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How to Book a Food Trip to Seoul

How to · Travel

How to Book a Food Trip to Seoul

See the cherry blossoms in Seoul while keeping your budget manageable with a simple monthly plan.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $2,600 before anything else
Across the 0% window $144.44/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $2,600 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Seoul in the spring is all about the Gwangjang Market and the cherry blossoms blooming along the Cheonggyecheon stream. You will spend your days moving between street food stalls and quiet temple paths, which is the best way to experience the city.

To make this happen without draining your savings, you can use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. It offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This lets you spread the cost of your trip over time.

This intro window is a deadline, not a gift. If you still have a balance after the 18 months are up, the bank will start charging interest on whatever is left.

The steps

  1. 01

    Set your dates

    Aim for early April to catch the peak cherry blossoms. Check flight prices now since spring is a busy season for travelers.

  2. 02

    Lock in your stay

    Pick a hotel near Myeong-dong or Insadong. You want to be walking distance from the street food markets.

  3. 03

    Use the 0% window

    Pay for your flight and hotel with the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. You get 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening to clear the $2600 cost.

  4. 04

    Automate your payments

    Divide your total cost by 18 to get a monthly payment of $144.44. Set up an auto-pay for this amount so you stay on track without thinking about it.

  5. 05

    Map your food stops

    Research the best tteokbokki and hotteok vendors before you land. Half the fun is knowing exactly where to find the good stuff.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Is the trip actually free?

No. The 0% interest period just means you are not paying extra fees to the bank for a set time. You still have to pay back the full $2600.

What happens if I miss a payment?

You might lose the 0% rate and get hit with penalty fees. Always set up an automatic payment to cover the monthly minimum at a bare minimum.

Should I pay it off faster?

If you can, yes. There is no penalty for paying more than the $144.44 each month, and it clears your debt sooner.

How do I find cheap food?

Stick to the markets like Gwangjang or Mangwon. The food there is cheap, authentic, and much better than what you find in tourist-heavy restaurants.