Travel South Korea

SOUTH KOREA

DESTINATION GUIDE

South Korea is a vibrant nation renowned for its breathtaking scenery, advanced technology, and rich cultural legacy. It’s known for its centuries-old historical attractions, such as palaces, temples, and traditional hanok villages, and its thriving pop culture, which includes the worldwide phenomenon of K-pop.

The country is also renowned for its food, especially dishes like kimchi, bibimbap, bulgogi, and samgyeopsal, offering an exciting culinary experience. South Korea’s public transport system is highly efficient, making it easy to explore its cities and countryside, whether you’re visiting high-tech hubs like Seoul or enjoying the natural beauty of the mountains and beaches. The country’s distinctive fusion of old and new, from traditional markets to futuristic skyscrapers, guarantees a captivating experience for all travelers.

CURRENCY INFORMATION

Currency Name: South Korean Won

Currency Code: KRW

Symbol: ₩

Coins: ₩1, ₩5, ₩10, ₩50, ₩100, ₩500

Banknotes: ₩1,000, ₩5,000, ₩10,000, ₩50,000

DAILY COST IN SOUTH KOREA

ACCOMODATION

₩20,000 to ₩50,000 per night for a basic shared room in a hostel or guesthouse.

₩50,000 to ₩120,000 per night for a 3-star hotel or private room in a guesthouse.

₩120,000 to ₩300,000+ per night for high-end hotels or luxury resorts.

MEALS

₩3,000 to ₩8,000 for street food or casual dining (e.g., tteokbokki, gimbap, or dumplings).

₩8,000 to ₩15,000 for a meal at a mid-range restaurant (e.g., bibimbap, bulgogi).

₩15,000 to ₩30,000+ for a three-course meal at a higher-end restaurant.

TRANSPORTATION

₩1,000 to ₩2,000 per ride for subway or bus fares in major cities like Seoul.

₩3,000 to ₩10,000 for a taxi ride, depending on the distance.

₩40,000 to ₩70,000 per day for renting a car (varies by location and car type).

SIGHTSEEING & ENTERTAINMENT

₩2,000 to ₩10,000 for museum or historical site entrance fees (e.g., Gyeongbokgung Palace, Namsan Seoul Tower).

₩10,000 to ₩50,000 for tickets to popular attractions or theme parks (e.g., Lotte World, Everland).

₩10,000 to ₩20,000 for cultural activities or performances (e.g., traditional tea ceremonies, K-pop concerts).

CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIPS FOR SOUTH KOREA

ATMs

ATMs are widely available in South Korea, particularly in major cities such as Seoul, Busan, and Incheon. Most ATMs accept international cards, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express, but some ATMs may charge a withdrawal fee of ₩1,000 to ₩3,000 per transaction. Look for ATMs located at major banks like Shinhan Bank or Kookmin Bank for better exchange rates and minimal fees. Be aware that smaller, non-bank ATMs (e.g., those found in convenience stores or subway stations) might not accept foreign cards.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE

Currency exchange services are readily available at airports, banks, and exchange offices in major cities. However, rates at airports may not be the best, so it's advised to exchange only a small amount upon arrival for immediate expenses (e.g., transportation, snacks). For better rates, visit local exchange offices or banks in the city. Currency Hub in Knox, Melbourne, can provide competitive exchange rates before your trip to South Korea.
If you're exchanging money at a bank, ensure you bring your passport, as it may be required for identification. It's also advisable to exchange currency during business hours on weekdays, as rates are generally better than those offered at hotels or tourist-centric locations.

USING CARDS

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in South Korea, especially in larger cities, hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls. Visa and MasterCard are most commonly accepted, while American Express might not be as widely recognized. Some smaller shops, traditional markets, or rural areas may not accept cards, so it’s always a good idea to carry cash for small purchases, transportation, or tips. Before you travel, check with your bank about foreign transaction fees and whether your cards are compatible with South Korea’s payment systems. Contactless payments such as Samsung Pay, Apple Pay, and Kakao Pay are also widely used in South Korea.

YOUR SOUTH KOREA ITINERARY

VISIT GYEOKBOKGUNG PALACE
This iconic royal palace in Seoul is a must-see for anyone interested in Korean history. it features beautiful architecture, gardens, and the National Palace Museum of Korea.
EXPLORE BUKCHON HANOK VILLAGE
This traditional Korean village offers a glimpse of the country’s past. Walk through its narrow lanes lined with hanok (traditional Korean houses) and enjoy panoramic views of Seoul.
RELAX AT JEJU ISLAND
Famed for its volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, and unique attractions, Jeju is a perfect getaway. Visit the Hallasan National Park, hike up to Seongsan Ilchulbong, and explore the Jeju Stone Park.
SHOP AT MYEONGDONG (SEOUL)
Seoul’s vibrant shopping district, Myeongdong, is full of international and local brands, street food vendors, and beauty stores. It’s the best place to shop for fashion, cosmetics, and souvenirs.
EXPLORE A KOREAN SPA (JJIMJIBANG)
Experience a traditional jjimjilbang, a Korean spa where you can relax in various saunas, steam rooms, and pools.
EXPLORE NAMSAN SEOUL TOWER
For panoramic views of Seoul, head to Namsan Seoul Tower. it offers sweeping views of the city, especially at sunset. You can hike up or take the cable car to the tower.