Planning to visit the Land of the Morning Calm? Scroll down for a comprehensive walkthrough on how much it’ll cost to enter, eat, sleep and stay in the Korean Peninsula this year.
Even though the nation is steeped in about 5000 years of culture and history, South Korea has fought hard to be at the front and centre of modern pop culture and technology. That’s perhaps one of the reasons why our Spotify playlists and streaming platforms are dominated by world-class Korean exports such as Squid Game, Kingdom, and Black Pink. And even then, that’s not all the Peninsula has to offer. Fondly known as the Land of the Morning Calm by locals and foreigners alike, South Korea is blessed with idyllic and picturesque landscapes that would make a fine escape for any deprived vacationer. But more importantly (for us city folk anyways), a bustling urban scene with the best restaurants and entertainment options is always just a train or car ride away. Here’s more on the entry requirements to South Korea, and how much a trip might cost — for the budget, moderate, or luxury traveller.
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💜 Stay Up To Date
#1: Singapore Vaccinated Travel Framework Updates: What You Need to Know
#2: Ultimate Guide to VTF Travel From Singapore
#3: Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Policies
🇰🇷 Entry Requirements To South Korea: For Fully Vaccinated Travellers
🚨 To Note: Foreigners who recovered from COVID-19 but still test positive for PCR test are NOT allowed to travel to Korea — even with an official recovery memo or fit-to-fly memo issued by a doctor. (To be updated)
| Entering Seoul | Returning to Singapore | |
| Entry Requirements To South Korea | ✅ Be covered by COVID-19 travel insurance, minimum of ₩30 million(~S$32,916) 👉🏻 AIG travel insurance is highly recommended 👉🏻 Print the main page of policy and emergency contacts ✅ Book your accommodations 👉🏻 Airbnb or Wehome are recommended because hotels may not allow you to check in to wait for arrival PCR results, try and align your flight arrival timing to your check-in timing ✅ 2 Weeks Before: Apply for K-ETA (S$10) 👉🏻 Resize photos here 👉🏻 Please print 2 copies ✅ 2 Weeks Before: Notarise your vaccination status here 👉🏻 Please print 2 copies ✅ Take pre-departure supervised ART within 24 hours of departure 🚨 NOTE: Tele-supervised ARTs are not allowed ✅ Register for Q-Code 👉🏻 A QR code will be issued via email after registration, print this out ✅ Take on-arrival PCR test (From 1 June: within 3 days of entry) 🚨 Remember to pre-book here. 👉🏻 Isolate until results are out (From 1 June) 🚨 Bring your own ART kits, it is more expensive in Korea 👉🏻 Reporting of results not necessary if negative 👉🏻 For positive results, contact KDCA at +82-2-2633-1339 ✅ Update daily health status on Self-Check mobile app for 14 days from the day of arrival | ✅ Fill up your SG Arrival Card ✅ Declare GST payable goods ✅ Tax refunds (how-to): 👉🏻 Compile all tax refund receipts 👉🏻 Scan in the receipts & passport at the airport 👉🏻 Inform check-in that you have tax refundable items (get tagged) 👉🏻 Bring luggage to the customs counter, where they will give you a chop and put your luggage into the belt from there |
🇰🇷 Entry Requirements To South Korea: For Unvaccinated Travellers
| Entering Seoul | Returning to Singapore | |
| Entry Requirements To South Korea | 🎉New: Unvaccinated travellers will no longer be required to be quarantined. Same requirements as vaccinated individuals. | ✅ Fill up your SG Arrival Card ✅ Take self-administered ART, supervised ART or PCR test 48 hours before departure 👉🏻 Ask for a non-handwritten pre-departure report that is in English (or accompanied by a notarized English translation) with the following details: – Traveller’s name – Date of Birth or Passport number (per the passport used to travel to Singapore) – Date and result of the COVID-19 test 🚨 Pre-departure test is not required if you have tested positive for COVID-19 between 14 to 90 days before your date of departure for Singapore (check for eligibility here). ✅ 7-day Stay Home Notice (SHN) upon arrival |
🇰🇷 Entry Requirements To South Korea: What About Masks?
✅ Indoor public places or on public transport
✅ Outdoor areas: if you’re unable to maintain a 2-metre distance from others
🇰🇷 Entry Requirements To South Korea: Do I Need To Have A Booster Shot?
