A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Guilin vs. Cheju (Jeju) for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Guilin or Cheju (Jeju)?

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 Cheju (Jeju) can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Guilin or Cheju (Jeju)?

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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, and The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea.


Which place is cheaper, Cheju (Jeju) or Guilin?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Guilin is $84, while the average daily cost in Cheju (Jeju) is $84. 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 Cheju (Jeju) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guilin $35
    Cheju (Jeju) $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guilin $70
    Cheju (Jeju) $90
Compare Hotels in Guilin and Cheju (Jeju)

Looking for a hotel in Guilin or Cheju (Jeju)? 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 Guilin


Hotels in Cheju (Jeju)


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Guilin $5.85
    Cheju (Jeju) $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Guilin are as follows:


  • Taxi
    $2.80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:

  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dongguan Transfer: $71
  • Guilin Private Transfer (English-speaking) Between Guilin Hotels & Yangshuo: $93
  • Guilin Railway stations Transfer Service: $37
  • Guilin Transfer Services: Airport,train station & hotel: $18
  • Guilin liangjiang Airport Chauffeur Service,Guilin Airport Transfer: $57
  • Four Lakes Night Cruise with Round-trip Transfer: $58
  • Haikou Meilan Airport Chauffeur Service, Haikou Airport Transfer, Pick up: $54
  • Haikou Meilan International Airport Chauffeur Service ,Haikou Airport Transfer: $50
  • Haikou Meilan International Airport Chauffeur Service, Haikou Airport Transfer: $50
  • One Way Transfer Service between Guilin city and airport: $17
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Guilin International Airport (KWL) to Yangshuo: $49
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Guilin Train Stations to Downtown Hotel: $17

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 Guilin or Cheju (Jeju)?

Prices for flights to both Cheju (Jeju) 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 day
    Guilin $39
    Cheju (Jeju) $29
Typical Food Prices in Guilin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Guilin:


  • Fresh Coconut Drink
    $1.40

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
  • Wukong Guilin Neighborhood Food Tour: $65
  • Countryside Cycling 1-day Tour with Cooking Class: $306

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.
    Guilin $28
    Cheju (Jeju) $5.43
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:

  • City Tour with Elephant Hill & Ming Tea Tasting: $46
  • Guilin Four lakes night cruise with the English speaking driver from Guilin hotel: $47
  • Kayaking Adventure with Local Guide(beginner friendly): $51
  • Half-Day Self-Guided Yangshuo Xianggong Hill Sunrise Tour: $52
  • 1-Day tour of Guilin-LiRiver cruise-Yangshuo Xianggong hill : $55
  • Private Full-Day City Tour with Fubo Hill: $60
  • Guilin English tour guide service : $62
  • Private day tours: ancient zhuang rice terraces hiking to PingAn : $66
  • Full-Day Guilin Essence and Lifestyle Walking Tour: $69
  • Li River Cruise ticket from Guilin to Yangshuo with pickup: $72
  • Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo Day Tour: $72
  • Fully-Guided Private Day Tour of Longji Terraces From Guilin: $72

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 day
    Guilin $5.81
    Cheju (Jeju) $7.04


When comparing the travel costs between Guilin and Cheju (Jeju), we can see that Guilin 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 Guilin Expensive? and Is Cheju (Jeju) Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Guilin or Cheju (Jeju)?

Guilin has a larger population, and is about 59% larger than the population of Cheju (Jeju). When comparing the sizes of Guilin and Cheju (Jeju), 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 Cheju (Jeju)?

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 Cheju (Jeju) in the Summer?

Both Cheju (Jeju) and Guilin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

Guilin is a little warmer than Cheju (Jeju) in the summer. The daily temperature in Guilin averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cheju (Jeju). It's quite rainy in Guilin. In July, Guilin usually receives less rain than Cheju (Jeju). Guilin gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Guilin 30°C (86°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Cheju (Jeju) in the Autumn?

Both Cheju (Jeju) and Guilin during the autumn are popular places to visit.

In the autumn, Guilin is a little warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the autumn temperatures in Guilin in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Guilin usually gets more rain in October than Cheju (Jeju). Guilin gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Guilin 23°C (73°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Cheju (Jeju) in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Guilin and Cheju (Jeju).

In January, Guilin is generally much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 10°C (49°F), and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In January, Guilin usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cheju (Jeju). Guilin gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Guilin 10°C (49°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Cheju (Jeju) in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Guilin as well as Cheju (Jeju).

Guilin is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju) in the spring. The daily temperature in Guilin averages around 20°C (68°F) in April, and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Guilin receives a lot of rain in the spring. Guilin usually gets more rain in April than Cheju (Jeju). Guilin gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Guilin 20°C (68°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Cheju (Jeju) and Guilin

Guilin Cheju (Jeju)
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (49°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 9°C (47°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 20°C (68°F) 263 mm (10.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 334 mm (13.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 206 mm (8.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 168 mm (6.6 in) 27°C (80°F) 241 mm (9.5 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 179 mm (7 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)