Dreaming of finally ticking South Korea off your travel bucket list? Whether you’re going with family, barkada, or as a K-pop–obsessed team labas ng bahay, one thing’s for sure:
Magkano ba talaga ang kailangang budget for a South Korea trip in 2025?
In this guide, I break down the REALISTIC costs — flights, hotels, food, transport, tours — using updated 2025 prices. Perfect for first-time Filipino travelers, families with teens, and budget-conscious Pinoys who want clarity before booking.
Let’s dive in!
Is South Korea expensive for Filipinos?
Short answer: It can be… but it doesn’t have to be!
With good planning, watching out for promos, and choosing budget-friendly routes, a Korean trip is VERY doable — even for families.
For 2025, the average total budget looks like this:
Budget Travel: ₱25,000–₱35,000 per person
Comfort Travel: ₱45,000–₱60,000 per person
Family with teens: ₱40,000–₱55,000 per person (middle budget)
These estimates already include flights, accommodation, transport, food, SIM, and tours.
Now let’s break everything down in detail.
1. Flights (Manila–Seoul Roundtrip)
Budget range: ₱10,000–₱15,000
Regular price: ₱15,000–₱25,000
Cheapest months:
✔ February–March
✔ May–June
✔ September–November
Airlines to watch:
- Cebu Pacific
- Jeju Air
- Jin Air
- Philippine Airlines
- Asiana Airlines
Pro Tip (Pinoy Style):
Book 3–5 months ahead. Mas mura talaga!
Unli alerts sa Seat Sale = malaking tipid.
2. Accommodation (Per Night, Per Person)
Budget hotels / hostels: ₱1,200–₱1,800
• Good for solo/barkada
• Clean, modern, convenient
• Areas: Myeongdong, Hongdae, Dongdaemun
Comfort hotels / family rooms: ₱2,500–₱4,000
• Best for families with teens
• Bigger rooms + bathroom
• Often includes breakfast
Where Filipinos usually stay:
✔ Myeongdong – safest & easiest for first-timers
✔ Hongdae – youthful vibe
✔ Dongdaemun – cheap finds
3. Food & Drinks (Daily Budget)
Budget meals: ₱80–₱150 per meal
• Convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven)
• Gimbap, ramyeon, rice meals
Affordable restaurant meals: ₱200–₱350
• Kimchi stew
• Tteokbokki meals
• K-BBQ lunch sets
Comfort meals: ₱400–₱600
• Famous Korean BBQ
• Samgyetang
• Korean fried chicken
Daily food estimate:
- Budget traveler: ₱500–₱800/day
- Comfort traveler: ₱900–₱1,500/day
- Family with teens: ₱2,500–₱3,500/day (for 4)
Tipid Tip:
Convenience store breakfasts → malaking tipid + masarap!
4. Transport Costs
Seoul is super easy to explore with public transport.
You’ll need: T-Money Card (₩3,000/₱130 one-time purchase)
Transport Budget for 5–7 days:
₱2,500–₱4,000 per person
Typical fares:
- Subway ride → ₱50–₱70
- Bus → ₱55
- Airport AREX express → ₱600–₱750
- Taxis → ₱200–₱350 short distance
Filipino-Friendly Apps:
✔ Naver Map
✔ Kakao Metro
✔ Papago
✔ Kakao T (taxi)
5. Tours, Tickets, and Entrance Fees (2025)
Popular attractions & 2025 prices:
| Attraction / Tour | 2025 Price (PHP) |
| Nami Island (DIY) | ₱800–₱1,200 |
| Nami + Petite France tour | ₱1,800–₱2,500 |
| Everland | ₱2,000–₱3,800 |
| Lotte World | ₱2,200–₱3,500 |
| Hanbok Rental | ₱700–₱1,200 |
| Gyeongbokgung entry | ₱150 (FREE with hanbok) |
| Seoul City Tour Bus | ₱1,200–₱1,800 |
Total tour budget for 5–7 days:
Budget: ₱3,000–₱6,000
Comfort: ₱8,000–₱15,000
6. SIM, WiFi, and Travel Essentials
SIM or eSIM: ₱500–₱900
Pocket WiFi rental: ₱200–₱250/day
Tip:
Kung family of 4, mas tipid ang Pocket WiFi shared.
7. Shopping Budget (Optional!)
Shopping depends on your vibe:
- Minimal shopper: ₱1,000–₱3,000
- K-pop fan: ₱3,000–₱10,000
- Beauty/skincare fan: ₱5,000–₱12,000
- With teens: expect album buying
Most popular shopping areas:
✔ Hongdae
✔ Myeongdong
✔ Gangnam
✔ COEX Mall
✔ Namdaemun Market
8. TOTAL ESTIMATED BUDGET (Per Person, 5–7 Days)
BUDGET TRAVELER
₱25,000–₱35,000
Includes:
✔ Seat sale flights
✔ Hostels/guesthouses
✔ Public transport only
✔ DIY tours
✔ Convenience-store breakfasts
COMFORT TRAVELER
₱45,000–₱60,000
Includes:
✔ Decent hotel
✔ More restaurant meals
✔ Theme park visits
✔ Comfortable airport transfers
FAMILY OF 4 (With Teens)
₱160,000–₱220,000 total
Breakdown:
- Flights: ₱60k–₱90k
- Hotel: ₱15k–₱24k
- Food: ₱15k–₱20k
- Transport: ₱8k–₱12k
- Tours: ₱12k–₱20k
- Shopping: flexible
HOW TO LOWER YOUR KOREA BUDGET (Pinoy Tips!)
✔ Book flights during seat sales
Cebu Pacific and Jeju Air often drop to ₱5,999–₱7,999 roundtrip.
✔ Stay in Hongdae or Dongdaemun
Cheaper yet safe, with affordable food everywhere.
✔ Use convenience-store breakfasts
Masarap + budget-friendly.
✔ Book tours online in advance
Walk-ins are more expensive.
✔ Use a refillable bottle
Water fountains are everywhere.
✔ Take subways instead of taxis
You’ll save ₱200–₱300 per trip.
Sample 5-Day Budget (Budget Traveler)
Perfect for students, young professionals, or barkada trips.
| Category | Cost |
| Flights | ₱11,000 |
| Accommodation (5 nights) | ₱6,000 |
| Food | ₱3,000 |
| Transport | ₱2,500 |
| Tours | ₱4,000 |
| Misc | ₱2,000 |
TOTAL: ₱28,500
Sample 5-Day Budget (Family of 4)
Good for parents + teens.
| Category | Family Cost |
| Flights | ₱80,000 |
| Hotel | ₱18,000 |
| Food | ₱15,000 |
| Transport | ₱10,000 |
| Tours | ₱16,000 |
TOTAL: ₱139,000 (₱34,750 per person)
Is a Korea trip worth it for Filipino families in 2025?
ABSOLUTELY.
Great food, safe streets, K-pop destinations, historical sites, snow in winter — there’s something for every family member.
And with proper planning, hindi kailangang mahal.
A Korea trip is achievable for most Filipino families with the right budgeting and timing!
Your Turn! Planning your Korea trip this 2025?
Comment below your travel month, budget, and # of people, and I’ll help you estimate a more personalized cost breakdown — WanderMapped style!
WanderMapped 