A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Busan (Pusan) vs. Shiretoko National Park for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Shiretoko National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Busan (Pusan) or Shiretoko National Park, 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 Shiretoko National Park?

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.

Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park, Japan is comprises the entire Shiretoko Penninusla in the northeast island of Hokkaido. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered to be one of the most remote areas in Japan with very few and very small settlements. This makes Shiretoko the perfect place for a fun hiking and camping adventure.

While the park is open year round, the weather in the area tends to greatly affect the enjoyment of your trip due to harsh winters and heavy rain at the end of summer. There is a short period from May to early July that is considered the best time to visit due to slightly less rain and comfortable temperatures around 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Shiretoko National Park or Busan (Pusan)?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $86, while the average daily cost in Shiretoko National Park is $74. 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 Shiretoko National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Busan (Pusan) $39
    Shiretoko National Park $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Busan (Pusan) $78
    Shiretoko National Park $66
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Shiretoko National Park

Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Shiretoko National Park? 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.

Hotels in Busan (Pusan)


Hotels in Shiretoko National Park


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 Shiretoko National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $20
    Shiretoko National Park $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):

  • Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $79
  • Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $84
  • Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $84
  • Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $119
  • Busan to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $119
  • Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $120

Is it cheaper to fly into Busan (Pusan) or Shiretoko National Park?

Prices for flights to both Shiretoko National Park 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Busan (Pusan) $26
    Shiretoko National Park $25
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)

Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:


  • McDonald's
    $4.48
  • 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: $49
  • Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $95
  • Busan Seafood Tour & Dinner with Busan Oppa: $105
  • Kkakdugi(Korean radish Kimchi) Cooking class at Busan : $110
  • Enjoy tailored Korean cooking class with Ocean view at Busan: $110

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $20
    Shiretoko National Park $15

Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:

  • Busan Running Man Themed Activity Experience Ticket (내국인불가): $8.00
  • Fun & Informative Busan in Korea Virtual Tour : $12
  • Museum 1 Exhibition Ticket in Busan (내국인 불가): $13
  • The Way of Tea - Experience: $38
  • Full-Day Tour Unmissable things to do in Busan: $41
  • Full-Day Busan City Tour: $51
  • Full day Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Tour from Busan: $60
  • Romantic Jinhae Cherry Blossom Night Tour - Depart from Busan: $65
  • Tour to Busan Highlights Hydrangea, Songdo and Gamcheon : $67
  • Old Korea Thousand History Tour of Gyeongju from Busan: $67
  • West Busan Small Group Photo Tour (Max 7): $68
  • Busan Night Small Group Photo Tour (Max 7): $68

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Busan (Pusan) $12
    Shiretoko National Park $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Busan (Pusan)

Also in Busan (Pusan), these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Busan Pub Crawl: $20


When comparing the travel costs between Busan (Pusan) and Shiretoko National Park, 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 Shiretoko National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Busan (Pusan) or Shiretoko National Park?

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 Shiretoko National Park in the Summer?

Both Shiretoko National Park and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Shiretoko National Park this time of year.

In the summer, Busan (Pusan) is a little warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Shiretoko National Park averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Busan (Pusan) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Shiretoko National Park during summer. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). In July, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Park. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Shiretoko National Park in the Autumn?

Both Shiretoko National Park and Busan (Pusan) during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Shiretoko National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Busan (Pusan) is generally much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 18°C (65°F), and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Busan (Pusan). In the autumn, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 158 hours of full sun.

Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in October than Shiretoko National Park. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Shiretoko National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Shiretoko National Park.

Shiretoko National Park can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around -6°C (20°F).

In Busan (Pusan), it's very sunny this time of the year. Busan (Pusan) usually receives more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park during winter. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 108 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Shiretoko National Park. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park -6°C (20°F)

Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Shiretoko National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Shiretoko National Park. Additionally, most visitors come to Shiretoko National Park for the natural beauty during these months.

Shiretoko National Park can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Busan (Pusan) is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Shiretoko National Park averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In the spring, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun.

Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the spring. Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in April than Shiretoko National Park. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 5°C (40°F)

Typical Weather for Shiretoko National Park and Busan (Pusan)

Busan (Pusan) Shiretoko National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) -6°C (20°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) -7°C (19°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) -3°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 5°C (40°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 257 mm (10.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in) 20°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 4°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 6°C (43°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) -2°C (28°F) 51 mm (2 in)