Budget Tours & Trips to South Korea
Want to experience the UNESCO-listed Tomb of King Muryeong? Walk through historic Jinjuseong Fortress, and marvel at Bulguksa Temple's intricate details. Visit Pyeongchang where the 2018 Winter Olympics happened, and discover Seoraksan National Park's natural beauty. South Korea blends ancient traditions with modern energy in ways you might not expect. Every temple's got its own story... some quiet, some bustling with visitors.
10 best cheap South Korea tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaSouth Korea travel expert at TourRadar
- South Korea Classic 10 Day - One Life Adventures
- South Korea Circle Adventure 5D/4N
- Exploring South Korea
- Essential South Korea and Jeju - 12 days
- South Korea: Seoul, Busan & Beyond
- South Korea, K-Pop & Kimchi - 9 days
- Korean Cooking Course in Korea
- South Korea Essentials 10 Day - One Life Adventures
- Epic 9 Day K-Pop Tour: Discover South Korea's Top Hits
- Essential Seoul Adventure - 4 days
South Korea Classic 10 Day - One Life Adventures
“We saw all of the highlights in the wo day tour. But they were so much fun.”
Esther, traveled in April
Priced at approx.$170 per day, the tour covers accommodations across 5 cities, 7 breakfasts, and cultural activities like K-pop dance classes in Hongdae. Travelers visit UNESCO sites in Gyeongju and taste street food at Seoul's Gwangjang Market.
Duration 10 days Destinations Seoul, Jeonju, Gyeongju, Bulguksa, Busan Age Range Ages 18-59 Price Per Day $202 Operator One Life Adventures From $2,245
10% Off- US$2,021
South Korea Circle Adventure 5D/4N
“We had such a good time travelling together. We really cover a lot within five days.”
Alma, traveled in January
The approx.$260 per day tour covers UNESCO sites, national parks, and cultural landmarks across South Korea. Four nights in 3-4 star hotels, daily breakfast, English guide, and coach transport between 11 cities are included. Seokguram Grotto entrance costs $6 extra.
Duration 5 days Destinations Seoul, Gongju, Buyeo, Jeonju, Gwangju, Suncheon, Yeosu, Jinju, Busan, GyeongjuSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Price Per Day $277 Operator Bamba Travel From
10% Off- US$1,385
Exploring South Korea
“I love how this tour has a lot of free time cuz we get to see other places.”
Andrea, traveled in March
For approx.$200 per day, this tour provides budget-friendly stays at Step Inn Myeongdong and Blueboat Hostel Busan. The package includes hiking in Seoraksan National Park, cycling in Gyeongju, and local experiences like $15 hanbok rentals at Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Duration 12 days Destinations Seoul, Seoraksan National Park, Sokcho, Gyeongju, Busan, Jeju-do Age Range Ages 18-55 Price Per Day $210 Operator Encounters Travel From
10% Off- US$2,515
This approx.$230 per day package includes hostel stays and activities like Taekwondo classes in Seoul and cycling in Gyeongju. The itinerary features Gamcheon Village in Busan, Jeju Olle Trail treks, and temple stays, utilizing public transport between cities.
Duration 12 days Destinations Seoul, Seoraksan National Park, Sokcho, Gyeongju, Busan, Jeju-do Age Range Ages 18-55 Price Per Day $214 Operator On The Go Tours From $3,025
15% Off- US$2,571
Duration 10 days Destinations Seoul, Gyeongju, Busan Age Range Ages 18-39 Price Per Day $129 Operator TruTravels From $2,150
40% Off- US$1,290
Priced at approx.$270 per day, the package provides hostel stays across Seoul, Gwangju, and Busan. Public transport, KTX train rides, and cable car experiences are included, with optional group dinners in Myeongdong and K-Pop karaoke in Haeundae.
Duration 9 days Destinations Seoul, Gwangju, Busan Age Range Ages 18-55 Price Per Day $265 Operator On The Go Tours From $2,805
15% Off- US$2,384
Duration 14 days Destinations Daegu Age Range Ages 16+ Price Per Day $32 Operator World Unite Japan KK From
15% Off- US$446
South Korea Essentials 10 Day - One Life Adventures
“Everything was well organised and it took the ease out of travelling alone in a country I couldn't speak the language in.”
Sarah, traveled in July
Valued at approx.$150 per day, this comprehensive package includes 7 breakfasts and 3 dinners. Guests stay in traditional Hanok houses in Jeonju and mountain temples near Seoul, with Gwangjang Market food tours, monastery meditation, and Busan karaoke included.
