Photo: Google Maps
Cost of Food in South Korea
Daily food budget: $15–$35 per person. Here's what meals actually cost.
Budget
$15
per person/day
Mid-range
$35
per person/day
Luxury
$85
per person/day
What Meals Cost
Kimbap roll$3-4
Bibimbap$6-10
Korean BBQ (per person)$15-30
Fried chicken and beer$12-18
Fine dining$50-120
Money-Saving Food Tips
- ✓Eat at kimbap shops and university districts for meals under $5.
Dining in South Korea
Eating well in South Korea doesn't have to be expensive. Here's what to expect and how to make the most of your food budget:
- ✓Look for lunch specials — many restaurants offer set menus at lower prices during midday.
- ✓Street food and markets are the best value and often the most authentic local cuisine.
- ✓Ask locals for recommendations — tourist-area restaurants typically charge 30-50% more.
- ✓Self-catering for breakfast (grocery store bread, fruit, coffee) saves $5-15/day per person.
- ✓Use apps like Google Maps or TripAdvisor to find highly-rated budget restaurants nearby.