Tipping in South Korea
Tipping is not customary in South Korea and is generally refused. Service charges are included in upscale restaurants; in regular places, simply saying "thank you" is sufficient.
South Korea price guide
Prices in South Korea in 2026: fair price vs tourist trap
Short answer: on the pricey side, even at local prices. Fair prices sit 31% above the 60-country median, and tourist prices are about 2.5× the fair price.
29 prices checked Apr – Aug 2026 15 verified and 14 estimates How I check
Fair prices at a glance
- Street food meal ₩3,000 – ₩7,000 ≈ $2.20 – $5.20
- City taxi 1 km ₩4,800 – ₩8,000 ≈ $3.60 – $5.90
- Local beer ₩4,000 – ₩8,000 ≈ $3 – $5.90
- Massage (1 hour) ₩40,000 – ₩70,000 ≈ $30 – $52
All 29 prices are also in the free app for iPhone and Android, and they work offline. Get it
One day in South Korea: ₩38,200 or ₩95,750
About $28 or $71 a day.
The first number is what locals pay, the second what tourist spots charge for exactly the same day.
Same day, same things: the tourist version costs 2.5× as much.
Restaurant meal alone: ₩30,000, or 31% of the tourist-trap day.
+₩57,550 (about $43) for the same day
| Item | Fair (₩) | Trap (₩) |
|---|---|---|
| Street food meal | 5,000 | 15,000 |
| Restaurant meal | 13,500 | 30,000 |
| Coffee (espresso) | 3,500 | 9,000 |
| Water 1.5 L | 900 | 2,250 |
| Local beer | 6,000 | 14,000 |
| Public transit ticket 2 rides | 2,900 | 3,000 |
| Short taxi ride about 1 km | 6,400 | 22,500 |
| Total | 38,200 | 95,750 |
- Sightseeing comes on top: a ticket to a top museum or attraction is up to ₩15,000 (about $11).
- Accommodation is left out on purpose: it swings too much with the season and the night of the week for one honest number.
Where tourists overpay most in South Korea
Tourist-trap price compared with the fair price, using the middle of each range.
- 1 Local handcraft Fair ₩15,000 – ₩100,000 Trap ₩100,000 – ₩500,000 Tourist prices are about 5.2× the fair price
- 2 Private transfer (app) Fair ₩10,000 – ₩80,000 Trap ₩90,000 – ₩300,000 Tourist prices are about 4.3× the fair price
- 3 City taxi 1 km Fair ₩4,800 – ₩8,000 Trap ₩15,000 – ₩30,000 Tourist prices are about 3.5× the fair price
Check a price you were quoted
Pick what you are buying, type the price, and see where it lands.
about $15
Tourist-trap price
Fair ₩4,800 – ₩8,000 Trap ₩15,000 – ₩30,000
₩20,000 is 3.1× the middle of the fair range (₩4,800 – ₩8,000).
Tourists often get charged ₩15,000 – ₩30,000. From ₩15,000 you are paying the tourist-trap price.
In the app, every expense you log on a trip gets the same check, offline.
Fair vs tourist prices in South Korea, item by item
What 29 everyday things should cost, and what tourists often pay instead. Typical for Seoul, Busan, Jeju, Gyeongju, and Incheon.
Show prices in
- Fair price
- Tourist-trap price
- Verified
- Estimate
Bars run from zero to each item's top tourist-trap price.
Food & drinks
Restaurant meal: fair is ₩9,000 – ₩18,000. From ₩20,000 you are on the tourist menu.
