Luxury Travel Guide: South Korea

Accommodation

$250-600 per night

Five-star hotels, luxury resorts, premium serviced apartments, high-end boutique properties

Food & Dining

$100-250 per day

Fine dining restaurants, hotel dining, premium Korean cuisine, international restaurants, private dining experiences

Transportation

$60-180 per day

Private transfers, premium taxis, first-class KTX, domestic flights, car rentals with driver

Activities

$120-400 per day

Private guided tours, exclusive cultural experiences, premium spa treatments, VIP entertainment, luxury shopping

Eat at local markets and university areas instead of tourist districts (typically 40-60% cheaper)

Use T-money card for public transportation and take advantage of transfer discounts (saves 20-30% vs individual tickets)

Visit palaces and temples early morning for free or discounted entry, many offer reduced prices before 9 AM

Stay in neighborhoods like Hongdae or Myeongdong for budget accommodation with easy subway access (30-50% cheaper than Gangnam)

Buy snacks and drinks at convenience stores instead of tourist areas (50-70% savings)

Take advantage of free cultural events and festivals, especially during shoulder seasons

Book intercity transportation in advance online for significant discounts (20-40% off walk-up rates)

Taking taxis everywhere instead of using excellent public transportation system (costs 5-8x more)

Eating only in tourist areas like Myeongdong or Gangnam (typically 100-200% markup over local neighborhoods)

Not getting a T-money card and paying individual fares (wastes 20-30% on transportation costs)

Booking accommodation without checking proximity to subway stations (can double transportation costs)

Visiting only during peak cherry blossom or autumn seasons without considering shoulder season savings