Korea 2025 Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit & Things to Do • Itinerary & Expenses • Budget Vlog

Summary

This travel vlog offers a comprehensive 7-day budget itinerary for exploring South Korea, perfect for first-time visitors. It covers essential activities, including Seoul’s top attractions, cultural experiences, nature spots, and budget-friendly food options. The video emphasizes smart money-saving tips like booking tours in advance, using public transport, and exploring with a private car for a group. With an estimated total cost of $599 per person, it offers a cost-effective way to experience the best of South Korea, while also allowing room for personal preferences and experiences.

Takeaways

• 😀 Affordable travel in South Korea is possible with proper planning, including pre-booking tours and accommodations.
• 😀 Public transportation in Seoul, like the subway and buses, is an efficient and budget-friendly way to explore the city.
• 😀 Using Neighbor Maps (instead of Google Maps) helps navigate Seoul, as it’s the most commonly used app in Korea for directions.
• 😀 Pre-booking tours online, including discounted group tours, saves money compared to booking activities on-site.
• 😀 A 7-day South Korea itinerary can be completed for as little as $599 per person, including flights, food, and activities, if done on a budget.
• 😀 Visiting top attractions like Nami Island, Lotte World, and Gyeongbokgung Palace can be done affordably with discounted tickets and budget meals.
• 😀 Taking advantage of discounted car rentals, such as a private car charter for a group, can be a cost-effective way to explore Seoul at your own pace.
• 😀 The best way to explore Seoul on your own is through the subway or bus system, but taxis and Ubers are also convenient for specific destinations.
• 😀 Food in Korea can be very affordable, with street food and cafes offering delicious and inexpensive options throughout the city.
• 😀 Day tours, such as the DMZ tour and visits to parks like Seoul Forest, offer enriching experiences at a fraction of the cost of traditional attractions.
• 😀 Fans of K-pop can enjoy concerts and fan meets in Korea at a much lower price than in other countries, making it a must-do for music lovers.

Q & A

What are the top 10 budget-friendly activities recommended for travelers in South Korea?

The top 10 budget-friendly activities include exploring Namsan Tower, visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace, wandering around Bukchon Hanok Village, going on a DMZ tour, enjoying street food in Myeongdong, experiencing Lotte World, and relaxing in places like Seoul Forest and Starfield Library, among others.

How can tourists explore Seoul on a budget without joining group tours?

Tourists can explore Seoul independently by using the subway and bus system, which is affordable and easy to navigate. They can also book taxis or use ride-sharing services like Uber. Alternatively, the Hop-On-Hop-Off city bus tour offers a flexible and budget-friendly way to visit key attractions, and private car rentals can be an affordable option when traveling with a group.

What are the advantages of using Seoul's subway and bus systems for transportation?

Seoul's subway and bus systems are fast, affordable, and easy to navigate. They are ideal for reaching major tourist spots, and the T-money card allows for convenient tap-on, tap-off use. The Neighbor Maps app is recommended for directions as Google Maps is not widely used.

How much can a private car rental cost for a group of six people, and what does it include?

A 10-hour private car rental in Seoul for a group of six people can cost as low as $178, which includes fuel. This works out to about $30 per person, making it a cost-effective option for exploring the city with a private driver.

What is the estimated cost of a 7-day trip to South Korea, including flights, accommodation, and activities?

The estimated total cost for a 7-day, 6-night trip to South Korea, including flights, hotel, food, transport, and activities, is around $599 per person, assuming budget-friendly choices for flights, accommodation, and tours.

What are some recommended activities for day one in Seoul?

On day one, after arriving in Seoul, visitors can take the airport bus or RX train to their accommodation. Then, they can visit the Namsan Tower for panoramic views, explore the Locks of Love area, and enjoy street food in Myeongdong. The total estimated cost for the day is around $44 per person.

How can tourists save money on tours and activities in Seoul?

Tourists can save money by booking tours in advance, as it is often cheaper than booking on the spot. Online platforms offer discounts on activities and transportation, and using coupon codes like 'Angelicawandersklook' provides extra savings.

What are the benefits of visiting attractions like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village?

Visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace allows tourists to immerse themselves in Korea's rich history, with free traditional hanbok rentals for photo opportunities. Bukchon Hanok Village offers a charming atmosphere with traditional Korean homes, and it's a great spot for photos and cultural exploration.

What activities are suggested for day two in the 7-day itinerary?

Day two includes a budget-friendly day tour to Nami Island and the Garden of Morning Calm, where tourists can enjoy tree-lined paths and gardens. The tour costs about $46 per person and also includes boat and transportation fees. Dinner in Hongdae offers a variety of international and Korean cuisine. The estimated cost for the day is $68 per person.

What is the significance of Seoul Forest and Starfield Library in the 7-day itinerary?

Seoul Forest is a peaceful park that offers a relaxing environment for a stroll or picnic, and visitors can spot deer walking along the trails. Starfield Library in COEX Mall is famous for its towering bookshelves and photogenic atmosphere, making it a popular spot for visitors to relax and explore.