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

Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Yaeyama Islands?

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

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

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.

Yaeyama Islands

The Yaeyama Islands is a cluster of islands located in the southwestern part of Japan, close to Taiwan. There are nine different islands, varying from small islets to large holiday resort islands. The Yaeyama Islands are one of the most popular destination in Japan due to their beautiful beaches and underwater ruins. Yaeyama is also known for having their own language and writing system. For the most part, everyone on the Islands speak Japanese, but you'll often find the Yaeyama writing on T-shirts in souvenir shops or scattered around Yaeyama.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands is $93. 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 Yaeyama Islands in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Busan (Pusan) $39
    Yaeyama Islands $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Busan (Pusan) $78
    Yaeyama Islands $108
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Yaeyama Islands

Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Yaeyama Islands? 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 Yaeyama Islands


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 Yaeyama Islands Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $20
    Yaeyama Islands $19

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 Yaeyama Islands?

Prices for flights to both Yaeyama Islands 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
    Yaeyama Islands $28
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
    Yaeyama Islands $8.62

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
    Yaeyama Islands $6.28

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 Yaeyama Islands, we can see that Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Busan (Pusan) or Yaeyama Islands?

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 Yaeyama Islands in the Summer?

Both Yaeyama Islands and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Yaeyama Islands in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Busan (Pusan) is generally cooler than Yaeyama Islands. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 25°C (77°F), and Yaeyama Islands fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

It's quite sunny in Yaeyama Islands. Busan (Pusan) usually receives less sunshine than Yaeyama Islands during summer. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Yaeyama Islands receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Yaeyama Islands. It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). In July, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Yaeyama Islands. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 179 mm (7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F) 
    Yaeyama Islands 29°C (85°F)

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

Both Yaeyama Islands and Busan (Pusan) during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Yaeyama Islands for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Busan (Pusan) is cooler than Yaeyama Islands in the autumn. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Yaeyama Islands fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Busan (Pusan). In the autumn, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Yaeyama Islands. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Yaeyama Islands receives 177 hours of full sun.

Yaeyama Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in October than Yaeyama Islands. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F) 
    Yaeyama Islands 26°C (78°F)

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Yaeyama Islands. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Yaeyama Islands because of the museums and the cuisine.

Busan (Pusan) can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Busan (Pusan) is much colder than Yaeyama Islands. Typically, the winter temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Yaeyama Islands averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Busan (Pusan), it's very sunny this time of the year. Busan (Pusan) usually receives more sunshine than Yaeyama Islands during winter. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Yaeyama Islands receives 97 hours of full sun in the winter.

Yaeyama Islands receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Yaeyama Islands. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F) 
    Yaeyama Islands 18°C (64°F)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Yaeyama Islands. Additionally, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Yaeyama Islands this time of year.

In April, Busan (Pusan) is generally much colder than Yaeyama Islands. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 14°C (57°F), and Yaeyama Islands fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In the spring, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Yaeyama Islands. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Yaeyama Islands receives 154 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Yaeyama Islands. Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the spring. Busan (Pusan) usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Yaeyama Islands. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year. May to June in Yaeyama Islands is the rainy season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F) 
    Yaeyama Islands 23°C (74°F)

Typical Weather for Yaeyama Islands and Busan (Pusan)

Busan (Pusan) Yaeyama Islands
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 19°C (65°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (69°F) 126 mm (5 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 231 mm (9.1 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 257 mm (10.1 in) 29°C (85°F) 179 mm (7 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in) 29°C (84°F) 236 mm (9.3 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 229 mm (9 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 173 mm (6.8 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Dec 6°C (43°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)