What really keeps people from traveling? Sure, there’s procrastination, fear, or lack of follow-through—but more often than not, the biggest barrier is money.
Look a little closer, though, and you’ll find plenty of familiar spots that are surprisingly budget-friendly.
In some places, 30,000–40,000 KRW a day (about $22.50–$30.00) will cover generous meals and even a massage. Here are seven overseas destinations that give you the best bang for your buck when you factor in airfare and local costs.
Da Nang & Hoi An, Vietnam
Vietnam still offers excellent value. Da Nang and Hoi An are easy to reach from the airport and have a wide range of places to stay, which makes them ideal for families looking for a relaxed beach break.
At local warung-style eateries you can score a great meal for 3,000–5,000 KRW (roughly $2.25–$3.75). Resort stays are often about half the price of comparable beach destinations. Street snacks like Vietnamese coffee and banh mi are typically around 1,000 KRW (about $0.75), and daily massages run at roughly one-third the cost of Korea—perfect for unwinding every day. With a one-week budget of about 500,000–900,000 KRW (around $375.00–$675.00), you can enjoy a very comfortable holiday.
▲Estimated cost (1 week): about 500,000–900,000 KRW (about $375.00–$675.00)
▲Price level
Local restaurants serve excellent meals for 3,000–5,000 KRW (roughly $2.25–$3.75). Resorts and higher-end options often cost around half what you’d pay at other beach destinations. Snacks like Vietnamese coffee and banh mi are generally about 1,000 KRW (about $0.75).
Bangkok, Thailand
Thailand’s tourism infrastructure is top-notch, so you can design a trip to fit almost any budget. Bangkok mixes high-end malls and bustling street markets and often serves as a travel hub. In June, many malls run the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale—perfect if you want to shop your heart out.
Street pad Thai or mu ping (grilled pork skewers) start in the 2,000 KRW range (about $1.50), and even Michelin-listed local spots can be around 10,000 KRW (about $7.50). Budget hostels in the city center can be found in the 20,000 KRW range (about $15.00), and you can often book a four-star hotel with a rooftop pool in the low 100,000 KRW range (around $75.00). With about 700,000–800,000 KRW (roughly $525.00–$600.00) for a week, you can do both shopping and food adventures without breaking the bank.
▲Estimated cost (1 week): about 700,000–800,000 KRW (about $525.00–$600.00)
▲Price level
Street food starts around 2,000 KRW (about $1.50), and daily massages typically cost less than half of Korean rates. Though some accommodations have climbed in price recently, Bangkok still offers many great value options—ideal for food and shopping-focused trips.
Cebu, Philippines
If you’re craving sun and sea, Cebu is a smart pick. Direct flights are common, so it’s easy to find tickets. Island-hopping tours and Oslob whale shark experiences are cheaper here than in many other countries, and calm summer waters make snorkeling awesome.
Seafood and local produce are very affordable, so you can indulge in crab dishes and mangoes without the guilt. Jeepney rides cost just a few hundred KRW (under $1.00), and Grab fares are about half the price of Korean taxis. With roughly 800,000–1,000,000 KRW (about $600.00–$750.00) for a week, you can enjoy plenty of ocean activities and still stay on budget.
▲Estimated cost (1 week): about 800,000–1,000,000 KRW (about $600.00–$750.00)
▲Price level
Seafood and local produce are inexpensive, so nightly seafood feasts won’t add up. Keep in mind island transfers, Grab fares, and tour prices can vary—check ahead. Cebu is also one of the most affordable places to get a diving certification.
Taipei, Taiwan
Taiwan’s clean streets, amazing food, and friendly locals make it a favorite for first-time travelers. With strong indoor infrastructure and a vibrant night market scene, getting around is a breeze.
Night markets dish up beef noodle soup, ji pai (fried chicken cutlet), and mango shaved ice for about 5,000–8,000 KRW (roughly $3.75–$6.00), keeping dinner costs low. MRT base fares are under 1,000 KRW (under $0.75), and an EasyCard handles most public transport.
Accommodations can be a touch pricier than some Southeast Asian spots, but business hotels are plentiful. A one-week budget of around 800,000–1,000,000 KRW (about $600.00–$750.00) will get you a satisfying trip.
▲Estimated cost (1 week): about 800,000–1,000,000 KRW (about $600.00–$750.00)
▲Price level
Thanks to night markets, dinner is affordable. Popular dishes like beef noodle soup, ji pai, and mango shaved ice run about 5,000–8,000 KRW (roughly $3.75–$6.00). MRT fares are cheaper than in Korea, making city travel efficient and affordable.
Fukuoka, Japan
At just over an hour by plane, Fukuoka is perfect for a quick getaway. Recent currency shifts have made prices feel friendlier than at home, so if you’re planning indoor shopping and a food-focused trip, Fukuoka is a top pick.
Convenience store meals are high-quality, and ramen or tonkatsu for around 1,000 JPY (about $6.70) keep your food budget light. Drugstore finds can be bargain-worthy after tax refunds and favorable exchange rates. If you snag a sale fare, round-trip tickets can fall into the 200,000 KRW range (about $150.00), and a one-week budget of 500,000–700,000 KRW (about $375.00–$525.00) is doable.
▲Estimated cost (1 week): about 500,000–700,000 KRW (about $375.00–$525.00)
▲Price level
Solo-friendly options like convenience store meals and ramen shops make dining affordable. Drugstore prices are attractive for picking up essentials. Catch a flight deal and you could be round-tripping for the low 200,000 KRW range (about $150.00).
Bali, Indonesia
Flights to Bali tend to be pricier on this list, but once you arrive, daily expenses are pleasantly low.
Nasi goreng at a local spot can cost around 3,000 KRW (about $2.25), and in Ubud you can find guesthouses with stunning rice-field views for roughly 50,000 KRW (about $37.50). Bali is basically accommodation heaven—private pool villas that would cost a fortune back home can be booked in the 100,000–200,000 KRW range (about $75.00–$150.00). Because airfare makes up a big chunk of the budget, plan ahead; still, a one-week budget of about 1,200,000–1,400,000 KRW (roughly $900.00–$1,050.00) will get you a luxurious break.
▲Estimated cost (1 week): about 1,200,000–1,400,000 KRW (about $900.00–$1,050.00) (airfare makes up a large share)
▲Price level
Bali stands out for its accommodation options. You can book private pool villas in the 100,000–200,000 KRW range (about $75.00–$150.00) that would cost many times more at home. If you lock in cheap flights, your on-site expenses will likely be lower than you expect.
