Which place is cheaper, Seoul or Bandung?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bandung or Seoul?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Bandung 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.
Bandung
Bandung is a scenic, laidback, and cultural city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Seoul
Seoul is a colorful, cultural, and bustling city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.
Bandung and Seoul: Pros and Cons
Bandung
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Public transit not as usable
Seoul
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
Is there more to do in Bandung or Seoul?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Seoul than Bandung. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Seoul is very popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Bandung attracts visitors for its hiking. Bandung is more touristy than Seoul and is popular for its fashion and shopping outlets, its local street food, and its cooler temperatures. Seoul is famous for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. It is also well known for Gyeongbokgung Palace.
How is Bandung different from Seoul?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Seoul and Bandung. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bandung or Seoul?
Bandung
Seoul
Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Bandung or Seoul.
Bandung offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with museums and landmarks like the Sri Baduga Museum, which displays prehistoric artifacts. There's also the Asian African Conference Museum, a geology museum, and the Indonesia Postal Museum. The Mandala Wangsit Siliwangi Museum shows items relating to Indonesian wars and weapons while the Virajati Seskoad Museum has information on the Indonesian Army school.
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 Bandung or Seoul? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Bandung
Seoul
Dining out at restaurants in both Bandung and Seoul can be an enjoyable experience.
For foodies, Bandung is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city is a wonderful foodie destination with tons of street food and local options. The population is predominantly Sundanese, and the cuisine reflects that. The dishes involve a lot of raw vegetables and fresh ingredients. Make sure you try the batagor (fried tofu), soto Bandung (meat soup), and siomay (fish or chicken dumplings).
Seoul has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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 Bandung or Seoul Better for Nightlife?
Bandung
Seoul
Seoul is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.
Seoul has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.
Bandung has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a large student population and a number of bars around town. The nightlife has a laidback vibe and many people enjoy hanging out with friends a local pub.
Is Bandung or Seoul Better for Music?
Bandung
Seoul
Seoul is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Bandung is not a live music destination.
Seoul is known as a music capital 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.
Bandung is not a live music destination.
Is Bandung or Seoul Better for Hiking?
Bandung
Seoul
Bandung is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Seoul is not a hiking destination.
Bandung is a popular spot for hiking. There are tons of great hiking trails just outside of town. Some are undiscovered while others are more popular. The trails will take you through forests, by volcanoes, and to dramatic craters.
Seoul is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Bandung or Seoul?
Bandung
Seoul
Shoppers can find a variety of world-class stores in both Bandung and Seoul.
People travel from around the world to go shopping in Bandung. This is the ultimate shopping destination in Indonesia. Visitors come from throughout the country and abroad to buy designer goods and name brands, often at a discount price. You'll find both knock-offs and authentic merchandise, so be aware when you're purchasing something, which you might be buying.
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.
Is Bandung or Seoul Better for Families?
Bandung
Seoul
Seoul is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.
Seoul is a very family-friendly destination. 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.
You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bandung. Kids will enjoy taking in a cultural show with traditional dance and music. Near the city you can also get outside and enjoy the stunning scenery at White Crater or Gunung Tangkuban Perahu. There's also the Bandung Geological Museum and Trans Studio amusement park.
Is Bandung or Seoul Better for Couples?
Bandung
Seoul
With fun activities for couples, both Bandung and Seoul make for a great place to visit.
Bandung makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While most honeymooners make their way to a beautiful Indonesian beach, if you're looking for a break from the heat then this city makes a good stopover. The city is near many beautiful outdoor settings such as the White Crater. There are also many nice luxury resorts and hotels.
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 Bandung or Seoul Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Bandung
Seoul
Bandung 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.
Bandung is a great city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers love Indonesia and this city is no exception. There are plenty of hostels around town and many great activities to enjoy.
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 Bandung or Seoul Better for Students?
Bandung
Seoul
Seoul is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.
Bandung is popular with students. Many of the expats in town are students, so you'll have a number of people to hang out with. This is also an affordable town for study abroad.
Is Bandung or Seoul Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Bandung
Seoul
Seoul is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.
