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 Circle Adventure 5D/4N
- South Korea Classic 10 Day - One Life Adventures
- 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 Circle Adventure 5D/4N
28 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The multiple UNESCO sites made the trip special to me. Hotels were nicer than I expected.”
Carolyn, traveled in August
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
- US$1,385
South Korea Classic 10 Day - One Life Adventures
50 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This tour was simply amazing. I met the most amazing people and had an incredible time.”
Sebastian, 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 $168 Operator One Life Adventures From $2,245
25% Off- US$1,684You save $561
Exploring South Korea
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Well organized itinerary. Very fun, helpful and informative.”
Bethany, traveled in July
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
25% 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 $210 Operator On The Go Tours From $2,960
15% Off- US$2,516You save $444
Duration 10 days Destinations Seoul, Gyeongju, Busan Age Range Ages 18-39 Price Per Day $161 Operator TruTravels From $2,150
25% Off- US$1,613You save $538
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 $305 Operator On The Go Tours From
25% Off- US$2,745
Duration 14 days Destinations Daegu Age Range Ages 16+ Price Per Day $32 Operator World Unite Japan KK From
25% Off- US$446
South Korea Essentials 10 Day - One Life Adventures
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Really well organised, fun activities, lovely helpful guide.”
Olivia, traveled in June
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 $190 Operator One Life Adventures From
25% Off- US$1,895
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 $227 Operator The Dragon Trip From $2,270
10% Off- US$2,043You save $227
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 $236 Operator On The Go Tours From $1,110
15% Off- US$944You save $167
Budget Tours & Trips to South Korea Reviews
- South Korea Circle Adventure 5D/4N
Had a wondering time in South Korea. Andi was a great guide, got us to each destination safely and with tons of knowledge of each place and Korea in general. I highly recommend him. He even handled it very calmly and safety, us getting stuck in a bad snow storm (the van couldn't make it up the hill to the hotel, about 1 KM, the last night) Thank you Andi. The tour itself was also great, you see a lot in the 5 days, but also don't feel rushed. I would recommend the tour to anyone :)
- South Korea Classic 10 Day - One Life Adventures
This tour was simply amazing. I met the most amazing people and had an incredible time. But what really made the tour so fantastic were the 2 tour guides, Damien and Rayon. Their kindness, enthusiasm and commitment to caring for everyone an ensuring everyone had a fantastic time was simply unmatched. They made me feel so welcome in Korea and because of them I cannot wait to return. They left a lasting positive impression on South Korean culture and I have left already thinking about when I can go back. Thank you so much !!
- 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."