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

Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Wollongong?

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

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

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.

Wollongong

Wollongong is south of Sydney in New South Wales. It is also the third largest city in the state. Wollongong has a unique geography in that it is only six kilometers wide at its widest point and is forty kilometers long. It is squeezed in between the mountains and the ocean and in the process of growth, has swallowed several coastal towns between Dapto and Port Kembla. Wollongong is home to the University of Wollongong and has a diverse population that includes people of Serbian, Croatian, Italian, and Turkish descent among other nationalities. The influence of these cultures is obvious in the city's restaurant and entertainment options. Throughout the city you'll find some wonderful beaches with few crowds and some decent surfing opportunities.

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 Eco Tours in Australia, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Wollongong or Busan (Pusan)?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $91, while the average daily cost in Wollongong is $127. 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 Wollongong in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Busan (Pusan) $41
    Wollongong $68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Busan (Pusan) $82
    Wollongong $136
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Wollongong

Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Wollongong? 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 Wollongong


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 Wollongong Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $21
    Wollongong $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)

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

  • Busan Airport (PUS) to Busan Hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $122
  • Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $122
  • Busan hotels to Busan Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $122
  • Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $86
  • Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $86
  • Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
  • Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $81
  • Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $81
  • Private Transfer from Busan City Hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $78
  • Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan city hotels: $78

Is it cheaper to fly into Busan (Pusan) or Wollongong?

Prices for flights to both Wollongong 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) $27
    Wollongong $32
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)

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


  • McDonald's
    $4.72
  • Carp Bread
    $0.76

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: $50
  • Busan Jagalchi market Seafood Tour & Dinner : $50
  • Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $65
  • Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $95
  • Busan Local Food Cooking Class with Market Tour: $116

Typical Food Prices in Wollongong

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Wollongong:


  • Lunch
    $8.22

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $21
    Wollongong $23

Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)

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

  • Full Day Private Guided Tour in Hidden Spot, Daegu: $180
  • 1 Day Private Busan Guided Tour: $300
  • A well-rounded small group Busan tour with a certified guide: $46
  • Busan City Tour Including Gamcheon Culture village and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: $282
  • Busan Hidden Gems Private Tour with a Certified Guide: $89
  • Busan Market Tour after dialect class or Samgwangsa temple: $100
  • Busan Night Small Group Photo Tour (Max 7): $68
  • Busan Night Tour Including a Cruise w/ Fireworks: $110
  • Busan Night Tour includes Snapshots: $57
  • Busan Pick up & Drop off (Anywhere) or Night View Tour: $65
  • Busan Private Tour with Korean Speaking Driver : $259
  • Busan Private Tour with a licensed tour guide: $220

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Busan (Pusan) $12
    Wollongong $19

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Busan (Pusan) and Wollongong, we can see that Wollongong is more expensive. And not only is Busan (Pusan) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Busan (Pusan) is in Asia and Wollongong is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Busan (Pusan) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Busan (Pusan) 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 Wollongong would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Wollongong than you might in Busan (Pusan).

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 Wollongong Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Wollongong?

Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Wollongong. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Wollongong, 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 Busan (Pusan) or Wollongong?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Wollongong is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Busan (Pusan) has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Wollongong in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Wollongong. Additionally, most visitors come to Wollongong for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Wollongong. Typically, the summer temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Wollongong averages at about 23°C (74°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wollongong. In the summer, Busan (Pusan) often gets less sunshine than Wollongongin January. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 236 hours of full sun.

Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in July than Wollongongin January. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F) 
    Wollongong 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Wollongong in the Autumn?

Both Wollongong and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Wollongong because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In October, Busan (Pusan) is generally around the same temperature as Wollongongin April. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 18°C (65°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Wollongong during autumn. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Wollongongin April. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F) 
    Wollongong 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Wollongong in the Winter?

Both Wollongong and Busan (Pusan) during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Wollongong this time of year.

The weather in Busan (Pusan) can be very cold. Busan (Pusan) is much colder than Wollongong in the winter. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Wollongong fluctuates around 10°C (50°F)in July.

In Wollongong, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Busan (Pusan). In the winter, Busan (Pusan) often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Wollongongin July. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 208 hours of full sun.

Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in January than Wollongongin July. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F) 
    Wollongong 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Wollongong in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Wollongong. Also, many travelers come to Wollongong for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Busan (Pusan) is cooler than Wollongong. Typically, the spring temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Wollongong averages at about 17°C (63°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wollongong this time of the year. Busan (Pusan) usually receives less sunshine than Wollongong during spring. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

Busan (Pusan) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Wollongongin October. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F) 
    Wollongong 17°C (63°F)

Typical Weather for Wollongong and Busan (Pusan)

Busan (Pusan) Wollongong
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 23°C (74°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 14°C (58°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 257 mm (10.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 47 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in) 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 6°C (43°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)