Pyeongchang is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Pyeongchang?
You should plan to spend around $133 (₩185,669) per day on your vacation in Pyeongchang. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $47 (₩65,362) on meals
- $24 (₩34,141) on local transportation
- $123 (₩171,472) on hotels
A one week trip to Pyeongchang for two people costs, on average, $1,859 (₩2,599,366). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$929
₩1,299,683
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,859
₩2,599,366
-
One Month
Per person
$3,983
₩5,570,070
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,859
₩2,599,366
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,717
₩5,198,732
-
One Month
For a couple
$7,965
₩11,140,140
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Pyeongchang cost?
A one week trip to Pyeongchang usually costs around $929 (₩1,299,683) for one person and $1,859 (₩2,599,366) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Pyeongchang on average costs around $1,859 (₩2,599,366) for one person and $3,717 (₩5,198,732) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Pyeongchang will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Pyeongchang on average costs around $3,983 (₩5,570,070) for one person and $7,965 (₩11,140,140) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Pyeongchang expensive to visit?
Pyeongchang is a smaller destination that charms visitors with a variety of travel styles, expenditure habits, and budgetary considerations. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Pyeongchang has the potential to be expensive, but you can manage your budget by looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $58 (₩81,181) per day, mid-range travelers spend $133 (₩185,669) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $254 (₩355,484) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Pyeongchang.
Within Asia, Pyeongchang is a somewhat more expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Asia for its travel costs. While some cities in the region are more expensive, Pyeongchang is generally more expensive than most.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Pyeongchang Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Pyeongchang?
The average Pyeongchang trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Pyeongchang travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Pyeongchang cost?
Pyeongchang on a Budget
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$27
(₩37,461)
|
$61
(₩85,736)
|
$118
(₩164,524)
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$11
(₩14,936)
|
$24
(₩34,141)
|
$47
(₩65,239)
|
Food 2
|
$20
(₩28,595)
|
$47
(₩65,362)
|
$89
(₩124,900)
|
Entertainment 1
|
$22
(₩30,625)
|
$50
(₩70,002)
|
$96
(₩133,765)
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-6
(₩2,656-7,969)
|
$4-13
(₩6,072-18,215)
|
$8-25
(₩11,602-34,806)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your budget when visiting Pyeongchang is important. While it's tempting to aim for a shoestring budget, most travelers don't find that style of travel to be enjoyable. Think about your priorities and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer staying in budget accommodations or enjoying more luxurious options? Do you like to explore attractions and dine out at local restaurants? These choices will influence your travel costs and itinerary.
Who are Budget Travelers?
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $58 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, dine at well-known restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. It's common for visitors to Pyeongchang to seek out the major attractions, museums, and significant landmarks. Remember, most activities come with a cost. Therefore, it's reasonable to anticipate that your daily budget will be around $133 per person, per day.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
If you're looking for a high-end escape with every amenity and high-quality service, be prepared for daily expenses around $254. Staying in upscale hotels, enjoying meals at award-winning restaurants, indulging in lavish excursions, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the destination will entail a more premium price tag.
Accommodation Budget in Pyeongchang
In Pyeongchang, hotel prices can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more amenities and luxury, but come at a higher price tag, especially during the peak season. Off-season prices average around $60, but in peak season, they can average around $112. Prices generally range from $43 to $166, and hostels remain the cheaper option. Booking early or traveling during the low season can save you money, and you might find special deals along the way.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Pyeongchang for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $123 (₩171,472). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $61 (₩85,736) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Pyeongchang? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
If you plan your trip outside of and during the low or shoulder season, you'll find better accommodation rates and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Pyeongchang
The public transit system in Pyeongchang is not very good.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $24 (₩34,141) per person, per day, on local transportation in Pyeongchang. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Pyeongchang is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$24
₩34,141
Be sure your hotel has hassle-free parking if you're planning to drive.
