Which place is cheaper, Seoul or Beijing?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Beijing and Seoul can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Beijing is a cultural, fascinating, and historic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.
Seoul is a modern, high energy, and colorful city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food.
Visitors will generally find more to do in Beijing than Seoul. While Seoul is larger than Beijing, Beijing has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Beijing is more popular for its museums & sights and impressive beauty, while Seoul is known for its music and shopping. Beijing is more touristy than Seoul and is known for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. It is also home to The Forbidden City. Seoul is popular for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Seoul and Beijing. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Beijing 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 Beijing are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.
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 Beijing and Seoul can be an enjoyable experience.
Many restaurants in Beijing have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.
Eat your way through Seoul, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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).
It's hard to distinguish whether Beijing or Seoul has a better nightlife scene.
The people in Beijing know how to have a good time. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.
The nightlife in Seoul has something for everybody. 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, Beijing is not a live music destination.
In Seoul you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.
Beijing is not a live music destination.
Seoul is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.
Seoul is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Beijing. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.
Seoul is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
Seoul is known to be 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.
Beijing offers lots of family activities. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.
Seoul is a great destination for couples. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.
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.
Beijing is a nice destination for couples. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.
Beijing 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.
Beijing is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.
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.
Beijing and Seoul are superb places to visit for students.
Students come from all over to stay in Beijing. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.
Many students visit Seoul. 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 its public transit. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.
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.
Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Beijing. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.
Seoul is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options 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.
Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.
For even more information, also check out Is Beijing Worth Visiting? and Is Seoul Worth Visiting?.
Both Beijing and Seoul have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Seoul has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Seoul than Beijing. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.
Families should spend more time in Seoul than Beijing. 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 Beijing. 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 Beijing 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 Beijing.
Each neighborhood in Beijing has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.
In Seoul, you'll find shopping and museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beijing. 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.
In Seoul, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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.
Beijing is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Beijing has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.
Each neighborhood in Beijing has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Seoul. In Seoul, you'll find live music and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, 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.
The average daily cost (per person) in Beijing is $78, 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 Beijing and Seoul in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Beijing 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 Beijing:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
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 Beijing 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
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.
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
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 Beijing:
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 Beijing and Seoul, we can see that Seoul is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing 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 Beijing.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beijing Expensive? and Is Seoul Expensive?.
Seoul has a larger population, and is about 38% larger than the population of Beijing. When comparing the sizes of Beijing 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 destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Seoul. Many visitors come to Beijing in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Seoul for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Beijing is generally around the same temperature as Seoul. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 27°C (80°F), and Seoul fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Seoul during summer. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Seoul receives 121 hours of full sun in the summer.
Seoul receives a lot of rain in the summer. Beijing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Beijing usually receives less rain than Seoul. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The autumn brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Seoul. Most visitors come to Beijing for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Seoul because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
Beijing is cooler than Seoul in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Seoul fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seoul. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the autumn, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Seoul. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seoul receives 204 hours of full sun.
Beijing usually gets less rain in October than Seoul. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Seoul and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Beijing because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Seoul this time of year.
It's quite cold in Seoul in the winter. The weather in Beijing can be very cold. In the winter, Beijing is cooler than Seoul. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beijing in January average around -4°C (26°F), and Seoul averages at about -3°C (27°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Seoul during winter. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Seoul receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Beijing usually receives less rain than Seoul. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Both Seoul and Beijing during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Beijing this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Seoul for the activities around the city.
In April, Beijing is generally around the same temperature as Seoul. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 14°C (57°F), and Seoul fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the spring, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Seoul. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seoul receives 205 hours of full sun.
Beijing usually gets less rain in April than Seoul. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Beijing | Seoul | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
May | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
Jun | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 369 mm (14.5 in) |
Aug | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 294 mm (11.6 in) |
Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
Oct | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
Nov | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
Dec | -1°C (29°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 0°C (33°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |