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What's considered too much money for your older Korean friend to spend on an outing?
Is this a normal price for outings with friends? I know he felt obligated to pay since he's older and was showing me around, I offered to the lunch too but he said it was fine. I was just a bit worried I had chosen a pricey place since we were both trying to find a place to eat lunch at, and agreed to that one.
₩19,800 for two people near Namsan is honestly fine, especially for a sit-down lunch. a lot of the restaurants right around Myeongdong station or the cable car base charge ₩12,000-15,000 just for one bowl of noodles or bibimbap. so you two splitting a meal for under 20k is pretty standard, not pricey at all.
if anything, the coffee at ₩11,100 is what stands out to me. that's two iced americanos from a chain like Twosome Place or Hollys, which is normal but not cheap. if you wanted to balance it next time, you could grab the coffee and let him cover the meal. that way he still gets to be the hyung treating you, but you're not just taking. the age dynamic is real here, so small gestures like that go a long way.
honestly that's pretty normal for a casual lunch in that area. ₩19,800 for two people near Namsan is actually on the cheaper side, a lot of the restaurants right by the cable car entrance will run you ₩15,000-20,000 per person easy. the coffee at ₩11,100 sounds like two iced americanos from a chain place, which is standard.
the age thing is real though. him being 28 and you being 20, he prob felt like he should treat you since you're younger and a guest. next time just let him pay for the meal and grab the coffee or dessert yourself, that's a pretty common middle ground. no need to stress about it
ah that's totally normal pricing honestly. if you're really worried about it next time just sneakily pay for something small first like the coffee before he can pull out his wallet, that way he still gets to be the hyung treating you for the meal but you're not just taking the whole day. the age thing is real here but it's more about the gesture than the amount
Seoul on a Budget: Tips 2026
Stay in guesthouses or hostels in Hongdae or Myeongdong for as low as 20,000-40,000 won per night. For a private room, try a goshiwon (student housing) starting at 300,… 🏠 Affordable Accommodation
Stay in guesthouses or hostels in Hongdae or Myeongdong for as low as 20,000-40,000 won per night. For a private room, try a goshiwon (student housing) starting at 300,000 won per month. Book directly with the property or use local platforms like Yanolja for discounts.
🍜 Cheap Eats
A bowl of bibimbap or kimchi jjigae at a local restaurant costs 6,000-8,000 won. For budget meals, visit convenience stores like GS25 or CU for triangle kimbap (1,200 won) and instant ramen. Street food like tteokbokki (3,000 won) is filling and cheap.
🚇 Transportation Savings
Use a T-money card for subway and bus rides at 1,400 won per trip, with free transfers within 30 minutes. A day pass costs 5,500 won for unlimited rides. Walk between nearby attractions like Gyeongbokgung and Insadong to save even more.
🎫 Free Attractions
Many palaces, including Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, offer free admission on the last Wednesday of each month. Cheonggyecheon Stream and Namsan Park are always free to explore. Visit Bukchon Hanok Village for a glimpse of traditional Seoul without spending a won.
💰 Local Money-Saving Tips
Locals often use apps like Coupang Eats for discounted meal deliveries or visit traditional markets like Gwangjang Market for cheap, fresh food. Avoid tourist-heavy areas for souvenirs; instead, shop at Daiso for affordable Korean snacks and gifts.
🎭 Free Cultural Experiences
Watch a free traditional performance at the Korea House or at the Namsangol Hanok Village on weekends. Many museums, like the National Museum of Korea, have free permanent exhibitions. Check out Hongdae street performances for live music and dance.
🍺 Nightlife on a Budget
Join a free walking tour of Hongdae or Itaewon to discover cheap bars and pubs. Many places offer happy hour deals from 5-7 PM with 50% off drinks. For a unique experience, visit a pojangmacha (street tent bar) for soju and anju under 10,000 won.
📱 Essential Apps
Download Naver Map for accurate transit directions and KakaoTaxi for affordable rides. Use Mango Plate to find restaurant discounts and coupons. For free Wi-Fi, connect to the city's public network at subway stations and parks.
this is a solid list, one thing i'd add is that the t-money card also works for the airport railroad express (arex) and you can get a discount if you buy a "climate card" from the subway machines for like 62,000 won a month, unlimited rides on seoul metro and buses. also, for free stuff, the seoul city wall hiking trail from naksan park gives you amazing views of the city and bukchon without paying a thing, plus it's way less crowded than namsan. gwangjang market is great but go for the sundubu (7000 won) at the stalls in the back, not the front ones near the entrance which are pricier for tourists
honestly the guide nails it, one thing i'd add is that the t-money card deposit is refundable at any convenience store when you leave, most people forget and just toss it. also for free stuff, the seoul philharmonic does free outdoor concerts at seoul plaza in spring and fall, just show up with a blanket. if you're near hongdae on a friday night, the playground area has buskers that are genuinely talented, way better than the overhyped clubs
i live here and a few things this guide nails. one tip that saves me money is the "climate card" for 62,000 won a month, unlimited subway and bus, even works on the airport express if you're staying a while. for cheap eats, skip the main streets in hongdae and go into the alleys behind the art center, there's a place that does dwaeji gukbap (pork soup) for 7,000 won and it's way better than the tourist spots. also, the seoul city wall trail from naksan park is free and gives you killer views without the namsan tower price tag, way less crowded too