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Water 0.5 L
Bottled, convenience store
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 2.6× the fair priceFair ₩800 – ₩1,500 ≈ $0.59 – $1.10Trap ₩2,000 – ₩4,000 ≈ $1.50 – $3 -
Coffee (espresso)
Cafe or street vendor
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 2.6× the fair priceFair ₩2,000 – ₩5,000 ≈ $1.50 – $3.70Trap ₩6,000 – ₩12,000 ≈ $4.50 – $8.90 -
Local beer
Draft, at bar or restaurant
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 2.3× the fair priceFair ₩4,000 – ₩8,000 ≈ $3 – $5.90Trap ₩10,000 – ₩18,000 ≈ $7 – $13 -
Restaurant meal
Tourist area, main course
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 2.2× the fair priceFair ₩9,000 – ₩18,000 ≈ $7 – $13Trap ₩20,000 – ₩40,000 ≈ $15 – $30 -
Street food meal
Local market or stand
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 3.0× the fair priceFair ₩3,000 – ₩7,000 ≈ $2.20 – $5.20Trap ₩10,000 – ₩20,000 ≈ $7 – $15 -
Cocktail at bar
Mixed drink, bar
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 1.7× the fair priceFair ₩12,000 – ₩20,000 ≈ $9 – $15Trap ₩20,000 – ₩35,000 ≈ $15 – $26 -
Bottle of wine (restaurant)
House wine, restaurant
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 2.0× the fair priceFair ₩40,000 – ₩60,000 ≈ $30 – $45Trap ₩80,000 – ₩120,000 ≈ $59 – $89 -
Fresh juice
Cafe or street stall
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 2.0× the fair priceFair ₩2,000 – ₩6,000 ≈ $1.50 – $4.50Trap ₩6,000 – ₩10,000 ≈ $4.50 – $7.40
Transport
Airport taxi to the center: fair is ₩60,000 – ₩100,000. Above ₩100,000, walk away.
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Airport taxi to center
Standard route
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 1.6× the fair priceFair ₩60,000 – ₩100,000 ≈ $45 – $74Trap ₩100,000 – ₩150,000 ≈ $74 – $110 -
City taxi 1 km
Metered or typical fare
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 3.5× the fair priceFair ₩4,800 – ₩8,000 ≈ $3.60 – $5.90Trap ₩15,000 – ₩30,000 ≈ $11 – $22 -
Public transit ticket
Single ride
Verified ·No real tourist markupFair ₩1,400 – ₩1,500 ≈ $1 – $1.10Trap ₩1,500 ≈ $1.10 -
Private transfer (app)
Grab / Bolt / Uber
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 4.3× the fair priceFair ₩10,000 – ₩80,000 ≈ $7 – $59Trap ₩90,000 – ₩300,000 ≈ $67 – $225
Souvenirs
Fridge magnet: fair is ₩3,000 – ₩6,000. From ₩8,000 you are paying the souvenir-stall markup.
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Fridge magnet
Tourist shop
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 2.6× the fair priceFair ₩3,000 – ₩6,000 ≈ $2.20 – $4.50Trap ₩8,000 – ₩15,000 ≈ $6 – $11 -
Printed T-shirt
Tourist shop
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 2.2× the fair priceFair ₩6,000 – ₩15,000 ≈ $4.50 – $11Trap ₩16,000 – ₩30,000 ≈ $12 – $22 -
Local handcraft
Ceramics, textiles, etc.
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 5.2× the fair priceFair ₩15,000 – ₩100,000 ≈ $11 – $74Trap ₩100,000 – ₩500,000 ≈ $74 – $370
Daily essentials
Tourist SIM: fair is ₩25,000 – ₩40,000. From ₩45,000 it is the tourist-kiosk price.
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Tourist SIM card
Data package
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 1.9× the fair priceFair ₩25,000 – ₩40,000 ≈ $19 – $30Trap ₩45,000 – ₩80,000 ≈ $33 – $59 -
Sunscreen SPF50
Pharmacy or shop
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 3.0× the fair priceFair ₩8,000 – ₩22,000 ≈ $6 – $16Trap ₩30,000 – ₩60,000 ≈ $22 – $45 -
Water 1.5 L
Supermarket
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 2.5× the fair priceFair ₩600 – ₩1,200 ≈ $0.45 – $0.89Trap ₩1,500 – ₩3,000 ≈ $1.10 – $2.20 -
Cigarettes
Pack of 20
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 1.6× the fair priceFair ₩4,500 – ₩6,000 ≈ $3.30 – $4.50Trap ₩7,000 – ₩10,000 ≈ $5.20 – $7.40 -
Painkillers (paracetamol)
Pack of 20 tablets
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 3.3× the fair priceFair ₩2,000 – ₩5,000 ≈ $1.50 – $3.70Trap ₩8,000 – ₩15,000 ≈ $6 – $11 -
Mosquito repellent
Spray or lotion
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 2.5× the fair priceFair ₩5,000 – ₩10,000 ≈ $3.70 – $7.40Trap ₩12,000 – ₩25,000 ≈ $9 – $19
Services
One-hour massage: fair is ₩40,000 – ₩70,000. From ₩90,000 you are paying for the address.
