Which place is cheaper, Koyasan or Cheju (Jeju)?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Cheju (Jeju) or Koyasan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cheju (Jeju) and Koyasan. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Cheju (Jeju) or Koyasan?
Cheju (Jeju)
Cheju is an island located just off the southern coast of South Korea in the Korean Strait. It is known for its volcanic landscape full of craters and cave-like lava tubes, which many visitors venture to hike and explore. With the main industry invested in tourism, it is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and foreigners alike, and remains the top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds.
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 Cultural Tours in South Korea, The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.
-
Cheju (Jeju) Prices
South Korea PricesKoyasan Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCheju (Jeju) $84Koyasan $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Cheju (Jeju) is $84, 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 Cheju (Jeju) and Koyasan in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCheju (Jeju) $45Koyasan $41
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCheju (Jeju) $90Koyasan $82
Compare Hotels in Cheju (Jeju) and Koyasan
Looking for a hotel in Cheju (Jeju) 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: Koyasan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cheju (Jeju) $10Koyasan $34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):
- Jeju Airport (CJU) Private Transfer to Jeju City Centre/Seogwipo: $27
- Jeju Airport Transfer: $22
- Private Jeju Airport Transfer : Jeju Airport to/from Jeju(~7 pax): $89
- Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190
- Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City to Jeju Airport(one way ): $90
- Private Transfer From Airport to Downtown jeju city (One way ) : $45
- Private Transfer From Jeju Airport To Seogwipo City: $150
- Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $75
- Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $75
- jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Cheju (Jeju) or Koyasan?
Prices for flights to both Koyasan and Cheju (Jeju) 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 dayCheju (Jeju) $29Koyasan $34
Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):
-
Burger$4.44
-
Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)$7.16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cheju (Jeju)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cheju (Jeju).
- JEJU Cooking Class _Class & Dinner at Jeju Seaside Sunset Terrace: $139
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cheju (Jeju) $5.43Koyasan $14
Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)
Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Jeju Customized Private Car Tour : $15
- [Jeju] Hanbok Rental Experience/Korean Traditional Clothes Rental Shop: $25
- Jeju Eastern UNESCO Sites Day Tour with Haenyeo Show: $59
- Jeju Eastern Cultural Exploration Day Tour: $59
- Jeju Southern UNESCO Full Day Tour with Mt.Halla: $59
- Jeju WEST&SOUTH One Day Tour with MT.halla & Aewol: $59
- Jeju Western and Southern Routes Sightseeing Day Tour: $59
- Jeju island Eastern UNESCO site Full Day Guided Tour: $59
- Jeju island Southern Unesco Mt.halla ONE day Bus Tour: $59
- Jeju island Southern UNESCO Day Tour With Hallasan MT: $59
- Jeju Island East UNESCO Day Tour: $59
- Jeju Eastern Must visit Unesco Spots Join In Tour: $59
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayCheju (Jeju) $7.04Koyasan $5.07
When comparing the travel costs between Cheju (Jeju) and Koyasan, we can see that Koyasan 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 Cheju (Jeju) Expensive? and Is Koyasan Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) or Koyasan in the Summer?
Both Koyasan and Cheju (Jeju) are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year.
In the summer, Cheju (Jeju) is around the same temperature as Koyasan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Koyasan averages at about 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cheju (Jeju). Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more sunshine than Koyasan during summer. Cheju (Jeju) gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Koyasan. It's quite rainy in Cheju (Jeju). In July, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more rain than Koyasan. Cheju (Jeju) gets 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyCheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)Koyasan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Koyasan in the Autumn?
Both Koyasan and Cheju (Jeju) during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Koyasan for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Cheju (Jeju) is generally around the same temperature as Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) average around 18°C (64°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
In the autumn, Cheju (Jeju) often gets more sunshine than Koyasan. Cheju (Jeju) gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 159 hours of full sun.
Koyasan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cheju (Jeju) usually gets less rain in October than Koyasan. Cheju (Jeju) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)Koyasan 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Koyasan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cheju (Jeju) and Koyasan. Furthermore, many visitors come to Koyasan in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.
Cheju (Jeju) is around the same temperature as Koyasan in the winter. The daily temperature in Cheju (Jeju) averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Koyasan fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less sunshine than Koyasan during winter. Cheju (Jeju) gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more rain than Koyasan. Cheju (Jeju) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)Koyasan 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Koyasan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Cheju (Jeju) as well as Koyasan. Additionally, most visitors come to Koyasan for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Cheju (Jeju) is cooler than Koyasan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Koyasan averages at about 15°C (59°F).
In the spring, Cheju (Jeju) often gets more sunshine than Koyasan. Cheju (Jeju) gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 176 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Koyasan. Cheju (Jeju) usually gets less rain in April than Koyasan. Cheju (Jeju) gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilCheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)Koyasan 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Koyasan and Cheju (Jeju)
| Cheju (Jeju) | Koyasan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (56°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 208 mm (8.2 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 241 mm (9.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 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.