by Many Filipinos love Korean dramas, making Korea a top travel destination. It makes us Filipinos dream of visiting the places we have seen in K-dramas. As a result, Korea experienced a significant rise in tourist arrivals over the past year.
Moreover, Korea is seen as one of Asia’s most developed countries, so many travelers assume visiting is expensive. However, you can explore Korea on a budget. So if you’re planning a trip here, this Korea DIY itinerary and budget guide can show you how.
Table of Contents
HELPFUL LINKS
South Korea Travel Guides
- READ HERE FOR MORE SOUTH KOREA TRAVEL GUIDES
- HOW TO APPLY FOR KOREAN TOURIST VISA VIA W XPRESS
- KOREA VLOGS ON YOUTUBE
Hotel Accommodation in Seoul, South Korea
Discounted Activities on Klook
ABOUT SOUTH KOREA
South Korea is in East Asia, occupying the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It’s known for K-pop, K-dramas, Korean BBQ, street foods, historic palaces, Myeongdong shopping, and K-beauty.
Additionally, people in South Korea are deeply rooted in Confucian traditions, valuing family, kindness, proper conduct, and hard work. We even experienced this ourselves when we got lost on our last day in Korea, but luckily, an old Korean local helped us, and it’s definitely one of the experiences I won’t forget on this trip! This experience also shows how seriously Koreans take compassion.
Language & Currency Used
For language in South Korea, it is advisable to download a translator app such as Naver Papago – AI Translator, as many Koreans outside tourist areas may not speak English. A translator app is helpful for reading menus, ordering food, reading street signs, taking taxis, and asking for directions.
Meanwhile, the local currency here is South Korean Won (KRW). ATMs are widely available in Seoul’s convenience stores (open 24/7) and subway stations, as well as at Incheon Airport. To withdraw cash, use ATMs marked “global” or displaying Visa/Mastercard logos for foreign cards.
Important Note: A key difference in South Korea’s cash withdrawal process is that inserting your card is not the first step. So, during cash withdrawal, begin by (1) selecting English as the language, (2) choosing “foreign card, English,” and (3) waiting for the prompt before inserting your card.
Best Time to Visit South Korea?
The best time to visit South Korea depends on your preferred season. Visit in spring (March–May) for cherry blossoms, autumn (September–November) for fall foliage, or winter (December–February) for snow. Summer (June–August) is hot and humid with monsoon weather. Spring and autumn are the peak seasons for tourists.
PRE-TRAVEL GUIDE TO SOUTH KOREA
How to Get to Seoul Station From Incheon Airport?
Option 1: Via Bus
Limousine buses travel from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station and other key locations in Seoul, including major hotels and tourist spots. The trip takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and your destination. To board, you can buy a ticket through Klook before arrival or purchase one at the airport after you land.
BOOK TICKETS ON KLOOK: open the link then search for ‘Incheon Airport to Seoul Bus Ticket by Korea Airport Limousine (KAL).’ The ticket costs around PHP 684.
To buy your ticket at the airport, follow this:
Step 1: At Incheon Airport (Terminal 1 or 2), follow the signs for ‘airport limousine bus’ to reach the first basement floor (B1).
Step 2: On B1, buy a ticket at the Kiosk or the Bus Ticket Office. Then find your bus using its bus number, shown on your ticket.
Option 2: Via AREX Train
The AREX express train is the quickest way from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station, taking about 40 minutes. You can book this through Klook by searching ‘AREX Incheon Airport Express Train Ticket’ for about PHP 464. After arrival at the airport, just follow the signs to ‘airport railroad.’ Once you’re at the AREX train, enter the gates by scanning your Klook QR code—no ticket exchange needed. The train provides free Wi-Fi and bottled water and runs from 5AM to 11PM.
Note: Always check your QR code to confirm the correct train car and seat before boarding.
Option 3: Via Private Transfer
Taxis are readily available at the airport for convenient rides to Seoul. Here, you can choose from regular, deluxe (bigger, about 40–50% more than regular), jumbo (up to 8 seats, same as deluxe fare), or international taxis (about 20% more than regular, with English/Japanese/Chinese speaking drivers).
You can also book a pre-arranged car service (taxi or van) through Kakao T, the ride-hailing app in Korea, specifying your flight details for a driver to meet you at arrivals for a direct, door-to-door ride, with costs varying by vehicle size and time, offering convenience over the faster AREX train but at a higher price.
With this in mind, taking the AREX train offers a fast and budget-friendly option.
Where to Stay in Seoul?
For accommodation in Seoul, Korea, the hotels listed below are available depending on your budget.
