Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Hongcun?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hongcun or Busan (Pusan)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hongcun and Busan (Pusan) can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Hongcun or Busan (Pusan)?
Hongcun
When you picture ancient China, you likely picture old cobblestone streets, white homes with pointed black roofs and a slight air of mysticism in the surroundings. This is Hongcun.
The backdrop for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is not usually on the top of many traveler's lists. This isn't a bustling tourist town with guides offering to show you the sights or carts peddling the latest tacky souvenir. It's a quiet village where you'll see the real Chinese culture. The homes along the complex water canals air their fish in their windows to preserve it for their family dinners. There is no bowing to tourism here.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHongcun $52Busan (Pusan) $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Hongcun is $52, 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 Hongcun and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHongcun $23Busan (Pusan) $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHongcun $46Busan (Pusan) $78
Compare Hotels in Hongcun and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Hongcun 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hongcun $12Busan (Pusan) $20
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 Hongcun or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Hongcun 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
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Food Meals for one dayHongcun $19Busan (Pusan) $26
Typical Food Prices in Hongcun
Some typical examples of dining costs in Hongcun are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.83
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Breakfast of Dumplings$2.07
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's$4.48
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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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hongcun $17Busan (Pusan) $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hongcun
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Hongcun are as follows:
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Two Entrance Tickets$29
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHongcun $14Busan (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 Hongcun and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Busan (Pusan) is more expensive. And not only is Hongcun much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hongcun would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hongcun 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 Hongcun.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hongcun Expensive? and Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Hongcun 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 Hongcun or Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Hongcun are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In July, Hongcun is generally a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 29°C (85°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). It's quite rainy in Hongcun. In July, Hongcun usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Hongcun gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHongcun 29°C (85°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Hongcun during the autumn are popular places to visit.
Hongcun is around the same temperature as Busan (Pusan) in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hongcun averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
Hongcun usually gets more rain in October than Busan (Pusan). Hongcun gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHongcun 19°C (65°F)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hongcun and Busan (Pusan).
Be prepared for some very cold days in Busan (Pusan). It's quite cold in Hongcun in the winter. In the winter, Hongcun is a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the winter temperatures in Hongcun in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 3°C (38°F).
In January, Hongcun usually receives more rain than Busan (Pusan). Hongcun gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHongcun 4°C (40°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hongcun as well as Busan (Pusan).
In April, Hongcun is generally a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 17°C (62°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). Hongcun receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hongcun usually gets more rain in April than Busan (Pusan). Hongcun gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHongcun 17°C (62°F)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Hongcun
| Hongcun | Busan (Pusan) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (40°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (51°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 22°C (71°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 235 mm (9.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 121 mm (4.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 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.