South Korea, paid in SGD.
A hyper-modern country that is cheaper than its reputation.
Pricier. Exchange rate alone: −8.0%. Local prices: +2.6%.
- Lean
- S$83
- Comfort
- S$401
The short answerIn SGD, as of November 12, 2026
South Korea: as of November 12, 2026, 8.5% more expensive than a year ago for travelers paid in SGD (Singapore dollar), after adjusting for inflation at home and there. The exchange rate on its own moved −8.0%, and prices in the country rose +2.6%. A mid-range day costs about S$180 per person, excluding international flights. Across the 18 currencies we track, AUD gained the most ground there (−3.9%) and SEK did worst (−15.3%).
What SGD buys there
30 monthsSame trip, different wallets
The real 12-month change for this one country, by the currency you earn. The spread is the part of the story that has nothing to do with the destination.
- Australian dollarA$205−3.9%
- Norwegian kronekr 1,338−4.0%
- South African randR 2,325−4.8%
- British pound£106−7.7%
- UAE dirhamAED 514−7.9%
- Singapore dollarS$180−8.5%
- US dollar$140−8.5%
- Mexican pesoMX$2,606−9.7%
- New Zealand dollarNZ$252−9.8%
- Canadian dollarC$199−10.7%
- Hong Kong dollarHK$1,097−10.7%
- Indian rupee₹13,100−12.5%
- Brazilian realR$781−12.7%
- Japanese yen¥22,400−12.8%
- Euro€126−12.8%
- Danish kronekr 944−13.9%
- Swiss francCHF 117−14.4%
- Swedish kronakr 1,397−15.3%
Booking a trip: South Korea
Partner links- FlightsKiwi.com ↗Compare fares across airlines, including the low-cost carriers that booking sites often leave out.
- Places to stayBooking.com ↗Hotels, guesthouses and apartments, most with free cancellation.
- Mobile dataAiralo ↗An eSIM you install before you land, usually far cheaper than roaming.
- Travel medical insuranceSafetyWing ↗Covers emergencies abroad; can be bought after you have already left home.
- Spending moneyWise ↗A multi-currency card that converts at the mid-market rate, the one this index uses.
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide ↗Day trips, guides and entry tickets, bookable ahead with free cancellation on most.
These go to outside companies we think are useful for this trip. Nothing here affects a score or a ranking. How we make money