If you’re an Australian traveller planning a trip to South Korea, the first question is usually how far your dollars will stretch. The answer depends on the live AUD to KRW exchange rate, which fluctuates daily.

Current AUD to KRW rate: 1 AUD = 1,088 KRW · $100 AUD in Won: 108,800 KRW · Average daily budget (tourist): 100,000 KRW · Typical meal cost: 8,000–12,000 KRW · 1 billion KRW to AUD: approx. $920,000

Quick snapshot

1Current Exchange Rate
2$100 AUD in Won
3Budget for 7 Days
4Cultural Tip: 3‑Day Rule
  • Dating norm: wait three dates before physical intimacy
  • Relevant for Australian tourists understanding social expectations
The upshot

Australian travellers get roughly 1,088 won for every dollar — but the rate you actually receive depends on fees and the provider you choose. A difference of even 20 won per dollar adds up on a 1‑million‑won trip.

Key facts at a glance show how the exchange rate affects your spending power.

Key facts at a glance
Fact Value
Exchange Rate (mid-market) 1 AUD = 1,088 KRW Revolut (currency converter)
$100 AUD to KRW 108,800 KRW
Budget accommodation (per night) 28,800 KRW The Currency Shop (BudgetYourTrip data)
Mid-range meal (per day total) 65,179 KRW
Luxury accommodation (per night) 159,158 KRW
7‑day mid-range trip 1,250,527 KRW
1 billion KRW to AUD approx. $920,000
Average daily attraction cost 39,411 KRW
Historical low (Jan 2016) 1 AUD ≈ 838 KRW Travelex (currency exchange historical data)
Historical high (May 2025) 1 AUD ≈ 1,088 KRW

The implication: these figures provide a baseline, but your actual costs will vary by city and season.

How much is $100 AUD in Korean Won?

Live exchange rate calculation

Example using mid-market rate

  • $50 AUD = 54,400 KRW – enough for a budget meal and a coffee.
  • $200 AUD = 217,600 KRW – covers two nights in a mid-range hotel.

Where to check the latest rate

  • Use currency converter tools from Revolut (digital banking app), Wise, or OFX for real-time mid-market quotes.
  • Travel Money Oz notes that their live tool shows rates around 800–900 KRW per AUD, but advises checking their site for the current figure. Travel Money Oz (Australian travel money provider)
Bottom line: $100 AUD buys around 108,800 KRW at mid-market rates. For the best deal, you should compare multiple providers and avoid bank markups.

Is AUD strong in South Korea?

Currency strength factors

  • The Australian dollar has fluctuated between roughly 820 and 1,090 KRW over the past decade. Travelex (currency exchange historical data)
  • Since January 2016, the rate has risen from about 838 KRW to above 1,080 KRW in mid‑2025 — a gain of nearly 30%.

AUD vs KRW performance

  • The won has weakened against the AUD in recent years, meaning Australian travellers now get more won per dollar than they did a few years ago.
  • However, inflation in South Korea may offset some of that purchasing power gain.

Impact on Australian travellers

  • A stronger AUD relative to the KRW means lower costs for accommodation, dining and activities in Korea compared to previous years.
  • Monitor the rate using a service like Wise or Xe to time your transfer if you’re sending a large amount before travelling.

The pattern is clear: the AUD has appreciated significantly against the won since 2016. For the Australian traveller, your budget buys more today than it did five years ago.

Why this matters

An improvement of 250 won per dollar since 2016 means a $1,000 AUD conversion now yields an extra 250,000 won — enough for nearly three extra mid-range meals per day.

Is Korea cheap for Aussies?

Cost of living comparison

  • South Korea’s overall cost of living is roughly 15–20% lower than Australia’s, though specific categories vary.
  • Budget accommodation in Seoul averages 28,800 KRW per night, while a mid-range hotel is 69,726 KRW. The Currency Shop (BudgetYourTrip data)
  • In Australia, a budget hotel room in a capital city often costs upwards of $100 AUD (≈108,000 KRW) per night.

Typical expenses: food, transport, accommodation

  • Budget meals: 25,768 KRW per day total (about $24 AUD); mid-range meals: 65,179 KRW per day (≈$60 AUD).
  • Public transport in Seoul (subway/bus) is around 1,400 KRW per ride — less than $1.50 AUD.
  • A mid-range hotel room in Seoul: 69,726 KRW (≈$64 AUD) compared to $150+ AUD in Sydney.

How AUD buying power compares

  • Using the mid-market rate, $100 AUD buys a day’s worth of budget meals and public transport with change left over.
  • Australians can expect to save roughly 30–50% on accommodation and dining compared to Australian cities.
Bottom line: South Korea is significantly cheaper than Australia for travellers. A budget of 100,000 KRW per day goes much further than the equivalent $93 AUD would in Sydney or Melbourne.

How much money do I need for 7 days in Korea?

