Budget Tours & Trips to South Korea
4.5 stars on(8,447 reviews)- Choose from 13 South Korea tours
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10 best cheap South Korea tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaSouth Korea travel expert at TourRadar
- Exploring South Korea
- South Korea Classic 10 Day - One Life Adventures
- Essential South Korea and Jeju - 12 days
- South Korea Classic 13 Day - One Life Adventures
- South Korea, K-Pop & Kimchi - 9 days
- Uncover Korean War History DMZ Tour
- Epic 9 Day K-Pop Tour: Discover South Korea's Top Hits
- South Korea Essentials 10 Day - One Life Adventures
- 4-Day South Korea Tour: Seoul & DMZ
- South Korea Snapshot 6 Day - One Life Adventures
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 18 to 55 year olds Price Per Day $262 Operator Encounters Travel From $3,925
20% Off- NZ$3,140You save $785
South Korea Classic 10 Day - One Life Adventures
21 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I really enjoyed the tour and felt I learnt so much.”
Yasmin, 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, Geumsan, Jeonju, Gyeongju, Busan Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Price Per Day $281 Operator One Life Adventures From $3,123
10% Off- NZ$2,811You save $312
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 18 to 55 year olds Price Per Day $336 Operator On The Go Tours From $5,045
20% Off- NZ$4,036You save $1,009
South Korea Classic 13 Day - One Life Adventures
20 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This trip was AMAZING!!!! The itinerary brought us to so many amazing places, and everything about South Korea made me fall in love with the country.”
Chelsea, traveled in April
Valued at approx.$160 per day, the package covers 12 nights from Seoul's Step Inn Myeongdong to traditional Hanok guesthouses. Local transport, 14 meals, and activities like DMZ tours and temple stays are included.
Duration 13 days Destinations Seoul, Geumsan, Jeonju, Gyeongju, Busan, Jeju-do Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Price Per Day $283 Operator One Life Adventures From $4,094
10% Off- NZ$3,685You save $409
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 18 to 55 year olds Price Per Day $515 Operator On The Go Tours From
10% Off- NZ$4,635
Uncover Korean War History DMZ Tour
3 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.
Duration 1 day Destinations Seoul, Cheorwon-gun Age Range up to 100 year olds Price Per Day $125 Operator HanaTour ITC From
10% Off- NZ$126
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 18 to 55 year olds Price Per Day $375 Operator The Dragon Trip From
10% Off- NZ$3,376
South Korea Essentials 10 Day - One Life Adventures
2 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 18 to 39 year olds Price Per Day $269 Operator One Life Adventures From
10% Off- NZ$2,692
Duration 4 days Destinations Seoul Age Range 18 to 55 year olds Price Per Day $337 Operator The Dragon Trip From
10% Off- NZ$1,349
The approx.$140 per day package offers Seoul exploration with DMZ tours, temple stays, and K-pop dance classes. Five nights' accommodation, most meals, all Seoul transportation, and cultural experiences from Gyeongbokgung Palace to Gwangjang Market are included.
Duration 6 days Destinations Seoul Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Price Per Day $251 Operator One Life Adventures From
10% Off- NZ$1,505
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."