-
Men's haircut
Local barbershop
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 2.9× the fair priceFair ₩8,000 – ₩18,000 ≈ $6 – $13Trap ₩25,000 – ₩50,000 ≈ $19 – $37 -
Laundry (per kg)
Laundry service
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 3.3× the fair priceFair ₩2,000 – ₩5,000 ≈ $1.50 – $3.70Trap ₩8,000 – ₩15,000 ≈ $6 – $11 -
Massage (1 hour)
Standard full-body massage
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 2.2× the fair priceFair ₩40,000 – ₩70,000 ≈ $30 – $52Trap ₩90,000 – ₩150,000 ≈ $67 – $110 -
Women's haircut
Basic cut, salon
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 3.1× the fair priceFair ₩20,000 – ₩50,000 ≈ $15 – $37Trap ₩70,000 – ₩150,000 ≈ $52 – $110
Attractions
Top museum or attraction: fair is up to ₩15,000. Above ₩15,000, check that you are not buying through a reseller.
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Top museum / attraction
Entrance ticket
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 2.7× the fair priceFair Up to ₩15,000 ≈ $11Trap ₩15,000 – ₩25,000 ≈ $11 – $19 -
Half-day group tour
Organized excursion
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 2.0× the fair priceFair ₩40,000 – ₩80,000 ≈ $30 – $59Trap ₩90,000 – ₩150,000 ≈ $67 – $110 -
Full-day group tour
Organized excursion 6-8h
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 2.6× the fair priceFair ₩50,000 – ₩90,000 ≈ $37 – $67Trap ₩120,000 – ₩250,000 ≈ $89 – $185 -
Cooking class
Local cuisine cooking class
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 2.5× the fair priceFair ₩40,000 – ₩70,000 ≈ $30 – $52Trap ₩100,000 – ₩180,000 ≈ $74 – $135
Converted at 1 USD = 1,347 KRW, the rate on October 3, 2026. Approximate.
Money and tipping in South Korea
Currency
South Korean won (KRW)
- 1 USD = 1,347 KRW
Quick converter, KRW to USD
When a card terminal or ATM offers to charge you in your home currency, choose KRW. The rate it offers is almost always worse.
Bargaining in South Korea
Prices are fixed in most Korean shops, malls and restaurants. At traditional markets (namdaemun, dongdaemun) buying multiple items may get you a small discount if asked politely.
Fuel prices per liter
- Gasoline ₩1,858.62 / liter ≈ $1.40
- Diesel ₩1,843.86 / liter ≈ $1.40
- LPG (autogas) ₩1,098.27 / liter ≈ $0.82
Scams and safety in South Korea
What tourists actually run into, from overcharging tricks to local laws. Open any item for the details.
Law Poppy seeds import ban
Poppy seeds and any food products containing them, including some bagel seasonings, are illegal to bring into South Korea. Attempting to import them may lead to criminal charges.
Emergency numbers in South Korea
Not sure who you need? Call this one. 112 Police
South Korea has no single universal emergency number. Dial 112 for police, 119 for ambulance and fire. Free from any phone; English, Chinese and Japanese interpretation available.
Medical costs
- Doctor visit Private clinic, general consultation without insurance $15 – $60 ≈ ₩20,200 – ₩80,800
- Hospital night One night in a general ward without insurance $300 – $1,500 ≈ ₩404,000 – ₩2,020,000
- Ambulance Emergency transport to hospital Free
- Dentist Check-up or basic treatment at a private practice $50 – $250 ≈ ₩67,400 – ₩337,000
Good to know before you go
Gestures and etiquette
Drinks, hands & Red ink
Never pour your own drink, it's customary for others to pour for you, and you for them. When receiving anything from an elder, always use both hands as a sign of respect. Never write someone's name in red ink, it's associated with death and funeral rites.
Buying souvenirs
Ginseng, Gochugaru & K-Beauty
Korean ginseng (insam), in tea, extract, or candy form, is prized for its quality and makes a traditional health gift. Gochugaru (red pepper flakes) and gochujang (fermented chili paste) are essential Korean kitchen ingredients. K-beauty skincare products (sheet masks, serums, sunscreen) are innovative and affordable. Celadon ceramics, soju, and hanji (traditional mulberry paper) crafts are other elegant picks.