You'll find some public transit in Bandung, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are both public buses and a public van service (Angkutan Kota) that operates on set routes.
Is Bandung or Seoul a more walkable city?
Bandung
Seoul
Bandung and Seoul are great when it comes to walkability.
Bandung is very walkable. There are a number of walkable neighborhoods around town.
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.
For even more information, also check out Is Bandung Worth Visiting? and Is Seoul Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Seoul or Bandung?
How long in Bandung or Seoul?
Both Bandung 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 Bandung. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bandung, and 3-7 days is enough time in Seoul.
Families should spend more time in Seoul than Bandung. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Seoul, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Seoul than Bandung. 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 Bandung 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 Bandung.
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How many days in Bandung or Seoul? Ideal Length of StayBandung 2-3Seoul 3-7
One day in Bandung or Seoul?
In Bandung, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this scenic destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.
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 Bandung or Seoul?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bandung. 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 Bandung or Seoul?
Bandung is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bandung. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.
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 Bandung or Seoul?
You'll find food and shopping around the laidback destination of Bandung. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, and The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBandung $41Seoul $113
The average daily cost (per person) in Bandung is $41, while the average daily cost in Seoul is $113. 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 Bandung and Seoul in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBandung $22Seoul $57
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBandung $44Seoul $114
Compare Hotels in Bandung and Seoul
Looking for a hotel in Bandung 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bandung Hotel Prices and Seoul Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bandung $6.00Seoul $16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bandung
Also for Bandung, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Cipanas Thermal to Jakarta Airport CGK Departure Transfer: $28
- Bandung or Lembang to Bandung Airport BDO Departure Transfer: $28
- Private Transfer from Mampang to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $32
- Private Transfer from Sukabumi to Bandung Airport (BDO): $36
- Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Sukahaji: $36
- Private Transfer from Sadang Serang to Bandung Airport (BDO): $36
- Private Transfer from Kec. Cibeunying Kidul Kel. 40124 to Bandung Airport (BDO): $36
- Private Transfer from Lembang to Bandung Airport (BDO): $36
- Private Transfer from Paledang to Bandung Airport (BDO): $36
- Private Transfer from Malabar to Bandung Airport (BDO): $36
- Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Lebak Gede: $36
- Private Transfer from Sukahaji to Bandung Airport (BDO): $36
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seoul
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:
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Subway Card$3.82
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Short Taxi Ride$5.34
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Metro Ride$1.03
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Seoul City Pass Plus$7.63
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:
- Transfer Service from Gimpo Airport to Hotel City: $57
- Private Transfer in a Cadillac Escalade: $400
- Private Transfer To/From Incheon Airport (1-12pax): $170
- Private Transfer To/From Incheon Airport: $101
- Lotte World Ticket with Private Transfer: $108
- Seoul Incheon Airport(ICN) to from Seoul Private Transfer: $113
- Private transfer from Seoul hotel to Seoul Station and so on: $96
- Private Transfer between Seoul City and Gyeongbokgung Palace: $69
- Private Transfer Service from Seoul City Hotels to Gimpo Airport: $57
- Private Transfer Incheon Airport<->Seoul(12 passengers): $190
- Private Departure Transfer:Hotel to Incheon International Airport: $145
- Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City - Gimpo Airport (1-5 pax): $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Bandung or Seoul?
Prices for flights to both Seoul and Bandung 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.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayBandung $15Seoul $31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bandung
For Bandung, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bandung Food Tour: $67
Typical Food Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:
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Rice with Kimchi & Bacon$4.58
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Waffle$0.76
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Dippin' Dots$1.53
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Chicken Fried Rice$4.20
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Chicken Stick$1.53
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Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew$1.45
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Lunch Buffet$4.58
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Donut$0.76
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Mushroom Burger$3.97
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Green Tea Ice Cream$2.52
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Udon & Sushi$5.34
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Fresh Burger$3.66
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Soba Noodles Lunch$3.43
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Bibimbap Lunch$3.82
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Fried Rice$4.20
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Vietnamese Dinner$7.25
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Breakfast and Coffee for 2$7.25
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Donut$1.91
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seoul.
