South Korea budget and pocket money

How much to bring per day, when to use cash or card, and the one-time costs.

Tipid

₱2,400

₩50,000 a day, excluding hotel

5 days, 4 nights sharing a room: ~₱18,600

Hostels, street food, public transport

Sakto

₱4,050

₩85,000 a day, excluding hotel

5 days, 4 nights sharing a room: ~₱32,700

3-star hotels, stalls and restaurants

Galante

₱7,150

₩150,000 a day, excluding hotel

5 days, 4 nights sharing a room: ~₱59,600

Nicer hotels, sit-down meals, taxis

Cash or card

Cards work almost everywhere, including most convenience stores, cafes and taxis. Markets and street stalls are safer with cash: carry ₩30,000–50,000 a day.
Money changers in Myeongdong usually beat airport and bank rates. Rates for pesos in Korea are poor, so bring US dollars to exchange or withdraw won instead.
Look for 'Global ATM' machines in banks and convenience stores. Use a Philippine debit card that works abroad and check your bank's overseas fee first.
WOWPASS machines in big stations exchange foreign cash onto a prepaid card that also works as T-money.
No tipping in Korea. Show your passport for instant tax-free prices at participating shops.