Two Cities, One Budget: Seoul to Busan on $50 a Day - Complete Guide

Seoul initially feels like a maze of towering skyscrapers and endless subway lines, but it quickly reveals itself as one of the most budget-friendly capital cities in Asia if you know the right moves.

The T-Money card became my best friend within hours of landing. For just 4,000 won (about $3) for the reloadable card itself, I accessed the entire subway and bus network at discounted rates. A typical subway ride costs around 1,350 won ($1), making it possible to explore multiple neighborhoods in a day without budget concerns.

For accommodation, I bypassed the trendy Gangnam and Myeongdong districts and instead booked a guesthouse in Hongdae. This university area offers clean, basic rooms for around $20-25 per night, and the youthful energy is contagious. I used my travel sleep sack to ensure I always had a clean sleeping surface, which has been a game-changer for budget accommodations throughout my travels.

The real money-saver was Seoul's abundance of free attractions. Hiking Bukhansan National Park gave me both exercise and breathtaking city views without spending a dime. The changing fall colors made every trail look like a painting. Similarly, exploring the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace is free, though entering the buildings costs a modest 3,000 won ($2.50) – absolutely worth it during the fall when the ancient architecture contrasts with fiery maple trees.

Before arriving, I worried my plant-based diet would force me to splurge on specialized restaurants. The reality was quite the opposite. Korean Buddhist temple cuisine is naturally vegan and surprisingly affordable if you know where to look.

In Seoul, Balwoo Gongyang near Jogyesa Temple offers a temple food lunch set for around 10,000 won ($8) that includes multiple small dishes, rice, and tea. The flavors are subtle but deeply satisfying, focusing on seasonal vegetables and fermented ingredients.

For everyday meals, I discovered that many local spots serve pajeon (vegetable pancakes) and bibimbap that can easily be made vegan by requesting 'no egg' and 'no meat' (show the phrase '고기 없이 주세요' on your phone). A filling bibimbap typically costs 7,000-9,000 won ($6-7.50).

Street food markets became my dinner go-to, with Gwangjang Market offering hearty portions of tteokbokki (rice cakes in spicy sauce) and vegetable kimbap for under $5. I always carried my collapsible food container for leftovers, which saved me countless won and reduced food waste.

In Busan, the Jagalchi Fish Market might seem like vegan kryptonite, but nearby stalls sell incredible vegetable tempura and seaweed soup. The Haeundae area also has several affordable plant-based cafes where you can get a solid meal for under $10.

The journey between Korea's two largest cities deserves special attention, as transportation choices can make or break your budget.

While the KTX bullet train is tempting at just 2.5 hours, its 59,000 won ($45) price tag doesn't fit a $50 daily budget. Instead, I opted for the Mugunghwa slow train, which takes about 5.5 hours but costs only 28,600 won ($22). The bonus? Stunning countryside views as you traverse the Korean peninsula.

I made the most of this transit day by downloading episodes of my favorite podcasts and Korean language lessons on my noise-canceling earbuds, which blocked out train noise while preserving my sanity (and battery life) during the journey.

Another option is the overnight bus, which costs around 23,000 won ($18) and saves you a night of accommodation. I'm usually hesitant about overnight buses, but Korean highways are impeccably maintained, making for a surprisingly comfortable ride. Pro tip: book these tickets 2-3 days in advance through the Korean bus booking app or at the terminal, as they do sell out.

If you're really pinching pennies and have time to spare, the 'Doing' route combines local buses and trains for under $15 total, though it takes nearly 7 hours with transfers. I tried this on my return journey and while time-consuming, it offered glimpses of small-town Korea I would have otherwise missed.

Busan immediately charmed me with its laid-back coastal vibe – a refreshing contrast to Seoul's intensity. And surprisingly, it was even more budget-friendly.

Accommodation in Busan averages 20% less than Seoul. I stayed at a clean guesthouse in Nampo-dong for just $18 per night, perfectly located near both the famous Jagalchi Market and Busan's best budget food options. To keep my electronics charged and organized in the small room, my travel power strip was invaluable, turning one outlet into a charging station for all my devices.

The city's best attractions won't cost you much. Haeundae Beach is completely free and stunning in fall when crowds thin out but temperatures remain pleasant. Gamcheon Culture Village, with its colorful hillside homes and street art, only asks for a small donation. And the breathtaking Haedong Yonggungsa Temple perched on coastal cliffs costs nothing to visit – though getting there via public bus takes about 45 minutes from downtown.

For a unique experience, visit the Spa Land jjimjilbang (Korean bathhouse) in the Shinsegae Department Store. While not dirt-cheap at 15,000 won ($12), it provides access to multiple saunas, hot pools, and relaxation areas – plus you can stay overnight if you're comfortable sleeping on the floor with other patrons. After two weeks of budget travel, this splurge felt completely justified for my surfer's shoulders.

Don't miss hiking on Geumjeongsan Mountain, where fall foliage creates a spectacular backdrop for the 17th-century mountain fortress. Pack a picnic from a local convenience store (another budget hack), and use my favorite travel companion, the collapsible water bottle, which has saved me countless plastic bottles and money throughout my travels.

Balancing remote work with budget travel in South Korea proved easier than expected, largely thanks to the country's exceptional digital infrastructure.

Seoul and Busan both offer abundant free WiFi in public spaces, but I preferred the stability of dedicated coworking spaces for development work. In Seoul, my go-to became Garage Lab in Yeonnam-dong, where a day pass costs 10,000 won ($8) with excellent amenities. Busan's best option was Brown Hands Coffee in Seomyeon, where purchasing a single Americano (4,500 won/$3.50) grants all-day access to reliable WiFi and comfortable seating.

To maintain productivity while hopping between locations, I relied heavily on my portable laptop stand, which transforms any cafe table into an ergonomic workstation. This simple tool has saved my neck and wrists during countless remote work sessions around the world.

South Korea's 4G/5G coverage is exceptional, even in subway tunnels, making mobile hotspot a reliable backup. I purchased a 10-day unlimited data eSIM from KT Olleh for 33,000 won ($25), which proved invaluable for quick work check-ins while exploring.

For video calls with US clients (managing the 13-14 hour time difference), I found Seoul's 24-hour cafes particularly useful. Chain stores like Compose Coffee and A Twosome Place often have quiet corners where you can take early morning calls without disturbing others. In Busan, Stinky Cat Coffee near Gwangalli Beach became my 6 AM video call sanctuary, with the added bonus of spectacular sunrise views over the water and Gwangan Bridge.