- Oriental Medicine&Optional Temple Vegan Cooking Class: $43
- Korean Grandma Cooking Class l Gimbap & Kimchi Pancake l Seoul: $45
- Namdaemun Market: the Largest Traditional Market Food Tour: $47
- Namdaemun Market Street Food Tour: $48
- Gwangjang Market Netflix Food Tour: $54
- Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals;Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $54
- Guided City Wall Sunset Hike with Korean Dinner: $59
- Vegan Korean Food Cooking Class: Gimbap, Sundubu Jjigae, and more: $60
- Vegan Korean Food Cooking Class: $63
- Celebrate Like a Local-KR New Year & Cooking in Hanok: $65
- Half Day Seoul Afternoon Food Tour and visit 3 landMarks of Seoul: $67
- 2-Hour Private K Cooking Class: $67
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bandung $5.90Seoul $28
Tours and Activities in Bandung
For Bandung, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Stone Garden Western Tour From Bandung: $39
- Indonesia: Paragliding Experiences by Papatong Fly & Play: $41
- Kawah Rengganis Private Hiking and Glamping Lakeside Tour from Bandung: $41
- Private Guided Sightseeing Day Tour of Bandung: $43
- Daytrip Costum White Crater Volcano Mount Tour Guide Bandung: $49
- Kawah Putih tour - Day trip Ticket etc all including : $50
- Private Guided Sightseeing Day Tour of Bandung: $50
- Lembang Tour From Bandung: $51
- Private Tour to Patuhan Volcanic Crater and Angklung Show: $54
- Bandung:Kawah Putih,Volcano,HotSpring,Mud Bathing,Lake Tour: $57
- Kawah Putih Tour From Bandung City: $58
- Private Tour to Bandung Volcano Hot Springs and Mud bathing: $59
Typical Entertainment Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:
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Palace Tickets$6.10
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Movie Ticket$6.10
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Kimchi Museum$2.29
Tours and Activities in Seoul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:
- Full Day Tour Jeonju Hanok Village, Wansan Park and Gakwonsa: $74
- Private Tour Nami Island with Petite France 'and/or' The Garden of Morning Calm: $98
- Private Unesco Tour in Seoul with Guide : $241
- 'Must Do' Seoul Tram guided Tour with local street food tasting: $60
- (Private tour) Nami Island + Railbike + Garden of morning calm: $220
- 2D 1N Phoenix Pyeongchang Reseot Stay + Trout Ice-Fishing Festival Tour: $144
- 3-Hour Self-guided Sokcho Tour with Private Transportation: $33
- 365-day DMZ Special Tour including Monday & National Holiday: $59
- 8 Hours Guided Winter Tour in South Korea: $54
- ARMY Bangtan pilgrimage tour in Seoul: $55
- Afternoon Half Day Seoul City Tour, visit Queen's dorm: $67
- Alive Museum Discount Ticket at Insa-dong(내국인불가): $9.40
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBandung $3.60Seoul $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Seoul
Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Gangnam Pub Crawl with 3 Shots and Korean Tapas: $22
- Seoul Pub Crawl in Gangnam with Free Shots and Korean Tapas: $23
- Pub Crawl: $25
- The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $26
- Chunpoong Brewery Tour:Award Winning Makgeolli(rice wine): $34
- Soju Tasting at Distillery - Story of Three Pigs: $43
- DMZ and Makgeolli Brewery Tour with Tasting Course: $65
- Learn and Craft Makgeolli in a Traditional Brewery: $82
- DMZ and Makgeolli Brewery Tour with Tasting and Brewing Class: $83
- DMZ and Wild Berry Winery and Rice Wine Brewery Tour with Tasting: $85
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bandung and Seoul, we can see that Seoul is more expensive. And not only is Bandung much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bandung would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bandung 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 Bandung.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bandung Expensive? and Is Seoul Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bandung or Seoul?
Seoul has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Bandung. When comparing the sizes of Bandung 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.