Which place is cheaper, Koyasan or Busan (Pusan)?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Koyasan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Busan (Pusan) or Koyasan, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Busan (Pusan) or Koyasan?
Busan (Pusan)
An important port city in South Korea, Busan is known for its beaches, mountains, and temples. With a thriving harbor, the city's main revenue comes from international shipping, although the area is quite popular with tourists from all over the globe, too. The place is bustling with sailors from around the world as well as tourists who come to enjoy the culture of this modern and dynamic city.
Koyasan
Mount Koya, Japan is a mountain city located just south of Osaka in the Wakayama prefecture. The area is known as the headquarters of the Shingnon sect of Japanese Buddhism and was first settled in 816. Over time, it has developed into the small town of Koya that is now home to a religious studies university and over 100 temples, many of which offer accommodation.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.
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Busan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea PricesKoyasan Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBusan (Pusan) $104Koyasan $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $104, while the average daily cost in Koyasan is $95. 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 Busan (Pusan) and Koyasan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBusan (Pusan) $39Koyasan $41
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBusan (Pusan) $78Koyasan $82
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Koyasan
Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Koyasan? 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: Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices and Koyasan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Koyasan $34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $125
- Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
- Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Int Airport(PUS): $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Cruise Port: $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $66
Is it cheaper to fly into Busan (Pusan) or Koyasan?
Prices for flights to both Koyasan and Busan (Pusan) 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 dayBusan (Pusan) $44Koyasan $34
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's$4.43
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Carp Bread$0.72
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Busan (Pusan)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Busan (Pusan).
- Busan history and market food tour with local chef: $53
- Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $95
- Busan seafood tour : Cod Auction and Clam Auction in Winter: $99
- Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $100
- Busan Local Food Cooking Class with Market Tour: $114
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Koyasan $14
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- Busan Dynamic Maze Discount Ticket Foreigner Only: $12
- Museum 1 Exhibition Ticket in Busan (내국인 불가): $12
- Busan CLUBD OASIS Spa and Water Park Ticket: $15
- Busan Yacht Tour with Music: $26
- Japanese Occupation and Korean War Historical Tour in Busan: $29
- Full-Day Tour Unmissable things to do in Busan: $38
- Busan 9 Highlights Tour: $40
- Eden Valley Ski and Snowboard Tour from Busan : $41
- Jinhae Cherry Blossom Day trip from Busan - A Spring Adventure!: $47
- Naejangsan Fall Foliage Tour from Busan with Seoul Drop-off: $47
- Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $48
- Busan Full-Day City Tour with Gamcheon Village, Sea Temple & more: $49
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBusan (Pusan) $12Koyasan $5.07
When comparing the travel costs between Busan (Pusan) and Koyasan, we can see that Busan (Pusan) is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive? and Is Koyasan Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Busan (Pusan) or Koyasan?
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.
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Koyasan in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Koyasan. Also, many visitors come to Koyasan in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Koyasan in the summer. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Koyasan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Busan (Pusan) usually receives less sunshine than Koyasan during summer. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.
Koyasan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Busan (Pusan) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Koyasan. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBusan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)Koyasan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Koyasan in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Koyasan. Also, most visitors come to Koyasan for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Koyasan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Koyasan averages at about 19°C (65°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Busan (Pusan) this time of the year. In the autumn, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Koyasan. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 159 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Koyasan. Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in October than Koyasan. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBusan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)Koyasan 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Koyasan in the Winter?
Both Koyasan and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Koyasan because of the museums and the cuisine.
Busan (Pusan) can be very cold during winter. In January, Busan (Pusan) is generally much colder than Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 3°C (38°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) usually receives more sunshine than Koyasan during winter. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Koyasan. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBusan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)Koyasan 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Koyasan in the Spring?
Both Koyasan and Busan (Pusan) during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year.
Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Koyasan in the spring. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Koyasan fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
In the spring, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Koyasan. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 176 hours of full sun.
Koyasan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in April than Koyasan. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBusan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)Koyasan 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Koyasan and Busan (Pusan)
| Busan (Pusan) | Koyasan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 208 mm (8.2 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
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.