A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Antalya vs. Seoul for Food, Music, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Antalya or Seoul?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Antalya or Seoul? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Antalya

Antalya is a vibrant, high energy, and relaxing vacation spot. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Seoul

Seoul is a colorful, cultural, and bustling city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Antalya and Seoul: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antalya or Seoul?

Both Seoul and Antalya have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Antalya is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Seoul is known for its food, music, and big city activities. Antalya is more touristy than Seoul and is popular for its turquoise waters, hotel lined beaches, and nearby archeological sights. Seoul is popular for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy.

How is Antalya different from Seoul?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Seoul and Antalya. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Antalya or Seoul?

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Seoul and Antalya.

Antalya offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city combines history with a relaxing resort vacation. Sights in the area include the Antalya Museum and the Yivli Minare.

Many visitors head to Seoul specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The museums and landmarks are diverse, with notable sights including N Seoul Tower, the Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village, and the National Museum of Korea.

Is the Food Better in Antalya or Seoul? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Seoul is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Seoul is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Food is a cultural obsession here, and you'll find everything from world class street food to award winning restaurants. The dishes are so much more diverse than Korean barbecue and kimchi. Many dishes are very spicy, with popular local foods including gamjatang (pork and potato soup) and jeon (savory pancakes).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Antalya makes for a great culinary experience. Food is excellent throughout Turkey and this city is no exception. The local cuisine offers a combination of fresh caught seafood as well as various grilled meats. Local specialties include meatball skewers, kulakli soup, and even lentil ice cream. The traditional Turkish breakfast is also popular, which usually includes hard boiled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and Turkish breads or pastries. It's almost always served with Turkish tea.

Is Antalya or Seoul Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Antalya and Seoul.

Antalya has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has an insane nightlife scene with huge glamorous dance clubs that fill to the brink as well as low key bars and pubs that everyone can enjoy.

Seoul is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. This is definitely a work hard/play hard city, with locals working long hours during the day and then partying hard late into the night. The nightlife scene is strong both during the week and on weekends. There are bars, clubs, and lounges that are frequented by locals and tourists alike.

Is Antalya or Seoul Better for Music?

Seoul is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for live music.

Seoul has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. K-pop has put the city on the map for music, but you'll actually find a wide range of genres here including rock music and electronic dance music.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Antalya. Live music ranges from rock concerts to symphonies as well as a number of local music venues.

Is Antalya or Seoul Better for Resorts?

Antalya is very popular for its resorts. However, Seoul is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Antalya is a perfect choice. The city is famous for its resorts that range from luxury to family-friendly. Some of the most popular resorts in the area include Xanadu Resort Hotel, Susesi, and Lara Barut, but there are many more.

Seoul is not a resort destination.

Is Antalya or Seoul Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Antalya is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Seoul is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Antalya. Outside of town, in the region of Antalya, you'll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Turkey.

Seoul is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Antalya or Seoul Better for Beaches?

Antalya is very popular for the beache. However, Seoul is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Antalya is a very popular vacation destination. Beaches in Antalya are among the best in Turkey. They are sandy with warm water and a number of resorts nearby.

Seoul is not a beach destination.

Is Antalya or Seoul Better for its Old Town?

Antalya is a well-known place for its old town. However, Seoul does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Antalya. The city has a beautiful old town area, Kaleiçi, that is known for its narrow streets and historic buildings. The area has many sights including Hadrian's Gate.

Seoul does not have a historic old town.

Is Antalya or Seoul Better for Hiking?

Antalya is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Seoul is not a hiking destination.

Antalya is a popular spot for hiking. Outside of town you'll find coastal hikes with scenic views as well as trails that wander through historic ruins.

Seoul is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Antalya or Seoul?

Shoppers can find a variety of world-class stores in both Antalya and Seoul.

Many people travel to Antalya specifically to go shopping. Antalya combines modern high end malls with more traditional bazaars. From luxury fashion brands to souvenirs and local trinkets, the area has everything.

Seoul is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. This bustling city offers traditional local items as well as Korean cosmetics and trendy fashion. Although shopping malls are spread throughout the city, some of the most popular shopping areas are found around Myeong-dong and Dongdaemun.

Is Antalya or Seoul Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Antalya or Seoul.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Antalya. The city has beautiful beaches, historic ruins, and resorts that cater specifically to families. It's a popular family-friendly destination in Turkey.

