Which place is cheaper, Seoul or Athens?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Seoul. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Athens is a historic, ancient, and vibrant city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Athens is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Athens travel costs.
Seoul is a high energy, colorful, and cultural 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 live music, food, and shopping. See Seoul travel costs.
Travelers will usually find more to do in Seoul than Athens, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Seoul is more popular for its music, shopping, and big city activities, while Athens is known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Athens is more touristy than Seoul and is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. Seoul is popular for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. It is also home to Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Seoul and Athens. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Athens is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.
The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Athens are among the most recognizable in the world. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Seoul can be an interesting and educational experience. The museums and landmarks are diverse, with notable sights including N Seoul Tower, the Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village, and the National Museum of Korea.
Dining out at restaurants in both Athens and Seoul can be an enjoyable experience.
Eat your way through Athens, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.
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).
Athens is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.
Athens is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.
Seoul has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.
Seoul is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Athens is not a live music destination.
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.
Athens is not a live music destination.
Athens is very popular for its old town. However, Seoul does not have a historic old town.
Athens has a world-famous historical area. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.
Seoul does not have a historic old town.
Seoul is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.
Many people travel to Seoul specifically to go shopping. 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.
Athens is a great destination for shopping. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.
Athens is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Seoul is not a destination known for its beauty.
Athens is a beautiful place to visit, too. With it's stunning archaeological sites, Athens is most beautiful at night, when things light up.
Seoul is not a destination known for its beauty.
Both Athens and Seoul are high quality family-friendly destinations.
You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Athens. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.
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.
Seoul is great for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.
Seoul is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples enjoy the beautiful viewpoints, outdoor parks, and diverse restaurants. There are also many beautiful luxury hotels where couples can enjoy a romantic getaway.
Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.
Athens is very popular for backpackers. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Athens. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.
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.
For students, both Athens and Seoul are high quality places to visit.
Many students visit Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.
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.
Seoul is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.
Visitors in Seoul can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.
Public transit in Athens is fairly effecient and thorough. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.
Athens and Seoul are high quality when it comes to walkability.
Athens is a very walkable destination. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.
Seoul is very walkable. 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.
For even more information, also check out Is Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Seoul Worth Visiting?.
Both Athens and Seoul have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Athens has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Athens than Seoul. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.
Families should spend more time in Athens than Seoul. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Athens, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Seoul than Athens. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Seoul that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens 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 Athens.
Each neighborhood in Athens has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city 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.
Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Seoul. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
Seoul is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Athens is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Athens has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Seoul. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Each neighborhood in Athens has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.
Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the bustling big city of Seoul. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Athens, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Athens, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, and The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €154, while the average daily cost in Seoul is €118. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Athens and Seoul in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Athens or Seoul? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:
Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:
Prices for flights to both Seoul and Athens change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:
For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seoul.
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Seoul, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Seoul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Athens 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 Athens would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Athens 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 Athens Expensive? and Is Seoul Expensive?.
Seoul has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Athens. When comparing the sizes of Athens 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.
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.
Both Seoul and Athens during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Seoul in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Athens is generally around the same temperature as Seoul. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Seoul fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
It's quite sunny in Athens. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Seoul. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seoul receives 121 hours of full sun.
Seoul gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Athens usually gets less rain in July than Seoul. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Seoul. Many visitors come to Athens in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Seoul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.
Athens is a little warmer than Seoul in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Seoul fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seoul this time of the year. In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Seoul during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Seoul receives 204 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Athens usually receives around the same amount of rain as Seoul. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The winter brings many poeple to Athens as well as Seoul. Most visitors come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Seoul because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Seoul can be very cold. In the winter, Athens is much warmer than Seoul. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Seoul averages at about -3°C (27°F).
In the winter, Athens often gets less sunshine than Seoul. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seoul receives 163 hours of full sun.
Athens usually gets more rain in January than Seoul. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Seoul and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Athens because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Seoul this time of year.
In April, Athens is generally a little warmer than Seoul. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Seoul fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
It's quite sunny in Seoul. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Seoul during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Seoul receives 205 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Seoul. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Athens | Seoul | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 10°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
May | 20°C (68°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 369 mm (14.5 in) |
Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 294 mm (11.6 in) |
Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
Nov | 16°C (60°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 0°C (33°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |