How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Trip to Korea for Indians:
Hi Everyone!
Planning a trip to Korea doesn’t have to break the bank. With some savvy planning, you can enjoy everything Korea has to offer while staying within your budget. From affordable accommodations to delicious local meals, here’s how to make your Korean adventure cost-effective.
Accommodation: Comfortable Stays Without Overspending
- Options for Budget Travelers:
- Hostels & Guesthouses: Prices range from ₹1,200 to ₹2,500 INR per night for dormitory-style rooms. Popular areas include Hongdae, Itaewon, and Gangnam.
- Capsule Hotels: Compact, clean, and modern, costing around ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 INR per night.
- Airbnb: Private rooms or studio apartments start at ₹2,500 INR per night, perfect for families or groups.
- Temple Stays: Unique experiences at temples like Bulguksa or Jogyesa start at ₹3,000 INR, often including meals.
- Money-Saving Tip:
Book accommodations near subway stations to save on transportation costs.
Food: Eat Like a Local for Less
- Affordable Options:
- Street Food: Indulge in tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), gimbap (seaweed rice rolls), and hotteok (sweet pancakes) for ₹100–₹200 INR per item.
- Convenience Stores: Ready-made meals like dosirak (lunchboxes) cost around ₹200–₹300 INR.
- Local Restaurants: Enjoy hearty meals such as kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew) or bibimbap for ₹400–₹600 INR per dish.
- Buffet Cafeterias: Found in markets or malls, costing ₹600–₹800 INR for all-you-can-eat meals.
- Money-Saving Tip:
Look for eateries frequented by locals or try chain restaurants like Lotteria for affordable meals.
Transportation: Navigate Korea on a Budget
- Public Transport:
- Subway Pass: A rechargeable T-money card offers discounted fares for subways and buses. Fares start at ₹60 INR per ride.
- Intercity Travel: Use KTX (bullet trains) for fast travel, but buses are cheaper at ₹800–₹1,200 INR for a 2-3 hour journey.
- Bike Rentals: Cities like Seoul and Busan offer bike rentals starting at ₹40 INR per hour.
- Budget Airlines:
Airlines like Jeju Air and T’way Air often have promotions for domestic flights to Jeju Island or Busan, with prices as low as ₹1,500 INR one way. - Money-Saving Tip:
Download apps like KakaoMetro or Naver Map to navigate the public transport system efficiently.
Cost Breakdown (Per Day)
| Category | Approx. Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₹1,200–₹2,500 |
| Food | ₹500–₹1,000 |
| Transportation | ₹200–₹400 |
| Sightseeing/Extras | ₹300–₹700 |
| Total | ₹2,200–₹4,600 |
Money-Saving Tips for Travelers
- Use Subway and Bus Passes: Rechargeable cards like T-money or Cashbee offer cheaper fares compared to cash payments.
- Shop Tax-Free: Tourists can get tax refunds on purchases over 30,000 KRW (approx. ₹2,000 INR). Keep your receipts and claim your refund at the airport.
- Visit Free Attractions: Parks, temples, and cultural landmarks like Gyeongbokgung Palace have low or free entry fees.
- Travel Off-Season: Avoid peak travel times during holidays like Chuseok or Seollal to save on flights and accommodation.
Learn Key Phrases:
Here are some essential phrases to help you navigate Korea during your budget-friendly trip.
Basic Phrases:
- 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)
- English: Hello
- Hindi: नमस्ते
- 감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida)
- English: Thank you
- Hindi: धन्यवाद
- 얼마예요? (Eolmayeyo?)
- English: How much is this?
- Hindi: यह कितना है?
- 이거 주세요 (Igeo juseyo)
- English: Please give me this.
- Hindi: कृपया मुझे यह दें।
Travel and Directions
- 화장실 어디예요? (Hwajangsil eodiyeyo?)
- English: Where is the restroom?
- Hindi: शौचालय कहां है?
- 지하철역 어디예요? (Jihacheol-yeok eodiyeyo?)
- English: Where is the subway station?
- Hindi: मेट्रो स्टेशन कहां है?
- 버스 정류장은 어디예요? (Beoseu jeongnyujangeun eodiyeyo?)
- English: Where is the bus stop?
- Hindi: बस स्टॉप कहां है?
- 이곳으로 어떻게 가요? (Igoseuro eotteoke gayo?)
- English: How do I get to this place?
- Hindi: मैं यहाँ कैसे जा सकता हूँ?
Shopping and Bargaining
- 조금 깎아 주세요 (Jogeum kkakka juseyo)
- English: Please give me a discount.
- Hindi: कृपया मुझे थोड़ी छूट दें।
- 현금으로 결제할 수 있나요? (Hyeongeumeuro gyeoljehal su innayo?)
- English: Can I pay in cash?
- Hindi: क्या मैं नकद भुगतान कर सकता हूँ?
- 카드 받으세요? (Kadeu badeuseyo?)
- English: Do you accept cards?
- Hindi: क्या आप कार्ड स्वीकार करते हैं?
Food and Dining
- 추천 요리가 뭐예요? (Chucheon yori-ga mwoyeyo?)
- English: What’s the recommended dish?
- Hindi: सुझाया गया पकवान क्या है?
- 채식 메뉴 있나요? (Chaesik menyu innayo?)
- English: Do you have vegetarian options?
- Hindi: क्या आपके पास शाकाहारी विकल्प हैं?
- 물이 무료예요? (Muli muryoyeyo?)
- English: Is water free?
- Hindi: क्या पानी मुफ्त है?
- 계산서 주세요 (Gyesanseo juseyo)
- English: Please give me the bill.
- Hindi: कृपया मुझे बिल दें।
Planning a budget-friendly trip to Korea is all about smart choices—
choosing affordable accommodations, savoring local cuisine, and utilizing public transport.
With this guide, you can enjoy a fulfilling trip without overspending. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore Korea’s rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and delicious food while staying within your budget!
