Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Guilin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Guilin or Busan (Pusan)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Guilin and Busan (Pusan) can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Guilin or Busan (Pusan)?
Guilin
Guilin is a city in Southern China situated on the west bank of the Li River with Hunan to the north. Its name means, "Forest of Sweet Osmanthus," owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. Products like tea, sugar, and wine, can be made from the tree and are found in many shops throughout Guilin. A popular tourist destination, the city is renowned for its scenery of karst topography with unique mountains jutting out of the urban landscape.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuilin $67Busan (Pusan) $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Guilin is $67, while the average daily cost in Busan (Pusan) is $86. 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 Guilin and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuilin $34Busan (Pusan) $39
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuilin $68Busan (Pusan) $78
Compare Hotels in Guilin and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Guilin or Busan (Pusan)? 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: Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Guilin $5.76Busan (Pusan) $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Guilin are as follows:
-
Taxi$2.76
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:
- Private Departure Transfer from Hotel to Guilin Train Stations: $17
- Private Arrival Transfer: Guilin International Airport (KWL) to Downtown Hotel: $25
- Private Departure Transfer: Downtown Guilin Hotel to Airport (KWL): $25
- Private Airport Transfer: Guilin Liangjiang International Aiport to Guilin Hotel: $35
- Private Transfer from Guilin hotel to Yangshuo hotel: $37
- Private Guilin Airport Transfer to Yangshuo: $42
- Guilin liangjiang Airport Chauffeur Service,Guilin Airport Transfer: $57
- Four Lakes Night Cruise with Round-trip Transfer: $57
- Guilin Transfer Services: Airport,train station & hotel: $57
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dongguan Transfer: $71
- Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Guilin hotel: $92
- Guilin Private Transfer (English-speaking) Between Guilin Hotels & Yangshuo: $93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $120
- Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $119
- Busan to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $119
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $84
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $79
- Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $84
Is it cheaper to fly into Guilin or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Guilin 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 dayGuilin $22Busan (Pusan) $26
Typical Food Prices in Guilin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Guilin:
-
Fresh Coconut Drink$1.38
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guilin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guilin.
- Half day Yangshuo Cooking lesson Small Group Tour: $62
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.Guilin $28Busan (Pusan) $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Guilin
Here are a few typical costs in Guilin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Entrance to the Caves$17
Tours and Activities in Guilin
Here are a few actual costs in Guilin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guilin Yangshuo & Longji Rice Terrace 4 days tour: $21
- 1-DAY Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Villages Tour: $45
- Guilin Four lakes night cruise with the English speaking driver from Guilin hotel: $47
- Guilin City Center Walking Group Tour at Night for Three Hours: $50
- Half-Day Self-Guided Yangshuo Xianggong Hill Sunrise Tour: $52
- Private Full-Day City Tour with Fubo Hill: $59
- Private Bike Tour: Yangshuo Countryside: $72
- Kayaking Adventure with Local Guide: $72
- Yangshuo Old Town and Li River Cruise from Guilin: $72
- One Day Private Longshen Rice Terraces Tour Including Lunch: $73
- Half/Full day Yangshuo Cuiping hill Sunset Private Tour: $73
- Full/Half-Day Yangshuo Xianggong Mountain Sunrise Private Tour: $77
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 dayGuilin $5.72Busan (Pusan) $12
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 Guilin and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Busan (Pusan) is more expensive. And not only is Guilin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Guilin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guilin 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 Busan (Pusan) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Busan (Pusan) than you might in Guilin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Guilin Expensive? and Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guilin or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Guilin. When comparing the sizes of Guilin and Busan (Pusan), 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 Guilin or Busan (Pusan)?
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 Guilin or Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Guilin and Busan (Pusan).
In the summer, Guilin is a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the summer temperatures in Guilin in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 25°C (77°F).
Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Guilin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Guilin usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Guilin gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyGuilin 30°C (86°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Guilin as well as Busan (Pusan).
In October, Guilin is generally a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 23°C (73°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
Guilin usually gets more rain in October than Busan (Pusan). Guilin gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGuilin 23°C (73°F)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Guilin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
Busan (Pusan) can be very cold during winter. Guilin is much warmer than Busan (Pusan) in the winter. The daily temperature in Guilin averages around 10°C (49°F) in January, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In January, Guilin usually receives more rain than Busan (Pusan). Guilin gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGuilin 10°C (49°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Guilin during the spring are popular places to visit.
In the spring, Guilin is a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the spring temperatures in Guilin in April average around 20°C (68°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 14°C (57°F).
Busan (Pusan) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Guilin. Guilin usually gets more rain in April than Busan (Pusan). Guilin gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilGuilin 20°C (68°F)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Guilin
| Guilin | Busan (Pusan) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 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.