Key Takeaways
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South Korea isn’t exactly a budget destination for Indian travellers, especially when you consider flights and accommodation. However, you don’t need a luxury budget to enjoy it with a well-planned itinerary.
From visiting Seoul’s royal palaces and shopping streets to trying Korean street food, South Korea has plenty of places and experiences to suit different budgets.
This guide covers the cost of flights, visas, accommodation, food, transport, and sightseeing to help you work out your budget before you book.
South Korea Trip Cost from India
Trip costs vary based on your travel dates, accommodation, food preferences, and the places you want to visit. A week spent only in Seoul will cost less. When you include a trip to Busan or Jeju Island, you will need to budget for extra transport and stays.
1. Flight Costs from India to South Korea
Flights to South Korea make up most of the budget, and there are no hacks that reduce flight costs significantly. However, to save a few thousand, travel off-season or book tickets months in advance.
If you are heading to Seoul, arrive at Incheon International Airport. Delhi has direct flight options, while travellers from cities such as Bengaluru, Chennai, and Mumbai can compare connecting routes as well.
When travelling during the cherry blossom season in South Korea, you need to confirm flight prices early. Connecting flights may cost less than direct options, but check the layover time and total journey duration before choosing a ticket.
Use these fares to estimate your flight budget before booking.
| Departure City | Approx. Round-Trip Flight Cost (INR) |
| Chennai | 68,000 |
| Kochi | 85,000 |
| Bengaluru | 72,000 |
| Hyderabad | 67,000 |
| Mumbai | 62,000 |
| Delhi | 64,000 |
Note: These are approximate fares for budgeting, not live ticket prices. Actual costs depend on your travel dates, airline, baggage allowance, and route.
2. South Korea Tourist Visa Cost for Indians
Indian travellers should learn about the tourist visa requirements before booking their trip. Currently, you need to apply for a single-entry tourist visa for South Korea, which is valid for 90 days. There is a multiple-entry visa available, but it is for travellers with stable financial status. For tourists, a single-entry visa is enough and easy to get.
Approx. Total Visa Cost: 6,500 INR for single entry.
This cost is split into three categories: Visa fee: 4,350 INR, Service fee: 1,600 INR, and Courier fee: 550 INR. For a multiple-entry visa, the visa fee alone comes to around 8,100 INR.
3. Accommodation Costs in South Korea
Your stay budget depends on whether you choose a hostel, guesthouse, hotel, or premium property.
The table lists recommended hotels across different budget ranges. Since most tourists start their holiday in the capital city, the stays listed are in Seoul. You can use this information as a budget estimate while planning your holiday.
| Stay | Type | Approx. Cost in INR per night |
| Birdsnest Hostel Hongdae | Hostel | 2,500 |
| YaKorea Hostel Gangnam | Hostel | 3,300 |
| Tripstay Myeongdong | 3-star hotel | 6,000 |
| KOZAYO Hongdae Hostel | Guest House | 6,000 |
| DW Design Residence | 3-star hotel | 8,000 |
| G2 Hotel Myeongdong | 4-star hotel | 13,000 |
| LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong | 4-star hotel | 16,000 |
4. Food Costs in South Korea
Food expenses in South Korea vary according to where you eat. Convenience-store meals and local restaurants can help keep your daily spending under control. Korean barbecue, speciality restaurants, and cafe visits can increase the cost.
Also, Indians staying for a longer period may miss home-cooked food, so eating at Indian restaurants in Seoul or any other major city can increase costs.
- Convenience store: Approx. 300 INR per meal.
- Street food: Approx. 500 INR per meal.
- Restaurant meal: Approx. 700 INR per meal.
- Korean barbecue: Approx. 2,500 INR per meal.
- Indian restaurant: Approx. 1,300 INR per meal.
5. Transport Costs in South Korea
South Korea has a convenient public transport network, particularly in Seoul. The subway and buses connect major shopping areas and cultural attractions, making everyday travel easy.
You can use a rechargeable T-money card for public transport in Seoul and many other parts of the country. You will need to pay for the card and add money for your journeys prior to travel.
- Metro & Buses: Approx. 100 – 180 INR per ride.
- KTX trains: Approx. 4,000 INR one way.
- Cabs: Approx. 400 INR for a 5 km ride.
