Things That Are Surprisingly Cheap in Korea
Although department store products, ritzy bar tabs, and imports like fruit tend to be on the pricier side in Seoul, the city is full of affordable goods and services for the budget traveler. So, what’s cheap in Korea? Read on to find out.
Everybody’s gotta eat! Seoul is a foodie’s dream, as it has everything from traditional Korean fare to designer dessert concoctions such as Remicone’s Thunder Bomb. While the more exotic options usually come with higher price tags, standard Korean restaurants are fairly cheap. At most casual restaurants, you can have a hearty meal of meat, such as samgyeopsal or galbi, noodles, or soup paired with various banchan for less than 10,000 won per person. Another bonus: tips aren’t expected in Korea.
Cheap snack houses known as Bunsikjips (분식집) exist around Seoul as well. These places offer light Korean dishes such as dumplings, tteokbokki, sundae, odeng, and twigim for around 2,000-5,000 won each. Check out SeoulSync’s review of Mapo Mandu, a bunsikjip chain.
Street food is also cheap in Korea and incredibly diverse— you can experience everything from kimbap to churros to glazed chicken in a waffle cone.
1. Korean clothes, shoes, and accessories
Seoul has an incredibly diverse shopping scene. While department store clothing is generally more expensive, you can find a wide range of cheaper made-in-Korea clothes, shoes, and accessories from street vendors, subway stations, and alleyway stores.
2. Socks
Pairs of socks are often sold for 1,000 won by vendors around the city.
3. Museums
Whether you’re a history buff, art critic, or just a casual museum-goer, Seoul probably has a museum for you. The city is home to over 100 museums, ranging from the National Museum of Korea to the Trick Eye Museum. Many museums in Korea have relatively inexpensive, if not free, admission.
4. Subway Fare
Basic subway transit fare for adults is 1,250 won with a T-money card
5. Soju
You can pick up a bottle for 1,500 won (less than $1.50) at the local convenience store.
6. Jimjilbang (찜질방)
Jimjilbangs are Korean overnight spas, and depending on the size, feature amenities such as showers, hot baths, saunas, massage rooms, and sleeping rooms. Open 24/7, jimjilbangs range from around 7,000 won to 15,000 won a night.
Article Source: http://seoulsync.com/lifestyle/travel/9-things-cheap-in-korea
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VOCABULARY WORDS:
1. Concoctions => An unusual drink or meal that is made by mixing things in a new way.
2. Diverse => Very different from each other.
3. Wacky => Funny, or silly
4. Boast => To have something good, often an attractive feature that other people admire
5. Debauchery => Bad sexual behaviour, drinking too much alcohol, taking drugs, etc.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
1. Why is Seoul known to be an expensive city? How true is this?
2. What are the cheap items that can be bought in Seoul?
3. What traveling and spending tips can you tell a person who wants to visit Seoul?
4. What was the cheapest / most expensive item/ service you have ever spent money on while in Seoul?