This is a low-budget accommodation where we stayed, and we booked it for PHP 1,551 per night for 2 pax via Agoda. The subway is 2 minutes away from the hostel. Additionally, there are restaurants, convenience stores, and pharmacy near the hostel. If you are on a budget, this might be a good choice for you.
Meanwhile, for mid-budget travelers, this hotel costs around PHP 5,007 per night for 2 pax. It’s located in Myeongdong, offers panoramic views from N Seoul Tower, and is near Gwangjang Market.
If you have a much higher budget, this hotel is around PHP 8,033 per night for 2 pax. Located in Myeongdong as well, it features a rooftop bar with stunning views of N Seoul Tower and easy access to Myeongdong’s shopping stores. It’s also near Gwangjang Market and N Seoul Tower.
Where to Eat in South Korea?
Gwangjang Market
Gwangjang Market is one of Seoul’s oldest and largest traditional markets, renowned worldwide as a vibrant street-food haven. Some of the recommended street foods here are the sweet rice twisted donut for PHP 40, for which Korean locals line up, and bindaetteok, or mung bean pancake with green onions and meat, which is PHP 200 for a large one.
You should also try the bungeoppang, a fish-shaped waffle filled with sweet red bean paste. You can choose another version of its filling, either custard, chocolate, or cheese, and it costs PHP 40 to PHP 80 per piece. Gwangjang’s sweet rice punch, also known as sikhye, is also a must-try. It’s a traditional sweet beverage made from fermented barley malt and cooked rice with floating rice grains, and it costs around PHP 80 to PHP 120.
Seoul Convenience Stores
Meanwhile, for convenience stores in Seoul, I recommend trying milkis, a milk with soda, for PHP 68. As well as binggare milk, a flavored milk drink often seen in K-dramas, usually the banana milk, but it also offers other flavors like strawberry, melon, and coffee, and is PHP 72.
Myeongdong Street
- Cow & Pig – it’s an eat-all-you-can Korean BBQ that costs around PHP 699 to PHP 799 for shabu-shabu or BBQ sets. I personally recommend this one, and believe me, your samgyup standards will level up after you eat here.
- Fish cake, a popular street food in Korea, costs PHP 60 per skewer.
- Cheese egg bread, which is PHP 80 per piece.
- Bingsu and dumplings, which you shouldn’t miss trying in Korea, especially the bingsu, as Seoul is known for this.
- Make sure to include the honey butter bagel chip, which costs PHP 108 per pack, as pasalubong when shopping at Olive Young.
- Ranju Kalmyeon – it’s a must-try, well-rated restaurant in Myeongdong that Korean locals line up for.
Dak-galbi and Naengmyeon
Dak-galbi is a Chuncheon-region specialty food, and Nami Island is located there. You can find various dak-galbi outside Nami Island. Dak-galbi is a spicy stir-fried chicken, with vegetables and rice cakes, often served with cheese. This costs around PHP 441 per portion.
Meanwhile, naengmyeon is a long, thin noodle served cold in a refreshing, icy broth known for its tangy, savory, and slightly sweet taste, often garnished with pear, cucumber, egg, and beef. This is around PHP 400 to PHP 722.
Original Deli Manjoo
This is another popular street food in Korea, and you can find stores selling this at subway stations. It costs around PHP 120 for a small bag containing 6-10 pieces.
Osulloc Teahouse
If you’re a matcha lover like me, it should be non-negotiable for you to visit this top-selling matcha brand in Korea in Myeongdong. Here, you should try their matcha ice cream, priced from PHP 200 to PHP 321, and their matcha latte, priced from PHP 232 to PHP 277.
How to Get Around in Seoul, South Korea?
To explore Seoul, Korea, as a budget or DIY traveler, make sure to download the Naver Map app for navigation, as Google Maps doesn’t work in Korea. The Naver Map app helps you calculate fares, travel times, and even bus and train frequencies. Meanwhile, when using a ride-hailing app, download and use Kakao T.
To get around Seoul, Korea, aside from the Naver Map app, you need a T-money card, a transport card. You can buy this in subway ticket machines and convenience stores for PHP 120 to PHP 240 for the card only and without a load yet.
Pro-tip: You can get a free T-money card when you buy a sim on Klook.
To load your T-money card, use the reloading machines at subway stations. Simply place your T-money card on the card reader and just click the amount of the load you are putting in your T-money card. You can utilize your T-money card in subways, buses, taxis, and some fast food restaurants like McDonald’s, KFC, Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, and more.
To use your T-money on subways, just tap it each time you enter and exit. Meanwhile, to use it on buses, always enter through the front door, tap your T-money card, exit at the back door, and tap it again before getting off.
TIPS FROM JOAN’S FOOTPRINTS
- When traveling to South Korea, book all your activities on Klook to get a discount.
- Once you arrive at Incheon Airport, make sure to withdraw cash.
