What are the prices in Seoul? Wondering how much dinner costs? What is the cost of accommodation? How much money do I need for shopping in a supermarket in Seoul?
Nicole Collins recently visited Seoul and prepared this article about prices in Seoul. Find out about average prices in Seoul, including food prices, restaurants, beer, accommodation, transportation and more. Seoul is a part of South Korea. What currency is accepted in Seoul? How much money can I bring into South Korea?
What currency is used in Seoul?
Here is information about currency:
The currency of South Korea is South Korean Won (KRW). 1₩ (won) is divided into 100 jeon. There are 6 different coins: ₩1, ₩5, ₩10, ₩50, ₩100, ₩500. There are 4 different bank notes with the following values: ₩1000, ₩5000, ₩10000, ₩50000. To avoid unexpected risks of receiving fake money, we reccommend checking the currency when trading. Be especially careful with those banknotes: ₩50000, ₩10000. The current exchange rate of South Korean Won (KRW) is: $1 USD = 1,300 KRW. (Data updated: today)
For 1$ United States dollar (USD) you can get: 1,365.47KRW South Korean Won (KRW)
For 1€ Euro you can get: 1,467.23KRW South Korean Won (KRW)
For 1£ British Pound (GBP) you can get: 1,706.19KRW South Korean Won (KRW)
For 1₽ Russian ruble (RUB) you can get: 14.96KRW South Korean Won (KRW)
Is Seoul an expensive city?
Prices of basic products in Seoul are lower than in United States. You have to pay 1.06 times less for shopping in Seoul than in United States. The average accommodation cost in Seoul range from: 24 USD (33,000 KRW) in hostel to 50 USD (68,000 KRW) in 3 star hotel. Price per night in a luxury hotel in Seoul is about 164 USD (224,000 KRW).
Using public transport in Seoul comes at a cost of: 1.10 USD (1,400 KRW) for a one-way ticket. The price for renting a car in Seoul (e.g. Volkswagen Golf or Toyota Corolla) to 24,000 USD (33,894,000 KRW). If you prefer taxi, remember that the price of a taxi in Seoul depends on several factors. Taxi starting price is about: 3.50 USD (4,800 KRW). For 1 km ride in Seoul you have to pay about: 0.73 USD (1,000 KRW).
Food prices in supermarkets are higher than in United States. For example, in Seoul you have to pay for:
Bottle or carton of milk (1 liter): 2.10 USD (2,900 KRW)
Popular yellow cheese (1 kg): 12 USD (15,000 KRW)
A bottle of beer from a known brand: 2.80 USD (3,800 KRW)
A sausage or cold cuts (1 kg): 33 USD (44,000 KRW)
A mid-range wine (one bottle): 18 USD (25,000 KRW)
How much money do I need for a week's stay in Seoul?
If you want to spend a week in Seoul the cost of your stay will be:
543 USD (740,000 KRW) - a cheap stay for 7 days in Seoul
731 USD (997,000 KRW) - a budget travel for 7 days in Seoul
1,000 USD (1,371,000 KRW) for a one week of comfortable stay in Seoul
2,500 USD (3,532,000 KRW) for a week of luxury holidays in Seoul
What is a cost of meals (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) in Seoul? What is the average cost of lunch in Seoul?
In Seoul, a typical fast food meal costs: 5.90 USD (8,000 KRW) for a McMeal at McDonalds or BurgerKing (or similar combo meal), and 1.80 USD (2,400 KRW) for a cheeseburger. For coffee lovers: cappuccino coffee 3.90 USD (5,200 KRW) and espresso 2.70 USD (3,600 KRW).
More information about meals budget you can find in our: Travel cost guide.
How much do cigarettes cost in Seoul?
Cigarettes are cheaper in Seoul than in United States. Average cost of a pack of local cigarettes is 2.60 USD (3,600 KRW). For more famous brands such: Kent, Lucky Strike, Marlboro you have to pay about 3.30 USD (4,500 KRW).
What about vegetable prices in Seoul? Are they higher than a few years ago?
We can compare vegetable prices in previous years on the example of tomatoes: 2012: 4,800 KRW, 2013: 5,000 KRW, 2014: 6,800 KRW, 2015: 4,600 KRW, 2016: 5,300 KRW, 2017: 6,000 KRW, 2018: 6,500 KRW, 2019: 8,000 KRW, 2020: 7,800 KRW
I can't imagine breakfast without bananas, have the prices of these fruits increased recently in Seoul?
The prices of tropical fruit, for example bananas, have been changing in recent years: 2015: 5,700 KRW, 2016: 4,300 KRW, 2017: 4,700 KRW, 2019: 4,400 KRW, 2020: 3,800 KRW
Have prices in cafes increased in recent years in Seoul?