Seoul is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a wide range of kid-friendly activities, ranging from the easy choices like amusement parks and children's museums, to the less obvious like kid-friendly cafes and markets. There are many entertainment options packed into a small space, so kids and adults alike will stay entertained.

Is Antalya or Seoul Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Antalya and Seoul make for a great place to visit.

Antalya makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Antalya is a top-rated honeymoon destination in Turkey. It's beautiful beaches, romantic resorts, and great shopping put it at the top of many couples' list.

Couples visit Seoul frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy the beautiful viewpoints, outdoor parks, and diverse restaurants. There are also many beautiful luxury hotels where couples can enjoy a romantic getaway.

Is Antalya or Seoul Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antalya is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Antalya is a great vacation spot to visit for backpackers. Despite the many resorts in town, there are also budget accommodation options available including hostels. Backpackers appreciate Antalya's impressive old town as well as the area's stunning beaches.

It's common for backpackers to visit Seoul. The city isn't the most popular among backpackers, but those who visit will enjoy exploring a fascinating culture and delicious cuisine. Because it's a large city, you'll find a diversity of accommodation options including some budget-friendly hostels and hotels.

Is Antalya or Seoul Better for Students?

Seoul is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Antalya is not popular with students.

Seoul is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Many international students head to Seoul National University, which has an excellent academic reputation. The city is also fun and energetic, so everyone will be entertained.

Antalya is not popular with students.

Is Antalya or Seoul Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Seoul is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Seoul is top-notch. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Antalya. Buses and minibuses will help you get around town.

Is Antalya or Seoul a more walkable city?

Seoul is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Seoul is a very walkable destination. Many neighborhoods are fun to explore on foot but do take note that parts of the city are very hilly and the weather can be bitter cold during the winter months.

Antalya is somewhat walkable. The historic area in particular is compact, filled with historic sights, and easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Antalya Worth Visiting? and Is Seoul Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Seoul or Antalya?

How long in Antalya or Seoul?

Both Antalya and Seoul have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Seoul than in Antalya. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Antalya, and 3-7 days is enough time in Seoul.

Families should spend more time in Antalya than Seoul. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Antalya, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Antalya than Seoul. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Antalya that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Antalya than Seoul if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Antalya.

One day in Antalya or Seoul?

In Antalya, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this vibrant destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This vacation spot offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Because Seoul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Antalya or Seoul?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Antalya. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Because Seoul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Antalya or Seoul?

Antalya is a fun place to experience. In Antalya, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Seoul is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Seoul has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Antalya or Seoul?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the historic destination of Antalya. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Seoul. Because Seoul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, and The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Antalya and Seoul, we can see that Antalya is more expensive. And not only is Seoul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Antalya is in Europe and Seoul is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Seoul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Seoul and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Antalya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Antalya than you might in Seoul.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Antalya Expensive? and Is Seoul Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Antalya or Seoul?

Seoul has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Antalya. When comparing the sizes of Antalya and Seoul, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Antalya or Seoul?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Antalya or Seoul in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Antalya as well as Seoul. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Antalya this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Seoul for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Antalya is generally a little warmer than Seoul. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 28°C (83°F), and Seoul fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antalya this time of the year. In the summer, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Seoul. Antalya gets 376 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seoul receives 121 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Seoul. Antalya usually gets less rain in July than Seoul. Antalya gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antalya or Seoul in the Autumn?

Both Seoul and Antalya are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Antalya for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Seoul in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Antalya is a little warmer than Seoul in the autumn. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Seoul fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Seoul. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antalya. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Seoul during autumn. Antalya gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Seoul receives 204 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Antalya usually receives more rain than Seoul. Antalya gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Antalya or Seoul in the Winter?

Both Seoul and Antalya during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Antalya in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Seoul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Seoul can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Antalya is much warmer than Seoul. Typically, the winter temperatures in Antalya in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Seoul averages at about -3°C (27°F).

In the winter, Antalya often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Seoul. Antalya gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seoul receives 163 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Antalya. Antalya usually gets more rain in January than Seoul. Antalya gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antalya or Seoul in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Antalya and Seoul. Most visitors come to Antalya for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Seoul because of the activities around the city.

In April, Antalya is generally a little warmer than Seoul. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 16°C (62°F), and Seoul fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seoul this time of the year. In Antalya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Seoul during spring. Antalya gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Seoul receives 205 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Antalya usually receives less rain than Seoul. Antalya gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Seoul and Antalya