- Buy a SIM card in advance on Klook and pick it up at Incheon Airport.
- To get to Seoul Station from Incheon Airport, book an AREX train ticket on Klook and use JOANSFOOTPRINTSKLOOK to get a discount.
- Book activities on Klook, like the Namsan Tower & Cable Car, Nami Island, and Hanbok Rental, to avoid long queues.
- For accommodation, book your hotel on Agoda for discounted rates.
- To get around Seoul, Korea, download and use the Naver Map app, as Google Maps doesn’t work there.
- In Seoul, South Korea, electronic outlets use Type C and Type F sockets, both with two round pins, but Type F sockets include grounding clips.
- To get the best experience in South Korea, plan your trip for your preferred season. March-May for spring and cherry blossoms, September-November for fall foliage or autumn, and December-February for winter and snow. June-August is for a hot, humid summer with monsoon weather. March-May and September-November can be crowded as spring and autumn are peak seasons.
- Try Kbeauty and shop for Korean skincare products at Olive Young stores around Seoul.
- Budget tip: f you want to lessen your expenses on meals, you can go for convenience store foods for breakfast.
PLACES TO VISIT + THINGS TO DO IN SOUTH KOREA
Visit Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Walk around the plaza and appreciate the beauty of its free entrance museum, art hall, and Dongdaemun History and Culture Park. Moreover, it’s also known as a shooting location of hit Korean drama like My Love From the Star.
Namsan Tower & Cable Car
Witness the beauty of the famous Namsan Tower in person, which is always featured in K-dramas. This is where you can also find the popular heart lockets; you can attach and leave one here if you want! The best time to go here is in the afternoon so you’ll be able to witness daylight, sunset, and city lights at night!
Foodtrip & Shopping at Myeongdong Street
This is something you shouldn’t miss when visiting Korea! Try various local street foods here and shop for skincare products in Olive Young! There are local Koread brands as well that you might want to check like Sappun.
Chill at Cafe Pokpo With Waterfalls View
Take a relaxing stay here while enjoying your coffee with a stunning waterfall view. This is truly one of the best views I’ve seen in Seoul!
Rent a Hanbok at Gyeongbokgung Palace
If it’s your first time in Seoul, I highly recommend to rent a hanbok and wear it for a day as you stroll around Gyeongbokgung palace! It’s one of the best ways to truly experience Korea’s culture so this activity was one of my bucket list when I visited Korea.
Try the Best Premium Matcha in Korea
Have a taste of the Korean top-selling matcha brand through their matcha ice cream and matcha latte! If you’re a matcha lover, you shouldn’t miss buying matcha at Osulloc to take with you when you get back to the Philippines!
Stroll Around a Korean Village at Bukchon Hanok Village
Visit and stroll around this famous village that you can usually see in K-dramas! Bukchon Hanok Village has many restored traditional Korean houses, called Hanok that date to the late 19th and early 20th centurues. Many Korean drama was also shot in this location.
Visit Nami Island
Just a few hours away from Seoul, South Korea is a picturesque half-moon-shaped island — Nami Island. While it has gained international popularity after being featured in several Korean dramas, Nami Island’s charm— its tree-lined paths and scenic river views has never failed to lure tourists in.
Experience the charm of the island and its tree-lined paths and scenic views! I created a separate guide to this beautiful island, read it here: Nami Island DIY Travel Guide.
Try Railway Bike at Gangchon Rail Park
Ride and pedal a 2 or 4-seater rail bike and enjoy scenic views of the Bukhan River, mountains, and themed tunnels at Gangchon Rail Park. I have to admit that I had least expectations for this activity, but if you’ve watched my Korea vlogs on Youtube, you’ll see my genuine reaction enjoying the rail bike experience!
Foodtrip at Gwangjang Night Market or Try Eating Live Octopus!
Of course, you shouldn’t miss trying street foods in one of the oldest markets in Seoul! Gwangjang Night Market offers a wide array of Korean street food selections! And if you are up for an adventure, this is where you can try eating live Octopus as well!
Try the Skylift at Seoul Grand Park
To get to the amusement park and zoo, the Skylift is the best way to get there as it offers a breathtaking view of the river and the park. This is also a must if you are in Korea during autumn season. The vibrant colors of the leaves and the trees adds up to its magical experience.
Visit Gangnam District and COEX Mall Starfield Library
Visit the famous two-story public library in Seoul’s Gangnam district, famous for its massive 13-meter-high bookshelves!
Naksan Park at Night
Walk around this public park, known for its stunning panoramic city views, especially at sunset and night, and for sections of the historic Seoul City Wall.
