$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.
📍 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 |
🌿 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 |
🍱 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 |
🎨 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 |
🍠 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.
 |
| 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