The cost of cappuccino coffee in a cafe or restaurant has changed in recent years: 2011: 3,500 KRW, 2012: 4,400 KRW, 2013: 4,600 KRW, 2014: 4,400 KRW, 2015: 4,500 KRW, 2016: 4,500 KRW, 2017: 4,500 KRW, 2018: 4,800 KRW, 2019: 4,800 KRW, 2020: 4,600 KRW
Have apartment prices increased in recent years in Seoul?
In previous years, the following costs have been paid per square meter of flat in the city center: 2011: 7,058,000 KRW, 2012: 10,000,000 KRW, 2013: 8,000,000 KRW, 2014: 11,596,000 KRW, 2015: 14,596,000 KRW, 2016: 12,184,000 KRW, 2017: 12,740,000 KRW, 2018: 15,621,000 KRW, 2019: 17,772,000 KRW, 2020: 21,327,000 KRW
How high are the salaries in Seoul? Can you earn more now than in previous years?
This is how earnings have changed in recent years: 2010: 2,974,000 KRW, 2011: 3,020,000 KRW, 2012: 2,700,000 KRW, 2013: 2,364,000 KRW, 2014: 2,807,000 KRW, 2015: 2,882,000 KRW, 2016: 2,582,000 KRW, 2017: 2,891,000 KRW, 2018: 2,848,000 KRW, 2019: 2,730,000 KRW, 2020: 2,761,000 KRW
Prices in South Korea. Historic data last years
Average fuel price in Seoul is 1.90 times bigger than average price in United States (fuel prices in Seoul for 1 liter = 0.264 gallons)
Petrol price in Seoul is around
1.80 USD
1.60 EURO
Diesel fuel price in Seoul is around
1.60 USD
1.50 EURO
Bus tickets, subway, taxi
Average transport price in Seoul is 1.68 times lower than average price in United States
Local transport. One-way ticket prices in Seoul is around:
1.10 USD
1.00 EURO
Local transport. Monthly pass in Seoul is around:
43 USD
40 EURO
Taxi starting price in Seoul is around:
2.60 USD
2.40 EURO
Taxi – fare for 1km in Seoul is around:
1.10 USD
1.00 EURO
Taxi – waiting time (1 hour) in Seoul is around:
12 USD
11 EURO
Meal price in a restaurant
Average price of a meal in a restaurant in Seoul is 1.26 times lower than average price in United States
Budget restaurant (price per 1 person) in Seoul is around:
5.80 USD
5.40 EURO
Mid-range restaurant (meal for 2 people) in Seoul is around:
33 USD
31 EURO
Fast Food combo in Seoul is around:
5.80 USD
5.40 EURO
Price of a cheeseburger in Seoul is around:
1.80 USD
1.70 EURO
Price of french fries in Seoul is around:
1.70 USD
1.50 EURO
Price of a cappuccino in Seoul is around:
4.10 USD
3.80 EURO
Price of a Coca-Cola or Pepsi (0,5L) in Seoul is around:
3.20 USD
3.00 EURO
Food prices
Average food prices in Seoul are 1.35 times bigger than average price in United States
Price of a local beer (0.3 liter bottle) in Seoul is around:
1.70 USD
1.50 EURO
Price of a local beer (0,5 liter bottle) in Seoul is around:
2.10 USD
1.90 EURO
Price of an imported beer (0,3 liter bottle) in Seoul is around:
4.00 USD
3.70 EURO
Price of an imported beer (0,5 liter bottle) in Seoul is around:
4.80 USD
4.50 EURO
Price of table wine in Seoul is around:
17 USD
16 EURO
Price of cigarettes in Seoul is around:
2.60 USD
2.40 EURO
Price of a Cola/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) in Seoul is around:
1.40 USD
1.30 EURO
Price of Perrier water (0.33 liter bottle) in Seoul is around:
0.83 USD
0.77 EURO
Price of water (1.5 liter bottle) in Seoul is around:
1.20 USD
1.20 EURO
Price of milk (1 liter bottle) in Seoul is around:
Answer given by: Sam Simpson - trip advisor & blogger at hikersbay.
• What currency is used in Seoul
Question asked by: Angel Patel
• Currency: South Korean Won
Answer given by: Shannon Marshall - trip advisor & blogger at hikersbay.
• How much is a cheap meal in Seoul?
Question asked by: متین سعیدی
• You will pay 7.70 USD (10,000 KRW) for a meal in a cheap restaurant during your stay in Seoul.
