Travel to South Korea for under INR 1 Lakh? It's possible — Here's how

Time of India

18-07-2025

With the soaring global popularity of K-pop and K-dramas, South Korea has firmly found its place on travel bucket lists around the world, including India. Whether it's Seoul's neon-lit streets, Busan's coastal charm, or the country's deep-rooted history and culture, South Korea indeed has something for every kind of traveller.
But what if you could experience all of that without breaking the bank?
While many assume that a trip to South Korea will burn a hole in their pocket, it's absolutely possible to explore the country for under INR 1 lakh—with the right planning and budgeting. Curious how to pull it off? Here's how to do it.
Flights: INR 25,000–INR 30,000
The biggest saving that you can do is by grabbing a great return flight deal. If your timing is right, you can score return tickets from Delhi to Seoul for just INR 25,000 via Vietnam Airlines.
By being flexible with travel dates and booking early, it gets easy to snag a deal that's usually unheard of for international travel.
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Accommodation: INR 18,000–INR 22,000
South Korea offers a wide range of budget stays. Hostels, guesthouses, and Airbnbs are ideal for budget travellers. In cities like Seoul and Busan, a clean and comfortable stay can cost INR 1,500 – INR 2,000 per night. Booking platforms often offer discounts for longer stays.
Look for stays with kitchen access to save on food, and consider locations near subway lines for easier commuting.
Internal transfers
For traveling within Korea, including journeys between Seoul and Busan, keep a budget of around INR 10,000. This can cover your bus rides and high-speed KTX bullet trains, which implies that you don't have to sacrifice speed for savings.
Food budget
Sampling Korean food is a big part of the adventure. From street eats to sit-down Korean barbecue meals, you can restrict your budget to INR 15000 for around 10 days.
The trick? Mixing splurge meals with convenience store snacks, because 7-Eleven in Korea is a whole experience on its own.
Activities and Attractions: INR 5,000–INR 6,000
No trip is complete without iconic experiences. Keep aside a budget of INR 5,000 for attractions like Namsan Seoul Tower, the Busan Sky Capsule, and a hanbok rental for that classic Korean palace photoshoot. Do include cultural sites, to ensure that your itinerary is both fun and enriching.
Connectivity (eSIM or SIM card): INR 1,000
Stay connected with a travel eSIM or a local SIM card with 10–15 GB of data for around INR 1,000.
This helps with navigation, translations, and staying in touch without relying solely on Wi-Fi.
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Total estimated cost: INR 85,000–INR 95,000
With smart planning, South Korea can be both an exciting and economical destination. By choosing budget-friendly stays, making use of public transport, and balancing splurges with savings, you can enjoy a rich and immersive Korean experience—without crossing the INR 1 lakh mark.