A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Da Nang vs. Seoul for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Da Nang or Seoul?

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

Should I visit Da Nang or Seoul? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Da Nang

Da Nang is a authentic, coastal, and accessible city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Seoul

Seoul is a colorful, cultural, and bustling city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Da Nang and Seoul: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Da Nang or Seoul?

You'll generally find more things to do in Seoul than Da Nang. Seoul is bigger than Da Nang, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Seoul is better known for its museums, food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Da Nang is more popular for its resorts and beaches. Seoul is more touristy than Da Nang and is known for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. Also, Seoul is famous for Gyeongbokgung Palace. Da Nang is well known for its traditional pagodas, nearby beaches, and high end resorts.

How is Da Nang different from Seoul?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Seoul and Da Nang. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Da Nang or Seoul?

Seoul is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Seoul offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The museums and landmarks are diverse, with notable sights including N Seoul Tower, the Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village, and the National Museum of Korea.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Da Nang. Some people use this city as a base for exploring other nearby towns. While it has some interesting sights, there aren't nearly as much history as in the surrounding area. The Golden Bridge Hands has become a popular tourist attraction and the nearby Marble Mountains are also a highlight. You can also check out the Museum of Cham Sculpture.

Is the Food Better in Da Nang or Seoul? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Seoul is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Seoul is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Food is a cultural obsession here, and you'll find everything from world class street food to award winning restaurants. The dishes are so much more diverse than Korean barbecue and kimchi. Many dishes are very spicy, with popular local foods including gamjatang (pork and potato soup) and jeon (savory pancakes).

Da Nang has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's local cuisine is authentic and traditional. There are many local dishes to try such as Mi Quang (rice noodles and chicken), Bun Cha Ca (rice noodles and fish cakes), and Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo (pork belly wrapped in rice paper).

Is Da Nang or Seoul Better for Nightlife?

Both Da Nang and Seoul are great when it comes to partying.

Da Nang offers plenty to do in the evening. There are rooftop cafes, lounges, and local bars that are cheap and stay open late. You'll find a good number of places along Bach Dang Street, which turns into a walking street at 7 pm.

Seoul has a large number of nightlife venues. This is definitely a work hard/play hard city, with locals working long hours during the day and then partying hard late into the night. The nightlife scene is strong both during the week and on weekends. There are bars, clubs, and lounges that are frequented by locals and tourists alike.

Is Da Nang or Seoul Better for Music?

Seoul is terrific for its live music scene. However, Da Nang is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Seoul K-pop has put the city on the map for music, but you'll actually find a wide range of genres here including rock music and electronic dance music.

Da Nang is not a live music destination.

Is Da Nang or Seoul Better for Resorts?

Da Nang is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Seoul is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Da Nang. The city has a good number of luxury, international brand hotels that are along the beaches.

Seoul is not a resort destination.

Is Da Nang or Seoul Better for Beaches?

Da Nang is very good for the beache. However, Seoul is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Da Nang to enjoy the beach. There are beaches within a 10 minute drive of the city, which can get crowded on weekends and holidays. If you want a more peaceful experience, you'll need to go to Son Tra Peninsula, which is where you'll find most of the luxury resorts.

Seoul is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Da Nang or Seoul?

Seoul is terrific for its shopping opportunities. However, Da Nang is not a good city for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Seoul make it a world-class shopping destination. This bustling city offers traditional local items as well as Korean cosmetics and trendy fashion. Although shopping malls are spread throughout the city, some of the most popular shopping areas are found around Myeong-dong and Dongdaemun.

Da Nang has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are some shopping malls and local shops that make for interesting shopping experiences, but nothing compared to some of the more popular cities.

Is Da Nang or Seoul Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Da Nang or Seoul.

Da Nang is a very kid-friendly city. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities in the area. Amusement parks like Asia Park Da Nang and nearby Ba Na Hills Fantasy Park are fun for everyone. There are also beaches and beachfront resorts that aren't far from town.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Seoul. The city has a wide range of kid-friendly activities, ranging from the easy choices like amusement parks and children's museums, to the less obvious like kid-friendly cafes and markets. There are many entertainment options packed into a small space, so kids and adults alike will stay entertained.

Is Da Nang or Seoul Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Da Nang and Seoul make for a great place to visit.

Da Nang is a very popular place to visit for couples. The surrounding area has luxury resorts and nice beaches that make for a romantic getaway.

