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How to Book Your South Korea Food Tour

How to · Travel

How to Book Your South Korea Food Tour

Eating your way through Seoul in October is worth the trip, and here is how to manage the costs without the stress.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $2,900 before anything else
Across the 0% window $193.33/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $2,900 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

October is the best time for South Korea because the weather is crisp and the autumn leaves turn the parks into a painting. You will spend your days moving between Gwangjang Market for fresh mung bean pancakes and the street stalls of Myeongdong for spicy rice cakes.

A trip like this usually runs about $2900. If you want to spread that cost out over time, you can use the Discover it® Cash Back card, which offers 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.

The 15-month intro window is a deadline, not a gift. If you still have a balance once those months are up, the card will start charging interest on what is left.

The steps

  1. 01

    Lock in your flights

    Look for flights to Seoul in October as soon as possible. Prices jump once the fall foliage starts. Booking early saves you more than any payment plan ever could.

  2. 02

    Pick a central base

    Stay near a subway line in Jongno or Myeongdong. It makes hitting the food markets much easier and keeps your daily transit costs low.

  3. 03

    Use your card window

    Put your travel expenses on your Discover it® Cash Back card. You get 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, which lets you pay off that $2900 at $193.33 per month.

  4. 04

    Map your food stops

    Don't just wander. Research specific stalls and markets so you do not waste time or money on tourist traps that miss the mark.

  5. 05

    Set an auto-pay

    Set up a recurring payment of $193.33 from your bank account to the card each month. This keeps you on track to clear the balance before the intro period ends.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

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

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

Is Korea expensive to visit?

Street food is very cheap, but flights are the big ticket item. You can eat well for very little once you arrive.

What happens if I miss a payment?

You might lose the 0% intro APR benefit and get hit with a late fee. Always set an automatic payment so you never have to think about it.

Do I need cash in Seoul?

Yes, many street vendors only take cash. Keep some won in your pocket for small bites and market shopping.

What is the best way to travel around?

The subway system is world-class and very easy to navigate. Buy a T-money card at a convenience store when you land to pay for rides.