6. Attraction and Activity Costs in South Korea
South Korea offers cultural attractions, shopping districts, theme parks, observation decks, and K-pop-related experiences. Some places can be explored without an entry fee, while others require separate tickets or guided tours.
Here are a few experiences to consider when planning your sightseeing budget.
| Experiences | Approx. cost per person (INR) |
| Gyeongbokgung Palace | 214 |
| N Seoul Tower | 1,500 |
| Seoraksan National Park | Free |
| Changdeokgung Palace | 214 |
| Lotte World | 4,000 |
| Hallasan National Park | Free |
| Bukhansan National Park | Free |
| Dadohaehaesang National Park | Free |
| Traditional Jjimjilbang | 1,000 |
| Han River Boat Ride | 2,000 |
Note: Most national parks in South Korea are free to enter, but guided tours cost around 6,000 INR.
7-Day Budget Estimate for a South Korea Trip
The total cost depends on your comfort and how many places you plan to visit. The cost below is for one person spending seven days and six nights, with round-trip flights, a mid-range hotel room, local meals, public transport, and a mix of free and paid attractions.
| Expenses | Approx. cost for 7 days (INR) |
| Round-trip flight from India | 75,000 |
| Tourist visa | 6,500 |
| Local transport | 6,000 |
| Accommodation for six nights | 45,000 |
| Food and drinks | 12,000 |
| Sightseeing and activities (5 – 6 activities) | 12,000 |
| Shopping and miscellaneous expenses | 7,000 |
| Total | 163,500 |
Note: This is an approximate budget, not a fixed price. So, have a separate amount for unexpected expenses.
How to Save Money on a South Korea Trip
1. Check if the Discover Seoul Pass is worth it
Evaluate the pass price with individual tickets for the attractions on your itinerary. The pass offers better value if you plan to visit many attractions within its validity period.
2. Go to Gyeongbokgung Palace in a hanbok
If you are wearing hanbok, you can enter Gyeongbokgung Palace for free. So, factor rental prices into your total cost, or buy one. Also, hanbok is worth buying in South Korea, as you can have it as a souvenir.
3. Plan around Culture Day
Culture Day falls on every Wednesday, and some venues offer free or discounted entry. This is a government program that gives free or discounted access to museums, palaces, movie theatres, and galleries.
4. Compare weekday hotel rates
Hotel prices are often lower on weekdays than on weekends. Confirm check-in dates and choose a stay near your planned attractions to reduce transport costs.
5. Choose your airport transfer in advance
Look for the AREX train and airport buses based on your hotel’s location and arrival time. This can help you avoid an expensive taxi ride from Incheon Airport.
6. Claim eligible shopping tax refunds
Some eligible purchases from retailers may qualify for a tourist tax refund. Ask the shop whether it offers tax refunds and check the current minimum purchase, eligibility, and refund procedure before shopping.
7. Eat at markets and local eateries
Local market stalls can offer meals at lower prices than fancy restaurants. If you are a vegetarian, make sure there is no fish sauce, meat broth, or other animal-based ingredients.
Conclusion
South Korea can get expensive before you even land, with flights and hotels taking up a big part of your budget. But once you have those two sorted, the rest is easier and less expensive.
You could spend a morning visiting a royal palace and grab street food for lunch. With no idea how to plan your trip, contact Dimaak Tours. We will help you create a South Korea itinerary based on your travel cost.
FAQs on South Korea Trip Costs from India
1. How much does a seven-day trip to South Korea cost from India?
A seven-day trip costs around 1.6 – 1.7 lakh INR per person, including flights, visa, accommodation, food, transport, sightseeing, and miscellaneous expenses.
2. When should you book flights from India to South Korea for cheaper fares?
Verify fares across different departure and return dates, and book well before your intended travel dates. Spring cherry blossom season and autumn foliage season attract visitors, so compare prices if you travel during these periods. Estimated round-trip fares range from 60,000 to 85,000 INR, depending on your departure city and when you book.
3. How can you plan a budget-friendly South Korea itinerary?
Plan 4 – 5 days in Seoul and group nearby attractions to save on transport costs. Use the buses, stay near a metro station, and mix convenience-store meals with street food and local restaurants to manage daily expenses.
4. What are the must-try experiences in South Korea?
Consider visiting a royal palace, trying Korean street food, experiencing a traditional jjimjilbang, and exploring K-pop attractions.