Answer given by: Joel Collins - trip advisor & blogger at hikersbay.
• What is the average cost of a restaurant meal in Seoul?
Question asked by: יעל אלון
• A meal for 2 in a nice mid-range restaurant will cost you: 51 USD (70,000 KRW), and 0.80 USD (1,000 KRW) for bottle of water, a bottle of wine 55 USD (75,000 KRW).
Answer given by: Madeleine Bennett - trip advisor & blogger at hikersbay.
• How much does a meal cost in a fast food bar in Seoul?
Question asked by: Simone Farina
• A fast food combo meal costs around 5.90 USD (8,000 KRW).
Answer given by: Billy Cox - trip advisor & blogger at hikersbay.
• What is the average price for a dinner at a restaurant in Seoul?
Question asked by: 小林 七海
• The average price for a dinner at an inexpensive restaurant is around 7.70 USD (10,000 KRW)
Answer given by: Summer Richardson - trip advisor & blogger at hikersbay.
• How much does it cost to have dinner at one of the most popular restaurants in Seoul?
Question asked by: 황 성수
• Price for a dinner for two at one of the most popular restaurant in Seoul is usually around: 108 USD (147,000 KRW)
Answer given by: Robert Fox - trip advisor & blogger at hikersbay.
• What price is acceptable for a dinner at an average restaurant in Seoul?
Question asked by: Mónica Alarcón
• We think that the acceptable price for a dinner is between 10.00 USD (13,000 KRW) - 12 USD (15,000 KRW).
Answer given by: Nicole Gray - trip advisor & blogger at hikersbay.
• I am going to visit Seoul. I’m looking for a cheap hotel in the city center. What price should I expect?
Question asked by: Pradip Banjade
• Great accommodation in a budget hotel in Seoul can be found for 34 USD (45,000 KRW)
Answer given by: Leon Rose - trip advisor & blogger at hikersbay.
• How much does a weekend stay in Seoul cost?
Question asked by: Annelies de Vries
• Three days in a 2-star hotel in Seoul cost 109 USD (148,000 KRW).
Answer given by: Sienna Chapman - trip advisor & blogger at hikersbay.
• How much does a hotel cost in Seoul?
Question asked by: Liam Walker
• Price for a high-end hotel: 213 USD (291,000 KRW)
Answer given by: Logan Hunt - trip advisor & blogger at hikersbay.
• How can I find the cheapest hotel in Seoul, South Korea?
Question asked by: Dolapo Oyebanji
• You can stay in a dormitory in the hostel from 22 USD (29,000 KRW) per night. Double room with private bathroom costs around: 56 USD (76,000 KRW). Hostel price comparison: Hotels in Seoul
Answer given by: Alicia Robertson - trip advisor & blogger at hikersbay.com
• I’m going to visit Seoul. I prefer public transport, what is the price of one-way ticket?
Question asked by: Martin Simonsen
• Hi, one-way ticket costs 1.10 USD (1,400 KRW) for an adult and 0.53 USD (725 KRW) for kids.
Answer given by: Freddie Shaw - trip advisor & blogger at hikersbay.
• What is the average cost of public transportation in Seoul?
Question asked by: Khadija Dar
• Hi, there are many factors that determine the cost of local transportation in Seoul. However, when you want to stay longer in Seoul - the best option is a monthly pass. Price for a monthly pass is: 44 USD (60,000 KRW).
Answer given by: Lilly Reynolds - trip advisor & blogger at hikersbay.
• How much does a taxi cost in Seoul, South Korea
Question asked by: Kajetan Krawczyk
• For each kilometer you will pay 0.73 USD (1,000 KRW) in Seoul. You need to add a start fare 3.50 USD (4,800 KRW) too.
Answer given by: Jay Lloyd - trip advisor & blogger at hikersbay.
* These questions have been translated by a computer
Nicole Collins
Nicole is travel expert at hikersbay.com (24 years old, Zodiac sign: Sagittarius)
Nicole Collins wants to follow in Dublin's footsteps James Joyce.
Her favourite books are: Under the Tuscan Sun - Frances Mayes, A Turn in the South - V.S. Naipaul, No Mercy - Redmond O’Hanlon. Nicole also likes good music, favorite songs: Hells Bells - AC/DC, Looks That Kill - Motley Crue, Again Tonight - John Mellencamp.
Favorite movies include: Bicycle Thieves (Ladri di biciclette) (1949), A Hard Day's Night (1964), Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), 12 Years a Slave (2013). Favorite quote: Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living. - Miriam Beard.
Hobbies: Urban exploration, Jogging, Reading. Countries visited: South Korea, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, East Timor