Budget Tours & Trips to South Korea
4.5 stars on(8,092 reviews)- Choose from 12 South Korea tours
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10 best cheap South Korea tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaSouth Korea travel expert at TourRadar
- South Korea Classic 13 Day - One Life Adventures
- Exploring South Korea
- Essential South Korea and Jeju - 12 days
- 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
- South Korea Snapshot 6 Day - One Life Adventures
- 12-Day South Korea Adventure: From Seoul to Jeju Island
- South Korea Circle Adventure 5D/4N
South Korea Classic 13 Day - One Life Adventures
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I absolutely loved this tour! I was very lucky to be in a very small group where I got to know everyone well & form real friendships.”
Maree, traveled in May
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 $258 Operator One Life Adventures From $3,726
10% Off- NZ$3,354You save $372
Exploring South Korea
3 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 $246 Operator Encounters Travel From $3,925
25% Off- NZ$2,955You save $969
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 $383 Operator On The Go Tours From $5,405
15% Off- NZ$4,594You save $810
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 $496 Operator On The Go Tours From $4,965
10% Off- NZ$4,469You save $496
Uncover Korean War History DMZ Tour
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great tour and the guide was very informative of what we were doing.”
Diane, traveled in November
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 $126 Operator HanaTour ITC From
10% Off- NZ$127
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 $334 Operator The Dragon Trip From $3,345
10% Off- NZ$3,011You save $334
South Korea Essentials 10 Day - One Life Adventures
1 Review 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 $266 Operator One Life Adventures From
10% Off- NZ$2,660
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 $230 Operator One Life Adventures From
10% Off- NZ$1,381
12-Day South Korea Adventure: From Seoul to Jeju Island
156 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The experience was amazing, and the sights were breathtaking.”
Monica, traveled in March
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 18 to 55 year olds Price Per Day $269 Operator The Dragon Trip From $3,791
15% Off- NZ$3,223You save $568
South Korea Circle Adventure 5D/4N
24 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Tour was great and was a good pace. There was quite a large age range of all the travellers.”
Elle, traveled in November
The approx.$260 per day tour covers UNESCO sites, national parks, and cultural landmarks across South Korea. Four nights in 3-4 star hotels, daily breakfast, English guide, and coach transport between 11 cities are included. Seokguram Grotto entrance costs $6 extra.
Duration 5 days Destinations Seoul, Jeonju, Gwangju, Suncheon, Yeosu, Busan, Gyeongju, Andong, Wonju, PyeongchangSee all destinations Age Range up to 99 year olds Price Per Day $462 Operator Bamba Travel From
15% Off- NZ$2,311
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."