Wonju원주

The questions people ask first about Wonju, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

• Cash or card?Cards work almost everywhere, including taxis, convenience stores and many market stalls; carry ₩30,000–50,000 (≈ US$25–40) in cash for street food…South Korea-wide
• SIM or eSIMSK Telecom, KT and LG U+ sell tourist SIMs and eSIMs at airport arrivals; a passport is required, and data-only plans are cheapest.South Korea-wide
• Tap waterOfficially safe from the tap; most people drink filtered water, and restaurants serve it free.South Korea-wide
• TippingRestaurants and cafés: No tip; a service charge appears only in top hotels.South Korea-wide
• Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.South Korea-wide
• SafetyWonju is a low-crime city and safe to walk at night in the centre.

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

• Coffee₩3,000–6,000 (≈ US$3–5)
• Street or quick mealNoodle or rice bowl₩8,000–13,000 (≈ US$6–10)
• Beerdraught / convenience store can₩4,000–7,000 (≈ US$3–6)₩2,000–3,500 (≈ US$2–3)
• Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi3.1 mi (5 km) taxi₩7,000–10,000 (≈ US$6–8)
• Metro or bus rideCity bus ride₩1,100 (≈ under US$1)
• SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week₩15,000–30,000 (≈ US$11–25)
• Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per person₩25,000 (≈ US$18)
• Mid-range bedHotel double room, a night, per room₩100,000 (≈ US$75)
• High-end bedHotel double room, a night, per room₩200,000 (≈ US$150)

A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₩60,000 (≈ US$45) · Mid ₩100,000 (≈ US$75) · High ₩180,000 (≈ US$130)

Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Airports

WJU Wonju Airport (Domestic only; Jeju service is not confirmed for 2026 — check before booking. No scheduled international flights.) · ICN Incheon International (Distant alternative, about 2 h 30 min by express bus to Wonju bus terminal; not a city airport.) · GMP Gimpo (Reach Seoul first, then bus or KTX to Wonju.)

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Budget

₩60,000–90,000 (≈ US$45–65) excl. bed

Mid

₩90,000–150,000 (≈ US$65–110) excl. bed

High

₩150,000 (≈ US$110)+ excl. bed

• July is the wettest month by far; check the forecast before any hike.
• Chiaksan trails and forest-fire watch periods can close sections — check the park notice before you go.
• Wonju Airport has no international flights; do not plan an overseas connection through WJU.
• Some temple and museum sites have irregular hours or closed days — check before travelling out.