$5 Travel Challenge in Seoul: Budget Tips for Backpackers on Food, Fun, and Culture

💸 How I Spent a Day in Seoul With Just $5

✨ Summary

Can you explore Seoul with just $5 (about 7,000 KRW)? Many people assume Korea is expensive, but Seoul offers many affordable and even free experiences. Here's how I spent a meaningful, enjoyable day on a tight budget.

🇰🇷 Goal: Complete a full day in Seoul under 7,000 KRW, including transport, meals, and cultural experiences.

📍 Itinerary Summary

Time	Activity	Cost (KRW)
09:00	Subway ride (1-way)	1,400
10:00	Hangang Park walk + promo bike ride*	Free
12:00	Convenience store lunchbox	3,500
14:00	Free exhibition at Seoul Library	Free
16:00	Strolling Dongmyo Flea Market	Free
17:30	Fish cake skewer snack	1,500
Total		6,400 (~$4.70)

*Free bike events are seasonal or promotional. Regular fee: 1,000 KRW/hr (Ddareungi).

🚇 Start: Subway Ride (지하철 1회권)

I began at Yeouinaru Station (Line 5), heading toward Hangang Park. Subway fare is only 1,400 KRW with a T-money card. Clean, fast, and safe!

Tapping T-money card at subway gate

I carry my T-money card in this RFID-blocking card holder, which keeps it safe and easy to tap while traveling.

🌿 Hangang Park + Bike Promo (한강공원 산책 + 자전거 무료 체험)

One of Seoul's best public spaces. Some days, the city offers free bike rentals. If not, enjoy a scenic walk along the riverbanks.

• Location: Yeouido Hangang Park
• Address: 330 Yeouidong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
• Bike Rental Info: Seoul Bike (Ddareungi)

Traveler walking beside bike lane near Hangang

It was a warm day, so I brought this portable mini fan to stay refreshed along the riverside.

🍱 Lunch: Convenience Store Meal (편의점 도시락)

I picked up a bulgogi lunchbox from GS25 for 3,500 KRW. Warmed up in-store, it was both tasty and satisfying. Great value for travelers!

Reaching for lunchbox at GS25 shelf

For added convenience, I used my reusable travel cutlery set instead of disposable ones.

🎨 Free Culture at Seoul Library (서울도서관 전시)

Near City Hall, Seoul Library hosts small exhibitions and reading spaces, all free. The building itself is beautiful and historically rich.

• Location: Seoul Library
• Address: 110 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul

Exterior or indoor view of Seoul Library exhibition

🧵 Dongmyo Flea Market (동묘 벼룩시장)

Dongmyo Market is the heart of secondhand Seoul. You can explore endlessly and soak in Korean bargaining culture without spending a cent!

• Location: Dongmyo Flea Market
• Address: Around 201-4 Sungin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Tourist browsing street stalls at Dongmyo Flea Market

I wore this anti-theft sling bag, perfect for hands-free browsing through the busy flea market.

🍠 End the Day: Fish Cake Skewer (어묵)

I wrapped up with a hot fish cake skewer (Eomuk) from a local cart for 1,500 KRW. A simple, heartwarming bite that represents Korean street food culture.

After the street snack, I used this pocket-size hand sanitizer to clean up quickly and easily.

Steamy fish cake skewers in street stall pot

✅ Reality Check: Price & Access Table

Item	Price (KRW)	Status	Note
Subway ticket	1,400	Available	Standard fare with card
Hangang Park walk	Free	Available	Open year-round
Bike rental (promo)	Free	Seasonal	Check events
Convenience lunchbox	3,000-4,500	Available	GS25/CU/7-Eleven
Seoul Library exhibition	Free	Available	Multiple shows per year
Dongmyo Market	Free	Available	Best on weekends
Fish cake skewer	1,000-1,500	Available	Street carts & markets

🏷️ Hashtags

#SeoulOnABudget #5DollarChallenge #KoreaCheapTravel #HangangWalk #ConvenienceFood #FreeSeoulExperience #FishCakeSnack #DongmyoMarket #HiddenSeoul #TravelSeoul #BackpackerTips #ExploreKorea #moments #craft

*Some links in this post are affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on purchase, at no additional cost to you.*

Previous

Next