Budget Tours & Trips to South Korea
Discover a varied offer of South Korea budget adventures that will take you through some of the most renowned destinations such as Seoul and Busan. Each affordable tour will provide you with great experiences for some of the lowest prices on the market.
10 best cheap South Korea tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaSouth Korea travel expert at TourRadar
- South Korea Classic 10 Day - One Life Adventures
- Exploring South Korea
- Essential South Korea and Jeju - 12 days
- South Korea, K-Pop & Kimchi - 9 days
- 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
- 4-Day South Korea Tour: Seoul & DMZ
- Uncover Korean War History DMZ Tour
- 12-Day South Korea Adventure: From Seoul to Jeju Island
South Korea Classic 10 Day - One Life Adventures
41 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I love Korea and this tour!”
Lea, traveled in August
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, Geumsan, Jeonju, Gyeongju, Busan Age Range Ages 18-59 Price Per Day $191 Operator One Life Adventures From $2,245
15% Off- US$1,908You save $337
Exploring South Korea
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A fantastic tour of some of the most beautiful parts of South Korea. I absolutely recommend this tour.”
Stephanie, traveled in September
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, Sokcho, Gyeongju, Busan, Jeju-do Age Range Ages 18-55 Price Per Day $204 Operator Encounters Travel From
15% Off- US$2,450
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 $176 Operator On The Go Tours From $3,015
30% Off- US$2,111You save $905
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 $212 Operator On The Go Tours From $2,720
30% Off- US$1,904You save $816
South Korea Essentials 10 Day - One Life Adventures
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Lots of sightseeing, good food and activities. It was very handy to have a Korean guide to break the language barrier.”
Kristen, traveled in August
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, Jeonju, Gyeongju, Busan Age Range Ages 18-39 Price Per Day $171 Operator One Life Adventures From $1,895
10% Off- US$1,706You save $190
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, Gwangju, Busan Age Range Ages 18-55 Price Per Day $167 Operator The Dragon Trip From $2,144
30% Off- US$1,501You save $643
This budget-friendly 4-day trip uses Seoul hostels and dorm accommodation to keep costs low while including plenty of cultural activities. Free entry to Gyeongbokgung Palace in hanbok, the Namsan Cable Car ride for city views, and professional K-pop dance classes are all part of the package. Taekwondo training, the DMZ excursion, and one welcome dinner in Myeongdong are covered. Optional add-ons like makgeolli-making classes are available if you want more.
Duration 4 days Destinations Seoul Age Range Ages 18+ Price Per Day $194 Operator On The Go Tours From $1,110
30% Off- US$777You save $333
Duration 4 days Destinations Seoul Age Range Ages 18-55 Price Per Day $159 Operator The Dragon Trip From $911
30% Off- US$637You save $273
Uncover Korean War History DMZ Tour
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour itself was well organized and planned. Even though there was a lot of traffic we made it to the DMZ in time.”
Simon, traveled in May
The tour costs approx.$80 per day covering DMZ access, traditional Bibimbap lunch, and Korean snacks. Transportation and English-speaking guide services are included, with perfect 5.0 ratings for both transport and accommodation value.
No departure dates availableDuration 1 day Destinations Seoul, Cheorwon-gun Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $0 Operator HanaTour ITC 12-Day South Korea Adventure: From Seoul to Jeju Island
219 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Good Tour of the flavour of South Korea! Insightful.”
Hiren, traveled in November
This approx.$190 per day package includes varied accommodations from Seoul hostels to temple stays. DMZ tours, K-pop classes, and internal flights to Jeju are covered, with optional extras like Hanbok rental ($12) and Bulguksa Temple entry ($4).
Duration 12 days Destinations Seoul, Sokcho, Gyeongju, Busan, Jeju-do Age Range Ages 18-55 Price Per Day $149 Operator The Dragon Trip From $2,546
30% Off- US$1,783You save $764
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."