If you’re planning a trip to South Korea, you’ve probably asked yourself, “How much will I need to enjoy a day in Korea?” One of the most commonly asked questions among first-time visitors is, what can 50,000 won actually buy?
As of 2025, 50,000 KRW is roughly equivalent to 35 to 40 USD, depending on exchange rates. While this might not sound like a lot in some countries, it can stretch surprisingly far in Korea if you know where to go and how to spend it. From delicious meals to shopping, transportation, and cultural experiences, let’s explore how you can enjoy a full day in Korea with just 50,000 won.
Eating Well on a Budget
Korea is a paradise for food lovers, and the best part is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy amazing meals.
Start your day with a quick breakfast from a convenience store like GS25 or CU. A cup of coffee and a kimbap roll or a sandwich will cost you under 4,000 won.
For lunch, consider visiting a casual restaurant or “bunsikjip” (snack bar). A bowl of hot kimchi jjigae or sundubu jjigae comes with rice and several side dishes, all for around 7,000 to 9,000 won. You can also try tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), odeng (fish cake soup), or a small plate of mandu (dumplings) for under 6,000 won.
In the evening, treat yourself to Korean barbecue. Many local restaurants offer all-you-can-eat pork belly for around 15,000 to 18,000 won per person. Add a local beer or soju and you’re still within budget.
Altogether, you can easily enjoy three meals in a day—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—on a budget of 25,000 to 30,000 won.
Getting Around Seoul and Beyond
Public transportation in Korea is efficient and incredibly affordable. A single subway ride in Seoul costs around 1,250 won with a T-money card. If you plan on visiting several neighborhoods, you might spend around 5,000 won in one day on buses and subways combined.
Taxis start at about 4,800 won and are convenient for short distances, especially at night. You could easily take a short cab ride with the rest of your budget if you get tired of walking.
If you want to get out of the city, intercity buses are surprisingly cheap. A one-way ticket from Seoul to nearby cities like Suwon or Incheon typically costs under 5,000 won.
Enjoying Cultural Experiences
50,000 won also opens the door to several affordable and unforgettable cultural activities.
Visiting historic palaces like Gyeongbokgung or Changdeokgung costs just 3,000 to 4,000 won. Even better, if you rent a hanbok (traditional Korean outfit), you’ll get free entry. Hanbok rentals range from 10,000 to 20,000 won for two hours depending on the shop.
You could also visit museums like the National Museum of Korea or the War Memorial of Korea, both of which are free. Art lovers can visit the Seoul Museum of Art, where entry is typically under 5,000 won.
In total, you could easily enjoy several activities in a day and still have enough left over for coffee or dessert.
Affordable Shopping Options
Shopping in Korea doesn’t have to break the bank. If you’re looking to bring home some souvenirs, 50,000 won gives you plenty of flexibility.
In areas like Insadong or Namdaemun Market, you can find traditional fans, postcards, Korean socks, keychains, or small trinkets for under 5,000 won each. With 20,000 won, you can pick up a handful of souvenirs.
K-beauty fans can buy face masks for 1,000 won each, lip tints for around 5,000 won, and small skincare items for under 10,000 won at stores like Olive Young, Innisfree, or Etude House.
Looking for fashion deals? In districts like Hongdae and Edae, you can find trendy tops or accessories for 10,000 to 15,000 won.
If you’re shopping wisely, 50,000 won can go a long way, especially for beauty and small gift items.
One-Day Example Itinerary with 50,000 Won
To give you a better idea of what a 50,000 won day in Korea might look like, here’s a sample itinerary:
Breakfast at convenience store: 4,000 won
Subway ride to Gyeongbokgung Palace: 1,250 won
Entry to palace: 3,000 won (or free with hanbok)
Hanbok rental for 2 hours: 15,000 won
Lunch at a local restaurant: 8,000 won
Afternoon snack and coffee: 5,000 won
Visit to free museum: 0 won
Street food dinner at Myeongdong: 10,000 won
Subway ride back to hotel: 1,250 won
Total: 47,500 won
And you still have enough left for a bottle of water or a late-night convenience store treat.
Smart Spending Tips for Visitors
If you want to make the most of your money while in Korea, here are a few practical tips:
Get a T-money card and load it with 10,000 won for subway and bus rides
Stick to local eateries instead of tourist restaurants
Combine free activities with one paid attraction per day
Visit places offering bundled discounts or free experiences
Use cashback apps or tourist coupons when available
Also, remember that credit cards are widely accepted in Korea, but it’s still a good idea to carry a small amount of cash, especially for street vendors and small markets.
👉 Looking for the best places to shop, eat, and explore without overspending? Visit my full travel guide at secondmin.co.kr/category/explore-korea
Budget Travel in Korea Is More Fun Than You Think
50,000 won in Korea may not sound like much, but it can offer you a full day of food, culture, transportation, and memories. Whether you’re grabbing tteokbokki from a food stall, renting a hanbok for palace photos, or buying K-beauty products, your money goes a long way—especially if you’re willing to explore like a local.
Korea is one of those places where even budget travel feels rich. You don’t need luxury hotels or expensive restaurants to enjoy what makes this country so special. Sometimes, all it takes is 50,000 won and an open mind.