South Korea (especially Seoul) can be more expensive than London for some things like groceries (fruit) and property, but cheaper for others like public transport and dining out (street food/local eateries), with overall costs often similar or slightly higher for Seoul depending on lifestyle, making it generally comparable to Western cities but pricier than Southeast Asia.
What can 50,000 won buy in Korea? In South Korea, 50,000 won can cover different costs depending on what you need. This amount might pay for several meals at average restaurants or one or two meals at fancier places.
I spent £38 daily and my entire 5-day trip cost £1,000, including flights and hotel. That's cheaper than a weekend in London. FAQ 2: Is South Korea cheap for tourists from the UK? It's reasonable.
South Korea is generally considered moderately priced for Australians, often comparable to or slightly cheaper than Australia for daily expenses like food and transport, though high-end dining and luxury goods can be expensive; you can save money by eating street food and using public transport, but expect costs for accommodation, activities, and even basic groceries to add up, making it possible to travel affordably or splurge depending on your choices.
South Korea's 52-hour work rule caps most employees' weekly working hours at 52, consisting of 40 standard hours plus 12 allowed overtime hours, aiming to reduce overwork, improve work-life balance, and boost productivity by ending excessively long workweeks previously common in the country. Implemented in phases for different company sizes, this law applies to a seven-day week, including weekends, and was a major revision to the Labor Standards Act, phasing in from 2018 to 2021 for most businesses.
4B movement, South Korean feminist activist movement and political stance defined by four deliberate refusals: bihon (“no marriage”), bichulsan (“no childbirth”), biyonae (“no dating”), bisekseu (“no sex [with men]”).
The "3 date rule" in Korean dating refers to the common practice of establishing an official couple status (boyfriend/girlfriend) by the third date, moving from casual "talking" (sseom) to a defined relationship quickly, a faster pace than typical Western dating, allowing for deeper getting-to-know-you stages after becoming official, though it's becoming less strict with younger generations. It's about rapid commitment assessment, with the first few dates gauging chemistry before locking things down.
On a two-week Classic Tour, we would recommend approximately AU$1,000 per person spending money, although this depends greatly on your individual needs. The cost of food and drinks in South Korea can vary depending on where you are and what you are looking for.
Coffee culture is thriving in South Korea. A regular coffee at a café costs around 3,500 to 5,000 KRW ($3 to $4 USD), while specialty drinks can go up to 6,000 KRW ($4.50 USD). Desserts often cost between 8,000 to 12,000 KRW ($6 to $9 USD), depending on the café.
Based on up-to-date 2024 data from the Korea Real Estate Board and statistics analyzed by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (source), the average sale price for a 3 bedroom home (approximately 85–100㎡ or 914–1,076 sq ft) in Seoul falls between ₩800 million to ₩2.5 billion KRW ($600,000–$1.8M USD).
The cheapest months to fly to Korea are typically during the shoulder seasons, with April, May, February, and September often cited as the lowest-cost periods, avoiding peak summer (June-Aug) and late December holidays. Prices vary by departure location, but spring shoulder months (April/May) and late autumn/winter (Feb/Sept) generally offer the best balance of good weather and lower fares, while March and February can be very cheap but colder.
Entry Requirements for South Korea
British citizens are exempt through December 2026 from needing a 'K-ETA' pass, which allows travel to South Korea (for tourism or business purposes) through the country's electronic travel authorisation system.
Familiarize yourself with your visa information in advance, and check out the airport to Seoul and the various means of transportation in advance. Also, go on a trip with a knowledge of currency information, communication, and the Internet environment.
Skincare, K-beauty products, K-pop merchandise, traditional Korean snacks, and Korean socks are some of the best things to buy in Korea.
Interestingly enough, the country where shopping at Zara is more expensive than elsewhere is South Korea (96 percent more expensive than in Spain) followed by the USA (92 percent) and China (78 percent).
Tipping in bars and restaurants is not expected in South Korea, unlike in most countries in Europe and in the United States. The general rule is the service should be exceptional at all times, and with no expectation of extra pay. Tipping in South Korea can be considered rude and frowned upon.
Things You Can Get For ￦1,000 In Korea
How many days in Korea is enough? As a general rule, I like spending between 10 days and two weeks in South Korea. This allows you a few days each in Seoul and Busan, which you can use as bookends for destinations such as Seoraksan, Geongju and Jeju, which you can visit in-between Korea's large cities.
Besides being safer and more convenient, cashless payments have become the norm in South Korea. Cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, along with several popular digital wallets.
It's generally better to exchange money in South Korea, specifically in city centers or markets (like Namdaemun/Dongdaemun), rather than airports or hotels in either country, for the best rates on AUD to KRW. However, exchanging a small amount in Australia beforehand for immediate arrival needs (transport, snacks) is wise, using online services or physical locations outside airports for better rates, while using cards for most major expenses.
Also, avoid talking too much or too loudly, especially in English, on public transportation. If you are in a restaurant where take your shoes off, make sure your socks are clean and no holes. Don't touch your feet at the table. Don't compare Korea to Japan or talk about how much you like Japan or think it's similar.
The "333 rule" in Korea is a popular oral hygiene guideline promoted by the Korean Dental Association: brush three times a day, for three minutes each time, within three minutes after meals, to combat plaque and maintain dental health, though some experts suggest waiting 30-60 minutes after eating due to enamel's temporary acidity after meals, making it a cultural practice linked to public brushing habits.
This kind of sudden silence – what we call “ghosting” – can feel hurtful. But often, it's more about fear than disrespect. In fact, according to a survey by Seoul City, 63% of young Koreans said they avoid awkward situations by simply stopping contact. So if this happens to you, please don't blame yourself.