🚨 If the 2nd dose was taken more than 180 days ago, a booster dose is required. However, from 1 June, the booster dose requirement will be scrapped for vaccinated 12-17 year olds
🇰🇷 Entry Requirements To South Korea: Travel Expenditure Checklist
Disclaimer: Similar to the guide we did on tests, flights and travel insurance, we’ll be using the dates of 2 to 9 December 2021 to gauge the average cost of post-pandemic travel to South Korea.
| Budget | Moderate | Luxury | |
| Accommodations | From S$45/night | From S$284/night | From S$419/night |
| Dining | From S$3/meal | From S$14.80/meal | From S$43/meal |
| Attractions | From S$0 | From S$0 | From S$0 |
| Sim Cards | From S$27.50 | From S$27.50 | From S$27.50 |
| Transport | from S$1.50 | from S$1.50 | from S$1.50 |
Accommodations
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(A) Budget
Shilla Stay Yeoksam
Photo credits: Agoda
Distance from City Center: 8.3km, but 570m to nearest public transport
Price: S$130 per night
No. of Reviews: 2.3k
Score: 8.2/10
Wegoinn Hostel
Photo credits: Agoda
Distance from City Center: 3.8km
Price: S$45 per night
No. of Reviews: 175 (new hotel)
Score: 9.2/10
(B) Moderate
The Westin Josun Seoul
Photo credits: Agoda
Distance from City Center: 250m from Myeong-Dong Walking Street
Price: S$293 per night
No. of Reviews: 2.3k
Score: 8.9/10
Lotte Hotel Seoul
Photo credits: Agoda
Distance from City Center: 260m from Myeong-Dong Walking Street
Price: S$284 per night
No. of Reviews: 6.5k
Score: 8.8/10
(C) Luxury
SIGNIEL SEOUL
Photo credits: Agoda
Distance from City Center: 11km, but 240m to Jamsil Subway Station
Price: S$596 per night
No. of Reviews: 1.6k
Score: 9.4/10
The Shilla Seoul
Photo credits: Agoda
Distance from City Center: 11km
Price: S$419 per night
No. of Reviews: 2.2k
Score: 9.1/10
Dining
As all savvy travellers do, we sought the help of our travel bible Tripadvisor to sieve out the best food recommendations and reviews to locate the ultimate belly-fillers for every budget.
(A) Budget
Mugyodong Bugeokukjib
Where: Jung-gu, Seoul
What: Hangover cure, aka bone broth stews and grilled meats
Price range: from ₩7,500 (~S$8.50)
No. of Reviews: 675
Score: 4.5/5
Find out more.
Jonny Dumpling
Where: Itaewon, Seoul
What: Rumour has it, the best dumplings in Seoul + a must-try mussel soup
Price range: from ₩8,000 (~S$9)
No. of Reviews: 282
Score: 4.5/5
Find out more.
Isaac Toast Myeongdong
Where: Namdaemun, Seoul
What: A heaven-sent treat in the form of a double cheese photo sandwich
Price range: from ₩2,600 (~S$3)
No. of Reviews: 700
Score: 4/5
Find out more.
(B) Moderate
Mukshidonna Samcheongdong
Where: Jongno-gu, Seoul
What: Good ol’ comfort food in the form of tteokbokki stew
Price range: from ₩17,600 (~S$20)
No. of Reviews: 131
Score: 4/5
Find out more.
Samcheon-dong Sujebi
Where: Jongro-gu, Seoul
What: Delicious home-cooked feast (see: sujaebi, pancakes and stew!) in a family-friendly restaurant
Price range: from ₩13,000 (~S$14.80)
No. of Reviews: 141
Score: 4/5
Find out more.
(C) Luxury
Jungsik
Where: Gangnam-gu, Seoul
What: Modern Korean fine dining (2 Michelin stars)
Price range: from ₩60,000 (~S$68)
No. of Reviews: 467
Score: 4.5/5
Find out more.
Mingles
Where: Gangnam-gu, Seoul
What: Contemporary creative Korean inventions (2 Michelin stars)
Price range: from ₩38,000 (~S$43)
No. of Reviews: 176
Score: 4.5/5
Find out more.