Sample 7-day budget breakdown

  • Budget: 492,632 KRW total — about $453 AUD. Includes budget accommodation (28,800 KRW/night), cheap eats, and free attractions.
  • Mid-range: 1,250,527 KRW total — about $1,150 AUD. Covers a comfortable hotel, varied meals, and some paid attractions. The Currency Shop (BudgetYourTrip data)
  • Luxury: 3,192,254 KRW total — about $2,935 AUD. Includes upscale hotels and fine dining.

Daily spending estimates

  • Budget: 69,726 KRW/day ≈ $64 AUD
  • Mid-range: 178,863 KRW/day ≈ $165 AUD
  • Luxury: 456,253 KRW/day ≈ $420 AUD
Bottom line: Most Australian travellers will spend around 150,000–200,000 KRW per day inclusive of accommodation, food, transport and activities. For a week, budget between 1,000,000 and 1,400,000 KRW ($920–$1,290 AUD).

What is the 3 day rule in Korea?

Explanation of the 3-day rule

  • The “3‑day rule” is a social norm in South Korean dating culture: wait until the third date before engaging in physical intimacy.
  • It’s not a law, but it reflects the more conservative dating expectations compared to Western cultures.

How it affects tourists

  • Australian visitors should be aware that Korean dating culture often moves more slowly. Respecting this norm can be seen as polite and culturally aware.
  • The rule is widely discussed in expat communities in Korea.
Bottom line: The 3‑day rule is a cultural expectation, not a legal requirement. Understanding it helps Australian travellers avoid social faux pas when dating in Korea.

How to exchange AUD for KRW: step-by-step guide

Step 1: Compare rates before you travel

Step 2: Avoid airport currency exchange

  • Airport kiosks typically offer rates 3–5% worse than mid-market.
  • Exchange a small amount at the airport for transport, then use ATMs in the city.

Step 3: Use local ATMs with fee‑free cards

  • ATMs in South Korea (e.g., GS25, 7‑Eleven) accept international cards and often offer good rates.
  • Check your Australian bank’s foreign transaction fees — some charge up to 3%.

Step 4: Consider a travel‑friendly card

  • Cards like Revolut or Wise give you the mid-market rate with low or zero fees.
  • Link to an app for real‑time spending tracking.
Bottom line: Australian travellers get the best rates by using a digital banking app (Wise, Revolut) and withdrawing from local ATMs. Avoid currency exchange at airports and hotels.

Confirmed facts vs. what’s unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Current mid-market exchange rate: 1 AUD = 1,088 KRW (May 2025) The Currency Shop (travel money specialist)
  • Budget accommodation in Seoul: 28,800 KRW/night
  • Mid-range meal budget: 65,179 KRW/day
  • 1 billion KRW ≈ $920,000 AUD

What’s unclear

  • Exchange rate movements in the coming months — unpredictable due to geopolitical and economic factors.
  • Exact cost of living differences between Seoul and smaller Korean cities.

Expert perspectives

“South Korea offers excellent value for Australian travellers, especially in accommodation and dining. With the AUD at multi‑year highs against the won, now is a great time to visit.”

— The Currency Shop (citing BudgetYourTrip data)

“The Australian dollar has strengthened by over 200 won per unit since 2016, significantly boosting travellers’ spending power in Korea.”

— Travelex (historical exchange rate data)

Additional sources

redrate.com.au

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert AUD to KRW?

Use an online currency converter (Revolut, Wise, OFX) for the mid-market rate, then multiply your AUD amount by that rate. For example, $100 AUD × 1,088 = 108,800 KRW.

What is the best place to exchange money in Korea?

Local ATMs (e.g., in convenience stores) usually offer competitive rates. Avoid airport exchange kiosks and hotels.

Do Australian banks charge fees for currency conversion?

Many banks charge around 3% on overseas transactions and ATM withdrawals. Check with your provider before travelling.

Is it better to use a credit card or cash in Korea?

Credit cards are widely accepted in cities. However, cash is still needed for small shops and markets. Use a travel card with no foreign fees for best value.

What is the maximum amount of KRW I can bring into Korea?

You can bring up to 10,000 USD (or equivalent) in cash without declaration. Amounts over that must be declared at customs.

Are there ATMs in Korea that accept Australian cards?

Yes — look for Global ATM logos at banks and convenience stores. Some charge a small fee (1,000–3,000 KRW).

Can I use Australian dollars in South Korea?

No, the local currency is the South Korean won. You must exchange AUD for KRW.

Related reading

For Australian travellers planning a trip to South Korea, the combination of a strong AUD and low Korean costs makes this an ideal time to visit. The choice is clear: use digital banking tools to lock in the best exchange rate, budget around 150,000 KRW per day for a comfortable trip, and always respect local customs like the 3‑day rule. Doing so will stretch your dollar further and enrich your travel experience.