Duration 10 days Destinations Seoul, Insadong, Jeonju, Gyeongju, Bulguksa, Busan Age Range Ages 18-39 Price Per Day $171 Operator One Life Adventures From $1,895
10% Off- US$1,706
The approx.$210 per day tour focuses on South Korea's K-Pop scene with cable car rides at Namsan Mountain and Songdo Marine Car. Budget-friendly hostels and activities like BTS RM Forest visits and Gamcheon Culture Village tours are included.
Duration 9 days Destinations Seoul, Insadong, Gwangju, Busan Age Range Ages 18-55 Price Per Day $256 Operator The Dragon Trip From
10% Off- US$2,304
For just around $80 per day, you'll stay at budget hostels in central Myeongdong with metro access to major sights. The package includes a welcome dinner, Taekwondo class, and DMZ trip, plus you can catch the free Royal Guard Changing Ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Duration 4 days Destinations Seoul Age Range Ages 18+ Price Per Day $241 Operator On The Go Tours From $1,135
15% Off- US$965
Budget Tours & Trips to South Korea Reviews
- South Korea Classic 10 Day - One Life Adventures
This tour is great for seeing things and experiencing the street life in South Korea. You get to learn some history in the temples that you visit and you even get to stay in a temple accomondation area. There is a lot of walking and exercise which can be demanding with the heat but it is the best way as you can really take everytging in as South Korea is really beautiful. Our wonderful guide Yoojin is absolutely amazing at what she does as she is such a lovely person and really knows how to make the tour extremely fun. She is so lively and just a pleasure to be around.
- South Korea Circle Adventure 5D/4N
Tour was great and was a good pace. There was quite a large age range of all the travellers. Justin is a great and well informed tour guide
- Exploring South Korea
There were days when the itinerary was a little rushed so our group missed out on some events I would have liked to have participated in, but overall, what I did experience was very memorable and satisfying for an 11 day tour.
What our customers ask about Budget Tours & Trips to South Korea
When is the most affordable time to visit South Korea?
Visit South Korea in March-April or October-November to find the best deals on accommodations and flights. These months offer pleasant temperatures while avoiding the high prices of summer tourist season in Seoul and Busan. Winter brings even lower rates from December through February though some attractions operate on reduced schedules. One TourRadar traveler reports: "We went in late March and got great weather for sightseeing plus better hotel rates especially at places like Busan Blueboat Hostel."
What are the best budget-friendly areas to stay in South Korea?
Look for accommodations in Seoul's Hongdae and Jongno districts where you'll find affordable options like Step Inn Myeongdong 1. In Busan the Nampo-dong area offers budget-friendly stays including Busan Blueboat Hostel. The area near Gyeongju's main train station provides good value at places like GG Tourist Hotel with easy access to historic sites. A TourRadar traveler notes: "Hongdae was perfect for budget travelers - lots of cheap eats fun atmosphere and easy to get around."
How much should I budget for public transportation during the tour?
Budget tours typically provide a T-Money card for transit but set aside 15-20 USD daily for additional transport needs. Single rides on the Seoul metro cost 1-2 USD while intercity buses between major cities like Busan and Gyeongju run 5-15 USD. A TourRadar traveler shares: "Public transportation in South Korea is incredibly efficient and affordable - we rarely spent more than 15 USD per day getting around Seoul and Busan."
What are some budget-friendly shopping areas in South Korea?
Find the best deals at Myeongdong Street Market in Seoul near Step Inn Myeongdong 1 BIFF Square in Busan and traditional markets in Jeonju. These spots offer everything from local street food to reasonably priced souvenirs. Visit Dongdaemun Market in Seoul late at night for particularly good bargains. One TourRadar traveler notes: "The markets were amazing for finding affordable souvenirs and trying local street food - we especially loved the night markets in Myeongdong."
What budget should I set aside for souvenirs and optional activities?
Plan for 150-200 USD to cover extras during your trip. Popular add-ons include Seoul's Nanta Show for 40 USD traditional cooking classes in Jeonju for 30-40 USD and visits to jjimjilbangs like Centum Spa Land in Busan for 20 USD. A TourRadar traveler suggests: "Setting aside about 200 USD for extras let us enjoy additional activities like the cooking class and still have enough for souvenirs."
Are entrance fees to major attractions included in budget tours?
Most budget-friendly tours cover entry to main sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul (3000 KRW) Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju (5000 KRW) and the Songdo Marine Cable Car in Busan (5000 KRW). Special attractions like Seoul N Tower Observatory or specialty museums usually cost extra. A TourRadar traveler confirms: "Having major entrance fees included in our tour to places like Gyeongbokgung Palace and temples saved us quite a bit of money though we did budget extra for optional activities."