Seoul makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples enjoy the beautiful viewpoints, outdoor parks, and diverse restaurants. There are also many beautiful luxury hotels where couples can enjoy a romantic getaway.

Is Da Nang or Seoul Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Da Nang and Seoul are notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Da Nang. It's often skipped by backpackers and other tourists, but those who hang out for a day or two will appreciate an authentic city with genuine Vietnamese culture.

Seoul is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The city isn't the most popular among backpackers, but those who visit will enjoy exploring a fascinating culture and delicious cuisine. Because it's a large city, you'll find a diversity of accommodation options including some budget-friendly hostels and hotels.

Is Da Nang or Seoul Better for Students?

Seoul is a well-known place for students. However, Da Nang is not popular with students.

Seoul is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Many international students head to Seoul National University, which has an excellent academic reputation. The city is also fun and energetic, so everyone will be entertained.

Da Nang is not popular with students.

Is Da Nang or Seoul Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Seoul is terrific for its public transit. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Seoul can take you anywhere. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.

Da Nang has some public transit options. There are 14 bus routes in the city.

Is Da Nang or Seoul a more walkable city?

Seoul is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Da Nang is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Seoul is a very walkable city. Many neighborhoods are fun to explore on foot but do take note that parts of the city are very hilly and the weather can be bitter cold during the winter months.

Da Nang is not a very walkable city. The city is very spread out and very difficult to explore on foot. There are some beachfront promenades that are pedestrian-friendly, but most of the city is not.

For even more information, also check out Is Da Nang Worth Visiting? and Is Seoul Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Seoul or Da Nang?

How long in Da Nang or Seoul?

Both Da Nang and Seoul have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Seoul than in Da Nang. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Da Nang, and 3-7 days is enough time in Seoul.

Families should spend more time in Seoul than Da Nang. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Seoul, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Seoul than Da Nang. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Seoul that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Seoul than Da Nang if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Seoul.

One day in Da Nang or Seoul?

In Da Nang, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this coastal destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Because Seoul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Da Nang or Seoul?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Da Nang. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Because Seoul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Da Nang or Seoul?

Da Nang is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Da Nang. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Seoul is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Seoul has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Da Nang or Seoul?

You'll find nightlife and food around the accessible destination of Da Nang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Seoul. Because Seoul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, and The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Da Nang and Seoul, we can see that Seoul is more expensive. And not only is Da Nang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Da Nang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Da Nang 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 Seoul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seoul than you might in Da Nang.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Da Nang Expensive? and Is Seoul Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Da Nang or Seoul?

Seoul has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Da Nang. When comparing the sizes of Da Nang and Seoul, 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 Da Nang or Seoul?

Seoul has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Da Nang experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Da Nang or Seoul in the Summer?

Both Seoul and Da Nang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Da Nang throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Seoul for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Da Nang is a little warmer than Seoul in the summer. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Seoul fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Da Nang. Da Nang usually receives more sunshine than Seoul during summer. Da Nang gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Seoul receives 121 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Seoul. In July, Da Nang usually receives less rain than Seoul. Da Nang gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Da Nang is January to July. The rainy season in Da Nang is August to December.

Should I visit Da Nang or Seoul in the Autumn?

Both Seoul and Da Nang during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Da Nang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Seoul in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Da Nang is much warmer than Seoul. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Da Nang in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Seoul averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Da Nang often gets less sunshine than Seoul. Da Nang gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seoul receives 204 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Da Nang. Da Nang usually gets more rain in October than Seoul. Da Nang gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year. August to December is the rainy season in Da Nang.

Should I visit Da Nang or Seoul in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Da Nang and Seoul. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Da Nang year-round. Also, most visitors come to Seoul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Seoul can be very cold during winter. In January, Da Nang is generally much warmer than Seoul. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 22°C (71°F), and Seoul fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

Da Nang usually receives less sunshine than Seoul during winter. Da Nang gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Seoul receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

Da Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Da Nang usually receives more rain than Seoul. Da Nang gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the winter. January to July in Da Nang is the dry season.

Should I visit Da Nang or Seoul in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Da Nang as well as Seoul. Da Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Seoul because of the activities around the city.

Da Nang is much warmer than Seoul in the spring. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Seoul fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seoul. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Da Nang this time of the year. In the spring, Da Nang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Seoul. Da Nang gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seoul receives 205 hours of full sun.

Da Nang usually gets less rain in April than Seoul. Da Nang gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Seoul and Da Nang