How much do clothes cost in South Korea? (2024)

How much do clothes cost in South Korea?

It is hard to state the price of clothes as fashion is very subjective, but prices are generally similar to other cities. It is possible to buy things like T-shirts for 5,000 won ($4.50) and jeans for 20,000 won ($17.70) in some places.

The economical side of Seoul is fortunately huge. There are plenty of markets, fashion shopping streets, fashion districts, flea markets and underground shopping arcades across the city that offer great bargains on clothes, shoes, bags, accessories, cosmetics and souvenirs.

Unless you know how to bargain and browse with a lot of patience, clothes are also easier/cheaper to buy in the US. But if you shop for clothes online, you can get great deals (you will need help from a Korean person though). Cosmetics are said to be better and more reasonably priced in Korea.

Indeed, while the cost of living in Korea is far from cheap, your trip doesn't have to be exorbitantly expensive. Certain aspects of traveling through Korea (accommodation, always, and usually transport) are going to be pricey, but you can compensate in other areas to equalize your trip cost.

The not-so-good news: you should leave any cleavage-baring tops, spaghetti straps, and back-bearing shirts at home. While these sorts of tops are more common in some areas in Seoul home to a younger crowd, such as Hongdae, these pieces of clothing will get you extra negative attention elsewhere.

Cost of Clothing in Korea

It is hard to state the price of clothes as fashion is very subjective, but prices are generally similar to other cities. It is possible to buy things like T-shirts for 5,000 won ($4.50) and jeans for 20,000 won ($17.70) in some places.

Imported luxury goods are expensive in Korea, even at duty free prices. Generally speaking the prices are similar to Japan and China but more expensive than US, Europe and HK. However you can pick up real bargains during a sale at duty free.

Korean consumers are found to have paid more for Chanel handbags and other merchandise than consumers in other Asian countries, according to the French luxury brand's website Tuesday. Chanel's most popular item Classic Flap Bag's medium size cost $9,825 in Korea, as of Tuesday.

South Koreans are more open and tolerant toward foreigners and immigrants living in South Korea than previously believed. They are, however, defensive and protectionist toward foreign capital and culture that compete with South Korean capital and culture.

Is living in Korea cheap?

The average cost of living in South Korea is reasonable. It is not as cheap as living in some Asian countries like Laos or China, but it is also not as expensive as Japan or Singapore. In general, the most expensive living costs in the country will be found in the capital, Seoul.

For those on a mid range budget, 120 000 krw should be enough and for those on a luxury budget, a minimum of 200 000 krw should be ok. It is recommended to bring at least around 200$ in cash. You can use this in places that don't accept cash or in emergencies.

Seoul like any other major city is likely to cost about US$100 a day for basic spending on food, sightseeing, transportation, etc. So you're in the average budget range.

You can expect to spend around 40–80 USD per night for a place in bigger cities such as Seoul or Busan. If you opt for more luxurious monthly furnished rentals, you might be charged 120–200 USD per night.

If you're coming through the EPIK program, $1000 is the magic number to bring with you to South Korea. You have to get here, then you don't get paid for roughly a month after that, and you'll want as much financial backing as possible during that time you have no paycheck. For many, this isn't a problem.

However, it is fair to say that many Koreans with international experience have figured out that staring is rude to most westerners. In the meantime, if you find yourself the victim of eyeball glares and analytical squints, just relax and turn up the volume on your iPod.

The vast majority of English speaking tourists will go to the capital Seoul, which is good since this is where you will find the most English speakers. Staff in all the main hotels will all speak decent English, as will some younger people you meet on the street.

South Korea is 17.5% cheaper than United States.

Fortunately, the food price in Korea is exceptionally low (and the food is delicious), making the cost of traveling in South Korea a pretty good deal.

Which clothing brand is famous in Korea?

Korea's answer to popular brands like Uniqlo, 8seconds offers affordable, simple everyday wear for both men and women that looks modern and fresh. From cute flower-knit cardigans to graphic T-shirts, this Korean brand makes casual weekend dressing that much easier.

South Korea is famous for being the land of kimchi, K-pop, K-dramas, tech giant Samsung, automotive manufacturer Hyundai, soju, Korean fried chicken, Korean barbecue, the 12-step skincare routine, and of course, Gangnam Style. But there's so much more to this East Asian tiger than the trends it has given birth to.

So usually it's the parents that buy them the expensive products for their children. Or there may be some cases where teenagers save pocket money they received from their parents or work part-time to buy expensive items.

Dongdaemun Market is the center of the Korean apparel and fashion industry. Near the market is another “secret” spot for shoppers who want luxury fashion items but cannot afford them. This place is called Dongdaemun Saebit Market, the nation's largest fake designer goods market.

Luxury brands are hiking up prices in South Korea. Designers such as Hermes, Louis Vuitton and Chanel have increased their prices in Korea this year between January and March, with other brands including Prada, Burberry and Bottega Veneta following suit by raising their prices on June 1.

Chanel is Cheapest in Malaysia & the UK

We found that the United Kingdom—the current location of Chanel's current global headquarters—has the cheapest prices for the Chanel Boy Bag, 2.55 Classic bag, classic flap wallet and the two-tone ballerina flats.

In order to get your tax-refund, you will need to prove that you are a tourist from another country. So make sure your passport is handy! The merchant will need to create a special tax-free form for your Chanel handbag purchase. After they fill out the document, glance it over to ensure all areas are completed.

The average cost of living in South Korea is reasonable. It is not as cheap as living in some Asian countries like Laos or China, but it is also not as expensive as Japan or Singapore. In general, the most expensive living costs in the country will be found in the capital, Seoul.

Are cosmetics cheaper in Korea?

Even though prices are in USD, it's still slightly cheaper than buying them from Laneige shops in downtown Seoul provided the current USD-SGD currency exchange remains. Although buying skincare products from Korea is much much cheaper than from Singapore, it doesn't mean an air-ticket to Seoul comes cheap!

A week in South Korea can cost you about $636 (per person), while a week in Japan may cost you around $796. These differences become even more noticable if you plan to spend a longer time in the country. 10 days, two weeks, or even one month of travel to South Korea or Japan can really add to your travel budget.

South Korea is famous for being the land of kimchi, K-pop, K-dramas, tech giant Samsung, automotive manufacturer Hyundai, soju, Korean fried chicken, Korean barbecue, the 12-step skincare routine, and of course, Gangnam Style. But there's so much more to this East Asian tiger than the trends it has given birth to.

South Koreans are more open and tolerant toward foreigners and immigrants living in South Korea than previously believed. They are, however, defensive and protectionist toward foreign capital and culture that compete with South Korean capital and culture.

For those on a mid range budget, 120 000 krw should be enough and for those on a luxury budget, a minimum of 200 000 krw should be ok. It is recommended to bring at least around 200$ in cash. You can use this in places that don't accept cash or in emergencies.

Seoul like any other major city is likely to cost about US$100 a day for basic spending on food, sightseeing, transportation, etc. So you're in the average budget range.

In Korea, skincare isn't a luxury. There are widespread demands for it and people are picky! They know what they want from their skincare, and they're not going to pay a fortune for it. Companies sell the best products at reasonable prices for this reason.

That goes for high-performing serums and rich, decadent creams, too; after all, one of the things that makes K-beauty so appealing is that it's generally very affordable.