Attractions
(A) Nature
Bukhansan National Park
Photo credits: Viator
Right on the edge of Seoul, these granite peaks that sit on the north holds the Guinness Book of World Records for being the “most-visited national park per unit area” and for good reason. Not only is it easy to get to by public transport, but it’s also filled with beginner-friendly trails like the Daenammun Course, temples, and gardens.
Pro-tip: Make a pit stop at the visitor centre to find out which trails are open before proceeding into the park. You’ll also be able to get a trail map there and any info you might need in English.
There are also vendors at the foot of the mountain selling any gear you might need so don’t worry about not bringing any equipment!
Admission: Free
Find out more here.
Inwangsan Mountain
Photo credits: Trazy
Newbies to nature, this one is for you. Since there’s only one main hiking trail that traces the Seoul City Wall, it’s almost impossible to get lost (just follow the white-fenced road). You’ll be passing through the forest, valley, rivers till you get to the summit. Yet, it’s famed for the interesting rock formations that you’ll be able to spot along the way.
Pro-tip: Since this mountain trail is open 24 hours (except Mondays), make sure you schedule in some time for an evening hike to catch the sun setting over the ridges and city.
Admission: Free
Find out more here.
Seoul Forest
Photo credits: KoreaToDo
Right smack in the middle of the city is the Seoul forest, a manicured retreat with outdoor tennis and badminton courts nestled amidst the flora and fauna. Here, you’ll get tree-lined boulevards, as well as quaint cafes and restaurants. If you’re game for a walk, in just half an hour, you can even get to Hangang River!
Admission: Free
Find out more here.
(B) City
Dongdaemun History & Culture Park
Photo credits: Tripadvisor
You probably recognise this distinctive silver structure from the Korean tourism video featuring a ton of people dancing to a strange but catchy tune. Yet, this spot is more than an OOTD destination. Beneath the surface, there are archaeological remains that trace back to the Joseon dynasty!
Admission: Free
Find out more here.
Myeongdong
Photo credits: iStock
You’re here for the latest and greatest in Korean skincare — and/or any cosmetic procedures that you’ve been saving up to get done. You’ll find a ton of street food here as well, cute makeup cafes (check out L Creer! Prices from ₩3,000 ), as well as must-visit shopping havens such as Espoir Market, and of course Ewha Woman’s University.
Pro-tip: Tons of stores here offer immediate tax refund service if you manage to spend more than ₩30,000 (~S$34), so we recommend doing some research and getting all you need to at select stores.
Prices average out to ₩25,000 (~S$28.40).
Travel SIM cards
| 30 Days Plan | |
| Trazy | ₩62,000 (~S$70.40) |
| Klook | ₩64,400 (~S$73.70) |
| EG SIM | ₩50,050 (~S$57.30) |
| Woori Mobile | ₩24,200 (~S$27.50) |
| Korea SIM | ₩70,000 (~S$79.70) |
Transport
(A) Subway
Photo credits: VisitSeoul
Known to be clean and efficient, Seoul’s subway system is probably one of the cheapest and best ways to get around the city. You can opt for single or multi-journey passes depending on your day-to-day plans. Single-journey passes can be bought at subway stations, while multi-journey passes (also known as Tmoney) can be acquired from convenience stores.
Prices: from ₩1,350 (~S$1.50)
For more information and navigation aid, download the Kakao Metro app.
(B) Kakao T
Photo credits: KakaoT
For days when you’re in a bit of a hurry, why not see the sights via an electric bike or a taxi? Introducing Kakao T, Seoul’s version of Grab. Each bike rental requires a ₩10,000 (~S$11.40) deposit plus a base fee of ₩1,500 for the first 15 minutes — and ₩100 (~S$0.10) every minute after. This would hike up the total to an average of ₩6,000 (~S$6.80).
For taxis, the basic fee starts at ₩3,000 (~S$3.40), and each kilometre will cost ₩700 (~S$0.80) thereafter.
Download the app here.
Seoul Far, Seoul Good
Now that you’re better acquainted with the entry requirements to South Korea, plus the average cost of accommodations, transport, and entertainment when you travel to Seoul — it’s time to start planning your getaway! As always, whenever you make your bookings or spend overseas, be sure to use your YouTrip card to skip out on those pesky bank fees!
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Stay safe, and happy travels!
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*All currency conversion rates are accurate to nearest 10 cents on 10 May 2022 SGT 11:30 AM. Bank card prices are calculated based on 3.25% foreign currency transaction fee.