Visit the Pink Muhly at Hanam Misa Lake During Autumn Season
Visit this large urban park known for its artificial lake and pink muhly grass during fall or autumn, which is the closest pink muhly in Seoul.
Day Trip at DMZ
Take a peek in person at the heavily fortified 4km-wide buffer strip separating North and South Korea, which you can only visit through an official, pre-booked guided tour.
Feed Alpacas at Alpaca World
Visit South Korea’s largest forest-based animal interaction park!
Sidetrip in Busan
If you have spare time, take a side trip to Busan for its stunning beaches, vibrant markets, colorful villages, mountain temples, and fresh seafood.
SAMPLE SOUTH KOREA DIY ITINERARY & BUDGET
I have listed below the itinerary and expenses base on our personal experience. Some expenses like accommodation and food will vary depending on personal preferences. Since I’m a budget traveler, the expenses listed below was based on a budget traveler’s spending choice.
Budget tip: if you want to lessen your expenses on meals, you can go for convenience store foods for breakfast.
Day 1: MNL to Incheon Airport
| TIME: | ACTIVITY: | EXPENSES: |
| 12MN | Flight from MNL-ICN | Php1,620 travel tax |
| 4:00AM | Pick up SIM CARD & T-MONEY AT ARRIVAL HALL F | Php1,110 |
| 5:15AM | Ride AREX train from Incheon airport to Seoul station | Php464 |
| 6:00AM | ETA Seoul station, breakfast, load T-money in subways, use Naver map app to commute to Chris Hostel | Php300 breakfast; Php1,000 T-money load |
| 9:00AM | ETA Chris Hostel, self check in, rest | Php7,500 for 5 nights good for 2 pax |
| 12NN | Lunch around the area, free time | Php300 lunch |
| 7PM | Dinner, rest for tomorrow | Php300 dinner |
Day 2: DDP, Cafe Pokpo, Myeongdong Street, Namsan Tower & Cable Car
| TIME: | ACTIVITY: | EXPENSES: |
| 7:00AM | Breakfast | Php150 |
| 8-10:00AM | Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) | FREE ENTRANCE |
| 11-1PM | Lunch at Cafe Pokpo | Php400 |
| 2-4PM | Foodtrip and shopping at Myeongdong Street | Php300 |
| 5-7PM | Namsan Tower & Cable Car | Php1,389 |
| 8PM | Dinner | Php300 |
Day 3: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Osulloc Teahouse, Bukchon Hanok Village, Cheonggyecheon Stream Walk
| TIME: | ACTIVITY: | EXPENSES: |
| 7:00AM | Breakfast | Php150 |
| 9-12NN | Gyeongbokgung Palace & hanbok rental | Php323 |
| 12NN | Lunch | Php400 |
| 1-3PM | Osulloc Teahouse | Php300 |
| 3-5PM | Bukchon Hanok Village | FREE ENTRANCE |
| 6PM | Cheonggyecheon Stream Walk | FREE ENTRANCE |
| 8PM | Dinner | Php300 |
Day 4: Nami Islang, Gangchon Rail Park, Gwangjang Market
| TIME: | ACTIVITY: | EXPENSES: |
| 4:00AM | Call time, prepare for Nami Island DIY or book an arranged tour on Klook (Nami Island, Rail Park, Alpaca) | Php4,673 |
| 8-12NN | Nami Island | |
| 1PM | Lunch at Dak-Galbi | Php300 |
| 3-5PM | Gangchon Rail Park | |
| 6PM | Early dinner at Gwangjang Night Market | Php300 |
Day 5: Seoul Grand Park, Gangnam District, Myeongdong Street
| TIME: | ACTIVITIY: | EXPENSES: |
| 7:00AM | Breakfast | Php150 |
| 9-11AM | Seoul Grand Park | Php480 |
| 12NN | Lunch | Php300 |
| 1-4PM | COEX Starfield Library & Gangnam District | FREE ENTRANCE |
| 5-7PM | Stroll and shop at Myeongdong Street | Php300 |
| 7PM | Dinner at Cow & Pig samgyupsal | Php1,500 |
Day 6: Hanam Misa Lake, Jongno Street
| TIME: | ACTIVITY: | EXPENSES: |
| 7:00AM | Early check out, leave baggage at hotel reception, breakfast | Php150 |
| 10:00AM | Explore Hanam Misa Lake and pink muhly | FREE ENTRANCE |
| 2PM | Last day shopping at Jongno Street or Myeongdong | |
| 5PM | Take AREX train to Incheon airport, flight back to MNL | Php464 |
| ***end of trip*** |
| Help me improve my guide: Korea DIY Itinerary! By commenting suggestions in the comment section below, I am very open to new ideas. Contact Us for paid promotions and link insertions. For proposals: email me at joansfootprints@gmail.com |
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