Best Cheap Food in Korea (Budget Food Guide for Tourists)

 

Introduction

Korean street food market


Korea is famous for delicious food, but many tourists wonder if they can enjoy Korean food without spending too much money.

The good news is that Korea has many cheap and tasty food options. From convenience store meals to street food and local restaurants, budget travelers can easily find affordable meals in Korea.

In this guide, I will introduce the best cheap food in Korea for tourists and explain how much you can expect to spend.

This budget food guide is helpful for tourists who want to enjoy affordable Korean food while traveling.





Quick Answer

If you are traveling on a budget, you can find cheap food in Korea for around 2,000–8,000 KRW per meal or snack.

Some of the best cheap food options include:

  • Convenience store meals
  • Triangle kimbap
  • Instant ramen
  • Street food
  • Gimbap
  • Tteokbokki
  • Local Korean soups and rice dishes

For budget travelers, Korea can be a very affordable food destination if they choose local and simple meals.

A budget traveler can usually eat in Korea for around 20,000–35,000 KRW per day by choosing convenience store meals, street food, and local restaurants.




Convenience Store Food

convenience store meal / ramen / kimbap


Convenience stores in Korea are one of the easiest ways to eat cheaply.

You can find many affordable food options such as:

  • Triangle kimbap
  • Instant ramen
  • Lunch boxes
  • Sandwiches
  • Drinks and snacks

Typical price range:

  • Triangle kimbap: 1,200–2,000 KRW
  • Instant ramen: 1,500–3,000 KRW
  • Lunch box: 4,000–7,000 KRW

Convenience stores are open almost all day and night, so they are very useful for tourists.

👉 You can also check my guide:
Korean Convenience Store Food Guide





Triangle Kimbap

Triangle kimbap is one of the most popular cheap foods in Korea.

It is small, easy to carry, and filled with different ingredients such as tuna mayo, spicy pork, kimchi, or beef.

It is perfect for a quick breakfast, snack, or light meal.

Typical price:
1,200–2,000 KRW

For tourists, triangle kimbap is a simple way to try Korean-style flavors at a very low price.




Instant Ramen

Instant ramen is another budget-friendly option in Korea.

Many convenience stores provide hot water machines, so you can cook and eat ramen inside the store or nearby seating area.

Typical price:
1,500–3,000 KRW

If you want a quick and filling meal, instant ramen is one of the cheapest choices in Korea.




Street Food

Affordable market food in Korea


Street food is one of the best ways to enjoy Korean food on a budget.

Popular street foods include:

  • Tteokbokki
  • Eomuk
  • Hotteok
  • Korean corn dog
  • Bungeoppang

Typical price range:
1,000–5,000 KRW per item

Street food is especially popular in areas like Myeongdong, Hongdae, traditional markets, and subway station areas.




Gimbap

Gimbap is a Korean rice roll filled with vegetables, egg, ham, tuna, or other ingredients.

It is cheap, filling, and easy to eat. Many small restaurants and snack shops sell gimbap at affordable prices.

Typical price:
3,000–5,000 KRW

Gimbap is a great option for breakfast, lunch, or a simple meal while traveling.




Tteokbokki

Tteokbokki is a popular Korean dish made with rice cakes and spicy sauce.

It is often sold at street food stalls, small restaurants, and snack shops.

Typical price:
3,000–6,000 KRW

Tteokbokki is slightly spicy, so it may not be for everyone, but it is one of the most famous cheap Korean foods.




Local Korean Restaurants

Local Korean restaurants can also be very affordable.

You can find simple meals such as:

  • Kimchi stew
  • Soybean paste stew
  • Bibimbap
  • Pork rice dishes
  • Noodle dishes

Typical price range:
7,000–12,000 KRW

Many local restaurants also provide free side dishes, which makes the meal feel more valuable. These restaurants are often located near subway stations, office areas, universities, and local neighborhoods. They may not look fancy, but they are often one of the best places to find affordable and filling Korean meals.




Cheap Breakfast Options

Breakfast in Korea does not have to be expensive.

Budget breakfast options include:

  • Triangle kimbap and coffee
  • Convenience store sandwich
  • Gimbap
  • Instant ramen
  • Simple rice dishes

A cheap breakfast can usually cost around 3,000–7,000 KRW.

This is helpful for tourists who want to save money before starting a busy travel day.




Cheap Lunch Options


Lunch is usually easier to find at a reasonable price.

Many local restaurants offer meals between 7,000–12,000 KRW.

Good cheap lunch options include:

  • Bibimbap
  • Kimchi stew
  • Gimbap
  • Noodles
  • Convenience store lunch box

If you avoid expensive tourist areas, lunch in Korea can be very affordable.




Daily Cheap Food Budget in Korea


local Korean restaurant meal


If you are trying to save money, a daily cheap food budget in Korea can look like this:

  • Breakfast: 3,000–7,000 KRW
  • Lunch: 7,000–12,000 KRW
  • Dinner: 7,000–12,000 KRW
  • Snacks or drinks: 3,000–6,000 KRW

Total daily food budget:
20,000–35,000 KRW

This means budget travelers can eat in Korea without spending too much money.

👉 You can also check my detailed guide:
How Much Does Food Cost in Korea?





Tips to Save Money on Food in Korea


Here are some useful tips for tourists:

  • Eat at local restaurants instead of tourist restaurants
  • Try convenience store meals
  • Visit traditional markets
  • Choose lunch menus when possible
  • Avoid premium cafés every day
  • Share food with friends
  • Check menu prices before entering restaurants

Small choices can make a big difference in your total travel budget.




Frequently Asked Questions


Is food expensive in Korea?


Food prices vary, but many local meals are affordable. Budget travelers can often eat comfortably for 8,000–15,000 KRW per meal.



What is the cheapest food in Korea?


Triangle kimbap, instant ramen, convenience store meals, and street food are among the cheapest options.


Can tourists eat well on a budget in Korea?


Yes. Korea is one of the easiest countries in Asia for budget travelers to find affordable and filling meals.




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Conclusion

Korea has many cheap and delicious food options for tourists.

From convenience store meals to street food and local restaurants, it is possible to enjoy Korean food without spending too much money.

If you are a budget traveler, Korea can be a great place to experience tasty food at affordable prices.

What cheap Korean food would you like to try first?






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