,000–65,000 (S$56.60–61.30) | |
Around ₩35,000 (S$33) |
Note: Attraction prices are indicative. Ticket types, age categories, seasonal promotions and online booking offers may affect the final price.
You don't have to spend much to enjoy Seoul. There are several attractions where you can explore, take photos and experience local culture for free.
If you plan to visit several paid attractions, budget around S$50–100 for sightseeing over five days.
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Shopping is another expenses worth considering when planning your Seoul budget. Seoul is especially popular for K-beauty, Korean fashion, skincare and lifestyle products.
From Olive Young and Myeongdong to the underground shopping centres, you will find plenty of opportunities to shop.
Shopping Item | Estimated Price in KRW | Approx. Price in SGD |
Sheet mask | ₩1,000–3,000 | S$0.90–2.80 |
Korean sunscreen | ₩10,000–25,000 | S$9.40–23.60 |
Lip tint | ₩8,000–20,000 | S$7.50–18.90 |
Basic Korean clothing | ₩15,000–40,000 | S$14.20–37.70 |
Korean accessories | ₩5,000–20,000 | S$4.70–18.90 |
Prices vary between brands, stores and promotional periods. You may also find bundle deals at beauty shops, especially when shopping at Olive Young.
If shopping is one of your main reasons for visiting Seoul, consider setting aside at least S$100–300 or more, depending on what you plan to buy.
Here is an estimated budget for a 5-day, 4-night Seoul holiday from Singapore.
Expense | Budget Trip | Mid-Range Trip |
Return flights | S$350–450 | S$450–600 |
Accommodation (4 nights) | S$100–200 | S$200–360 |
Food (5 days) | S$125–175 | S$200–300 |
Local transport | S$25–40 | S$35–50 |
Airport transfers | S$10–25 | S$20–35 |
Attractions | S$30–50 | S$60–100 |
SIM and miscellaneous | S$20–40 | S$30–50 |
Estimated Total | S$660–980 | S$995–1,495 |
Your final spending will depend on your travel dates, hotel choices, and shopping habits. Travelling during peak seasons or booking a private hotel room alone may increase the overall cost.
If you're trying to save money, you can keep your Seoul trip affordable by staying in a hostel or budget hotel, eating at local restaurants and using public transport.
Focus on free attractions such as Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul Forest and Cheonggyecheon Stream. You can still enjoy plenty of Korean food and sightseeing without spending too much.
For a more comfortable holiday, consider staying in a mid-range hotel, enjoying a mix of local eateries and popular restaurants, and visiting several paid attractions.
You can also set aside some extra money for cafés, shopping and Korean beauty products without having to watch every expense.
A Seoul holiday does not have to be expensive. With a little planning, you can enjoy the city while keeping your spending under control.
Flight and hotel prices can increase during popular travel periods. Compare different dates and book early to secure better deals, especially if you're travelling during cherry blossom season or autumn.
A T-money card makes travelling around Seoul more convenient. You can use it for eligible subway and bus journeys instead of purchasing a single-journey ticket every time.
Tourist areas such as Myeongdong can have higher food prices. Explore neighbourhood restaurants and traditional markets for more affordable Korean meals.
You don't need to purchase tickets for every sightseeing spot. Combine paid experiences such as N Seoul Tower with free places like Seoul Forest, Bukchon Hanok Village and Cheonggyecheon Stream.
It's easy to spend more than expected when browsing Olive Young, Myeongdong and Hongdae. Set aside a shopping allowance before departure to avoid overspending.
Check the latest SGD to KRW exchange rates before exchanging your money. You can also compare overseas card fees and exchange rates if you plan to use a travel card for payments.
Planning your Seoul travel budget early makes it easier to enjoy your holiday without worrying too much about unexpected expenses. Whether you're visiting for Korean food, shopping, sightseeing or simply experiencing the city's vibrant atmosphere, Seoul has something for every type of traveller.
Start planning you trip by comparing flights, hotels and attraction tickets on Trip.com. With different options to suit your budget, you can organise your Seoul getaway more easily and make the most of your time in South Korea.
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