Driving and tolls
Hi-Pass for Korean expressways
South Korea has excellent expressways with tolls. Seoul to Busan costs around ₩20,000–30,000 ($15–22). Request a Hi-Pass electronic toll device from your rental car company for faster passage. Roads are well-maintained with signs in both Korean and English. International driving permits are accepted.
Did you know?
- South Korea consistently ranks among the countries with the fastest internet speeds in the world. Free Wi-Fi is available almost everywhere.
- Kimchi is a staple fermented vegetable dish in South Korea, with over 150 recognized varieties. While consumption habits are evolving, it remains a cornerstone of the national diet, with the average person consuming approximately 37 kilograms annually.
- South Korea switched from its traditional age-counting system in 2023. Before, everyone was "1" at birth and aged up on New Year's Day.
- More than half of South Korea is covered by forest, specifically 64 percent, offering abundant natural landscapes for visitors.
Cities these prices cover
The prices on this page are typical for these cities and the tourist areas around them.
- Seoul 서울
- Busan 부산
- Jeju 제주
- Gyeongju 경주
- Incheon 인천
How South Korea compares
The TruePrice Index for South Korea, next to the countries people weigh it against and its nearest neighbors, all on one scale. 100 is the median of the 60 countries I track.
-
Laos 36 Prices about 73% lower than in South Korea -
Philippines 47 Prices about 64% lower than in South Korea -
Vietnam 47 Prices about 64% lower than in South Korea -
Cambodia 61 Prices about 53% lower than in South Korea -
China 95 Prices about 27% lower than in South Korea - South Korea 131 This page
-
Japan 135 About the same as in South Korea
Common questions about prices in South Korea
Is South Korea expensive to visit?
Short answer: on the pricey side, even at local prices. Fair prices sit 31% above the 60-country median, and tourist prices are about 2.5× the fair price. On the TruePrice Index, South Korea scores 131, the 20th most expensive of the 60 countries I track.
How much does a day in South Korea cost, without flights and hotel?
Roughly ₩38,200 (about $28) a day at fair prices, or ₩95,750 (about $71) at tourist prices. That covers two meals, a coffee, a bottle of water, a beer, two transit rides and a short taxi ride. Sightseeing comes on top (up to ₩15,000 for a top museum or attraction), and accommodation is not included.
Do you tip in South Korea, and how much?
Tipping is not customary in South Korea and is generally refused. Service charges are included in upscale restaurants; in regular places, simply saying "thank you" is sufficient.
What currency does South Korea use?
The South Korean won (KRW). On October 3, 2026, 1 USD was worth 1,347 KRW. Card terminals and ATMs that offer to charge you in your home currency usually give a worse rate, so pay in KRW.
How much is a meal and a beer in South Korea?
A restaurant main course is ₩9,000 – ₩18,000 (about $7 – $13) at fair prices, while tourist menus charge ₩20,000 – ₩40,000. A street food meal runs ₩3,000 – ₩7,000. A local beer is ₩4,000 – ₩8,000 (about $3 – $5.90), or ₩10,000 – ₩18,000 in tourist bars.
How much money should I bring to South Korea?
Budget roughly ₩38,200 (about $28) a day for food, drinks and getting around at local prices, or about ₩95,750 (about $71) at tourist prices. Add up to ₩15,000 for each major sight, plus your accommodation.
What is the emergency number in South Korea?
If you are not sure who you need, call 112, the police line. Direct lines: ambulance and fire brigade 119.
Sources and method
Where these numbers come from, and how sure I am about each one.
- Prices
- 29 items: 15 verified and 14 estimates
- Checked
- to
- Exchange rate
- 1 USD = 1,347 KRW,
- Fuel prices
- Cities
- Seoul, Busan, Jeju, Gyeongju, and Incheon
- Page updated
What the labels mean
- Verified
- Checked against recent local sources.
- Estimate
- Based on related prices and not yet confirmed.
- Rough estimate
- Thin data. Treat it as a ballpark.
- Fair price
- What locals typically pay.
- Tourist-trap price
- What tourists are commonly charged in tourist areas.
- Markup
- The middle of the tourist-trap range divided by the middle of the fair range. 3.0× means three times the fair price.
- TruePrice Index
- Fair prices for all 29 items compared with the median of the 60 countries I track. 100 is the median, 50 means half the median price and 200 twice it.
How to cite
TruePrice Index, October 2026, truepriceapp.com/en/trueprice-index/
Spotted a price that looks off? Email me at contact@truepriceapp.com and I will check it.
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