Too long, didn’t read: A week travelling South Korea from Australia (21–28 September 2026, for example) will cost you roughly AU$1,500–$3,500 per person for a shoestring-to-mid-range South Korea travel budget, and around AU$8,000 for a family of four splitting their time between Seoul and a day trip beyond it. Return economy fares currently start from around $650 per person on budget airlines, or around $1,200 per person on full-service airlines. 

Food prices in South Korea are easy on the wallet – a casual meal averages around AU$11.83, and a Korean BBQ dinner for two with drinks is around AU$82.79. So, is South Korea expensive? Short answer: not really, especially outside Seoul's five-star hotels. With a solid AUD to KRW (AUD to Won) plan in place, visiting South Korea on a budget is very achievable.

South Korea is becoming the new Japan for Aussies travellers thanks to its affordability and endless experiences. We’re talking K-pop mania, centuries-old palaces, street food galore, and countryside escapes to balance out the city. But before you get carried away, it’s a good idea to work out exactly how much money you need to travel to South Korea. 

This nifty guide breaks down a rough 2026 South Korea travel budget, including all the essentials like flights, food, accommodation and activities, so you can plan how much AUD to Won to sort before you go.

How much are flights from Australia to South Korea?

Return economy fares from Australia to Seoul (Incheon) currently start from around $650 per person on budget carriers (Jetstar, T'way Air, Scoot), or around $1,200 per person on full-service airlines (Korean Air, Asiana, Singapore Airlines). 

FYI, the figures used throughout this guide are for a sample week-long trip departing Sydney on 21 September and returning 28 September 2026. These are indicative "from" fares, so actual pricing depends on your exact dates, how far ahead you book, and your departure city. 

Once you've landed, getting around South Korea is easy on the wallet and efficient:

• KTX (high-speed rail): connects Seoul to Busan, Gyeongju and most major cities at speeds up to 305km/h. This is the easiest way to add a second city to your trip.
• Seoul subway and bus network: 23 lines and 340+ stations, running roughly 5:30am to midnight.
• T-money card: a rechargeable transit card that works on subways, buses, taxis and even convenience stores nationwide.
• Climate Card: a newer unlimited-ride tourist pass for Seoul's subway and buses, sold in 1, 3 and 5-day options.
• Domestic flights: worth considering if you're heading to Jeju Island, which isn't connected by rail.

Pre-travel costs: visa, insurance and packing

Before you get to the fun things, there are a few pre-travel expenses worth budgeting (or at least checking) before you go.

South Korea travel visa cost for Australians

Good news for anyone Googling "South Korea travel visa": Australian passport holders don't need one for short visits. Australians can enter South Korea visa-free for stays of up to 90 days for tourism, business meetings or visiting family and friends, provided their passport is valid for the length of the stay.

GOOD TO KNOW: South Korea's Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is normally required for visa-free visitors, but it's been temporarily waived for Australians until 31 December 2026. If you skip the K-ETA, you'll instead need to complete a free digital e-Arrival Card within three days of your flight. Travellers who do hold a K-ETA skip that step entirely. From 1 January 2027, K-ETA is expected to become mandatory again, so check the current requirement if you're travelling to South Korea in 2027 or later.

South Korea travel insurance

While travel insurance isn't a visa requirement, it's worth getting a few quotes based on your trip length, age and planned activities — especially if hiking or skiing. 

Packing and vaccinations

It's worth a quick check with your GP before you travel to see what vaccinations you might need. Pack for extremes: summer is hot and super humid, winter can be bitterly cold, and spring or autumn (South Korea's shoulder seasons) are the most comfortable for walking-heavy sightseeing.

How much does transport cost within South Korea?

South Korea's public transport is some of the best value in Asia, but it's worth knowing the actual numbers before you land:

• Seoul subway/bus base fare (T-money card): approx. AU$1.83 (₩1,550)
• T-money card deposit: approx. AU$2.96–$3.55 (₩2,500–3,000), refundable when you return the card (win!)
• Taxi starting fare: approx. AU$5.68 (₩4,800)
• Climate Card (unlimited Seoul transit): approx. $5.91 AUD (1-day), $11.83 AUD (3-day), $17.74 AUD (5-day) (₩5,000–15,000)
• KTX Seoul–Busan (one-way, standard class): approx. $70.73–$98.99 AUD (₩59,800–83,700 depending on train type)

How much does food cost in South Korea?

Food prices in South Korea tend to pleasantly surprise budget travellers – casual meals and street food are nice and cheap, while a BBQ night with drinks is where costs climb.
 

Convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) are a fan-favourite for inexpensive and tasty meals, with triangle kimbap and ready-to-eat options from around ₩1,200. Between convenience stores, street markets and casual restaurants, most travellers find eating well in South Korea is easy on the wallet outside of dedicated splurge dinners.