South Korea With Raimee: Half the Tourists Half the Cost
Skip the crowds, save your cash. EF Ultimate Break traveler Ramiee proves South Korea is even better off-peak—think quiet palaces, sizzling street food, and mega affordability.
Traveling to South Korea doesn’t have to mean elbowing your way through crowds or blowing your budget. EF Ultimate Break traveler Ramiee cracked the code: go off-peak, skip the tourist traps, and live like a local. The result? Half the people, half the cost, and double the experience.
Why go off-peak? Because South Korea is just as magical without the lines and sky-high prices. Think palace courtyards you don’t have to share, markets where you can actually hear the sizzle of street food, and flight deals that’ll make your jaw drop (we’re talking 30–50% less). All it takes is a little flexibility—shift your trip by a week or two and watch the savings pile up.
Best times to go
- Late fall (mid-November): Fewer tourists, crisp air, and epic fall colors
- Early spring (late March–April, pre cherry blossoms): Gorgeous weather and calmer vibes
- Winter (December–February): Snow-dusted palaces and super affordable stays
- Weekdays/non-holidays: Avoid local holidays like Chuseok and Lunar New Year when travel spikes
Where to go (without the crowds)
Seoul—history meets skyscrapers
Wander Gyeongbokgung Palace at dusk, or explore Changdeokgung’s Secret Garden before tour groups arrive. Then swap the main drags for Insadong’s tea houses and Bukchon’s traditional hanok homes.
Busan — coastal energy.
Start your day with seafood fresh from Jagalchi Market, climb through the colorful stairways of Gamcheon Culture Village, then catch sunset at Taejongdae cliffs.
Hidden gems Ramiee swears by:
- Seochon Village: Chill, artsy neighborhood vibes.
- Gwangmyeong Cave: Underground tunnels with way fewer tourists.
- Geoje Island: Rustic coastal life and fresh seafood feasts.
Budget hacks you’ll actually use
- Grab a T-money card for cheap, easy subway and bus rides.
- Food markets > tourist restaurants. Always.
- Take buses or slower trains instead of the KTX (save it for long hauls).
- Snag combined attraction passes at tourist info centers.
- Join a local walking/food tour in your free time.
The takeaway
South Korea’s best side isn’t found in long lines or pricey hotspots—it’s in the quiet moments and the neighborhoods locals actually hang out in. Follow Ramiee’s lead, and you’ll spend less, see more, and come home with the kind of stories that don’t show up on postcards.