How much does it cost to go to Pyeongchang? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Pyeongchang will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Pyeongchang
Food is a major reason many people explore new destinations, so don't skip the chance to try local delicacies.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Pyeongchang can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Pyeongchang is $47 (₩65,362) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$47
₩65,362
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Pyeongchang is around $47 (₩65362) per person, with previous travelers spending from $20 to $89. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Pyeongchang are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $14
- Lunch: $7 to $19
- Dinner: $14 to $33
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $7
A staple food item of Pyeongchang cuisine is buckwheat. It is used in many ways to create dishes of many different flavors and textures. Memil Guksu is a type of noodle dish based in buckwheat, Memil JeonByeong is a dish that incorporated a buckwheat crepe wrapped around stir fry cabbage, Memil Muk Muchim is buckwheat in jelly form sliced and topped with a peppery cabbage salad, Memil BaechuJeon is a type of rustic pancake cooked with cabbage and spring onion in an oiled pan, Memil Muk Sabal serves the buckwheat jelly in a chilled tangy vegetable-laden broth, and finally Heo Saeng Won Memil Ggot Sul is a type of beer made from the buckwheat flower. The spicy paste called kimchi accompanies every meal, which is made from fermented cabbage with chili and other spices. Pyeongchang is also abundant in potatoes and known for a local delicacy called hwangtae, or dried Pollock.
Many accommodations feature breakfast in their rates, while some may charge additional fees for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly from one hotel to another. Knowing this information ahead of time helps you decide if you need to spend extra money. A tasty hotel buffet could be worth the expense, or a nearby bakery or cafe might offer a more affordable choice.
Opt for a water bottle rather than spending on drinks all the time. It's also a more sustainable choice.
When planning a tour, don't forget to look into which meals are covered. You may be responsible for some of your own food, which could impact your budget significantly.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Pyeongchang
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Pyeongchang typically cost an average of $50 (₩70,002) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$50
₩70,002
As far as sights go, the best-known hub of activity is the township of Daegwallyeong-myeon. It is home to the Alpensia ski resort, which is open year-round with 6 slopes for skiing and snowboarding. This resort will be the focus of the 2018 Cultural Olympiad, with a new concert hall built within the resort for the event.
On the eastern slopes of Mount Odaeson is the Buddhist temple Woljeongsa, which is another popular attraction for tourists. Founded in 643 by the Silla monk Jajang, the place has seen much history. It is also home to the Octagonal Nine Story Stone Pagoda, called the Sari-pagoda. Thought to have been constructed in the 10th Century, the stone layers are delicately carved with lotus flowers and other images. It has been designated as National Treasure Number 48 of South Korea. The pagoda, the Seated Stone Bodhisattva, the main temple, and the bronze bell of Sangwonsa inscribed with celestial figures are all sights that pay homage to the cultural heritage of the place. These and many more can be experienced during a visit to Woljeongsa.
In a land of mountains, the region surrounding Pyeongchang is very popular for mountain activities like hiking and winter sports. There are a handful of ski slopes and resorts that cater to these interests including Yongpyong Ski Resort, Alpensia Resort, and Phoenix Park.
Daegwanryeong Samyang Ranch is another popular place to visit, being the largest highlands farm in Asia. Visitors experience a rolling pastoral landscape with petting zoo type animals like sheep and goats to interact with. Daegwanryeong Yangtte Ranch is another such farm with interactive hands on activities for children to engage with the animals.
Other attractions worth a visit include the Ocean 700 water park near the ski slopes, Odaesan National Park, Yongpyeong Water Park Island, Sangwonsa Temple, Heungjeong Valley, and the Lee Hyo-seok Culture Village. The village is the birthplace of a well-known author who wrote by the pen name of Gasan in the 1930s.
A nice way to explore destinations in Pyeongchang is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Balwangsan Cable Car & Samyang Ranch One Day Tour for $94 details
Nightlife Budget in Pyeongchang
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $8.68 (₩12,143) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Pyeongchang per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$8.68
₩12,143
Enjoying the nightlife is exciting, but if you want to save money, drinking less is an easy way to do it.
Traveling in Pyeongchang
Pyeongchang, South Korea
Pyeongchang is a county of South Korea situated in the Taebaek Mountains in Gangwon Province. A popular location for winter sports, it was chosen as the host city for the 2018 Winter Olympics. Other attractions include Buddhist temples, parks, villages, and natural scenery.
Neighborhoods & Around
Pyeongchang-eup is the district's only city, and it is surrounded by seven townships. It is small and located on the left bank of the river Pyeongchanggang. While local activities include the production of tobacco, silk, and honey, it is also a tourist resort area due to its vicinity near an area full of mountaineering and skiing activities. While Pyeongchang is the host city of the 2018 Olympic Winter Games, the actual events will be held in the township of Daegwallyeong-myeon. It is home to the largest ski resort in South Korea called Yongpyong Ski Resort, as well as Alpensia Resort which will be the main venue of the Olympics, and the Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm. The rest of the townships include Bangnim-myeon, Bongpyeong-myeon, Daehwa-myeon, Jinbu-myeon, Mitan-myeon, and Yongpyeong-myeon.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.