A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bali vs. Seoul for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Bali or Seoul?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bali and Seoul can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bali

Bali is a lush, frequented, and spiritual island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Seoul

Seoul is a cultural, bustling, and modern city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bali and Seoul: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bali or Seoul?

You'll generally find more things to do in Seoul than Bali. Seoul is bigger than Bali, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Seoul is better known for its museums, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Bali is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Bali is more touristy than Seoul and is known for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. Seoul is well known for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. Also, Seoul is famous for Gyeongbokgung Palace.

How is Bali different from Seoul?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Seoul is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Bali and Seoul offer a number of fantastic restaurants to choose from.

Bali has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The food is rich and diverse with a lot of spices and complex flavors. Turmeric is a common spice and many dishes use coconut milk. Popular local dishes include Nasi Ayam (a chicken dish), Satay (grilled chicken), and Babi Guling (a pork dish).

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Seoul is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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).

Is Bali or Seoul Better for Nightlife?

Bali 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.

Bali is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The island is known for its crazy raves and all night pool parties. There are multi-story dance clubs as well as upscale bars and beach clubs that host parties late into the night. The best nightlife areas are around Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.

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.

Is Bali or Seoul Better for Music?

Seoul is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Bali is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Seoul 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.

Bali is not a live music destination.

Is Bali or Seoul Better for Resorts?

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

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Bali is a perfect choice. The island has resorts as well as private villas that cater to everyone from celebrities to families or even budget travelers. Private villas offer a more secluded vacation while resorts usually have more amenities and the opportunity to socialize with other guests. There are also many family-friendly resorts around the island.

Seoul is not a resort destination.

Is Bali or Seoul Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Bali is not to be missed. The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is abundant making scuba diving and snorkeling popular around the island. There are many snorkeling day trips that you can arrange and there are also dive shops that will take you out on the water.

Seoul is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bali or Seoul Better for Beaches?

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

With world-famous beaches, Bali is a very popular vacation destination. The island is large enough that it has a diversity of beach styles. There are popular beaches with water sports as well as secluded bays where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. Some beaches are dramatic with limestone cliffs while others are lined with palm trees.

Seoul is not a beach destination.

Is Bali or Seoul Better for Hiking?

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

Bali is a popular spot for hiking. Walking on the island is beautiful and with its varied landscapes you can explore scenic rice paddies or pristine rainforests. You'll find the most challenging hikes in West Bali National Park, where a guide is recommended, but there are many other shorter hikes on the island that can be explored independently.

Seoul is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bali or Seoul?

Seoul is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bali is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Seoul make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bali. A big appeal of shopping on the island is the affordability. There are many local items that are fun to bring home including jewelry, handicrafts, furniture, and clothing.

Is Bali or Seoul Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Bali or Seoul.

Bali is a very kid-friendly island. The island has countless activities that kids can enjoy. There are watersports, snorkeling, surfing lessons and beautiful beaches. You can also expose your kids to the spiritual side of the island with kid-friendly yoga classes. Animals lovers will enjoy getting to see the monkeys up close and for a unique culinary experience, you can take a family cooking class.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Seoul. 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 Bali or Seoul Better for Couples?

Bali is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Bali has plenty to offer. This beautiful island offers stunning beaches, adventure sports, and world class snorkeling. There are beautiful resorts with spas as well as couples yoga classes impressive natural areas.

Seoul makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Is Bali or Seoul Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bali 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 Bali. Backpackers flock to this beautiful island for its stunning setting and affordable accommodation. There are many nice places where backpackers can hang out and get to know other travelers. If you want to get off the beaten path, it's best to head into the countryside and away from the main tourist hubs.

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 Bali or Seoul Better for Students?

Seoul is a well-known place for students. However, Bali is not popular with students.

Seoul is very popular with students. 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.

Bali is not popular with students.

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

Seoul is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Bali is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Seoul has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.

Bali has some public transit options. There are minibuses and tourist shuttle buses around the island. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car, scooter, or bicycle.

Is Bali or Seoul a more walkable city?

Seoul is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Bali is not a good island for its ease of walking around.

Seoul is a very walkable city. 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.

Bali is generally not a very walkable island. There are some walkable towns and cities on the island, but many areas can be challenging to navigate on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Seoul or Bali?

How long in Bali or Seoul?

Both Bali and Seoul have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Bali has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Bali than Seoul. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Bali, and 3-7 days is enough time in Seoul.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bali 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 Bali.

One day in Bali or Seoul?

In Bali, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this stunning destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island 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.

Seoul is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Bali or Seoul?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bali. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bali or Seoul?

Bali is a fun place to experience. In Bali, many people enjoy the nightlife and food 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 bustling big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Bali or Seoul?

In Bali, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this frequented destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Seoul is a modern city where you can fill many days. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, 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 Bali and Seoul, we can see that Seoul is more expensive. And not only is Bali much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bali would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bali 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 Seoul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seoul than you might in Bali.

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

Which is Bigger, Bali or Seoul?

Seoul has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Bali. When comparing the sizes of Bali 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 Bali or Seoul?

Seoul has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bali experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bali or Seoul in the Summer?

Both Seoul and Bali are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Seoul this time of year.

Bali is around the same temperature as Seoul in the summer. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Seoul fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bali. Bali usually receives more sunshine than Seoul during summer. Bali gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Seoul receives 121 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Seoul. In July, Bali usually receives less rain than Seoul. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Bali is April to September.

Should I visit Bali or Seoul in the Autumn?

Both Seoul and Bali during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Seoul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Bali is much warmer than Seoul. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bali in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Seoul averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bali. In the autumn, Bali often gets more sunshine than Seoul. Bali gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seoul receives 204 hours of full sun.

Bali usually gets more rain in October than Seoul. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March is the rainy season in Bali.

Should I visit Bali or Seoul in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Seoul. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round. Also, many visitors come to Seoul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Seoul can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Bali is generally much warmer than Seoul. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 26°C (79°F), and Seoul fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

Bali usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Seoul during winter. Bali gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Seoul receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bali usually receives more rain than Seoul. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the winter. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Bali.

Should I visit Bali or Seoul in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bali as well as Seoul. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Seoul for the activities around the city during these months.

Bali is much warmer than Seoul in the spring. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Seoul fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seoul. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bali this time of the year. In the spring, Bali often gets more sunshine than Seoul. Bali gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seoul receives 205 hours of full sun.

Bali usually gets less rain in April than Seoul. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, April to September in Bali is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Seoul and Bali