South Korea Budget Trip: 5 Days for Only 3.5k! A College Girl's Money-Saving Guide Revealed

Hi everyone! I'm Xiao Wu, a junior student who just returned from a budget trip to South Korea. I explored Seoul for 5 days and 4 nights spending only 3,500 yuan! (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧ Sharing my ultimate money-saving guide for friends who want to go! ## ✈️ Pre-Trip Prep 1. Visa: Don't worry if it's your first passport! I got a single-entry visa through an agency for just 399 yuan, which included a free T-money card～(＾▽＾)／ 2. Flights: Book early! I snagged a Shanghai-Seoul round-trip ticket for only 1,200 yuan (tax included!) on Spring Airlines. Remember to purchase baggage allowance🧳 3. Accommodation: Highly recommend guesthouses near Hongdae! 4 nights cost only 600 yuan/person, with cute kitchens for instant noodles🍜 I stayed at "Sum Guest House" – super clean at just 150 yuan/night～(◍•ᴗ•◍) 4. Must-Have Apps: - Papago (photo-translates menus easily📸) - Naver Map (super accurate walking navigation!) - Subway Korea (Chinese version is user-friendly🚇) ## 🚇 Transportation Hacks 1. T-money Card: Buy at convenience stores! 20,000 KRW balance lasts 5 days – works on subways/buses with transfer discounts(•̀ᴗ•́)و 2. Airport Bus: Incheon to Myeongdong for just 45 yuan! Way cheaper than taxis – take Bus 6015 direct to Hongdae🚌 3. Night Bus: N26 runs all night, saving you late-night taxi fares(ﾉ>ω<)ﾉ ## 🏰 Attraction Tips Free Spots! (๑•̀ㅂ•́)و✧ - Gyeongbokgung Palace: Free entry in hanbok! Rent nearby for 50 yuan/2 hours – perfect photos👘 - Cheonggyecheon Stream: Romantic night lights for free walks💫 - Ihwa Mural Village: Colorful houses! Wear light colors for better photos🌈 Budget Must-Dos: - Lotte World: Night ticket only 270 yuan! Fewer crowds till closing🎠 - N Seoul Tower: Go at 4pm for sunset+night views (90 yuan ticket is worth it🌆) ## 🍜 Food Savings 1. Convenience Store Meals: CU kimbap🍙+banana milk🥛=15 yuan breakfast! Microwave-friendly～ 2. Street Food: - Myeongdong spicy rice cakes (30 yuan/serving – shareable!) - Fish cake skewers (15 yuan – warm and comforting❄️) 3. Hidden Perk: Many restaurants offer free side dish refills! My friend and I saved a meal with just kimchi+rice(๑´ڡ`๑) ## 🛍️ Smart Shopping 1. Olive Young: Korean cosmetics are cheap! Got 3 sheet masks for 100 yuan – download their app for coupons💄 2. Hongdae Night Market: Clothes half-price after 8pm! Scored jeans for 80 yuan👖 3. Duty-Free Rewards: Get membership cards in advance for 30% off – saved 400+ yuan on Sulwhasoo sets🎁 ## 💰 Ultimate Tips 1. Currency Exchange: Best rates near Myeongdong Embassy! Much better than airport(＾ω＾) 2. Tax Refund: Get refunds for purchases over 30,000 KRW – instant Alipay transfer💰 3. Free Experiences: - Samcheongdong Weekend Market (tons of free samples!) - Hongdae street performances (free K-pop shows～) The biggest expenses were flights and lodging – everything else was super affordable! Bring an empty suitcase girls, shopping in Korea is irresistible(≧▽≦)