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

Should you visit Hongcun or Cheju (Jeju)?

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 Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju)?

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.

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, and The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea.


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

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hongcun is $52, while the average daily cost in Cheju (Jeju) is $72. 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 Cheju (Jeju) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hongcun $23
    Cheju (Jeju) $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hongcun $46
    Cheju (Jeju) $92
Compare Hotels in Hongcun and Cheju (Jeju)

Looking for a hotel in Hongcun 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 Hongcun


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.
    Hongcun $12
    Cheju (Jeju) $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):

  • Jeju Airport Transfer: $20
  • Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $25
  • Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $30
  • Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City Downtown to Jeju Airport: $50
  • jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $57
  • Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190

Is it cheaper to fly into Hongcun or Cheju (Jeju)?

Prices for flights to both Cheju (Jeju) 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Hongcun $19
    Cheju (Jeju) $17
Typical Food Prices in Hongcun

Some typical examples of dining costs in Hongcun are as follows:


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.84
  • Breakfast of Dumplings
    $2.07

Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):


  • Burger
    $4.49
  • Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)
    $7.24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cheju (Jeju)

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cheju (Jeju).

  • Cooking Korean Cuisine and Dinner at Jeju Seaside Sunset Terrace: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hongcun $17
    Cheju (Jeju) $5.49
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hongcun

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Hongcun are as follows:


  • Two Entrance Tickets
    $29

Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)

Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Visitors to Jeju Glass Museum and Experience: $25
  • [Jeju] Hanbok Rental Experience/Korean Traditional Clothes Rental Shop: $30
  • [Jeju] Woman Diver Haenyeo Traditional Clothes Rental Experience: $32
  • Full-Day Private Jumbo taxi Tour - East of Jeju Island (UNESCO): $55
  • Seogwipo(the southern city of Jeju) Art Museum Walking Tour: $55
  • Seogwipo (The Southern City of Jeju) Jungmun Area Walking Tour: $55
  • Seogwipo(The southern city of Jeju)City Walking Tours with Sunset: $60
  • jeju Private Day Taxi tour - West of Jeju Island: $60
  • Private Tour Cheonjeyeon Falls & Osulloc Museum in Jeju Island : $65
  • Jeju island Southern Unesco Mt.halla ONE day Bus Tour: $66
  • Private tour on the fantasy island of Jeju for CRUISE customers: $69
  • 9 hours tour with a taxi driver in jeju island: $70

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hongcun $14
    Cheju (Jeju) $7.12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hongcun and Cheju (Jeju), we can see that Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Hongcun 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 Hongcun or Cheju (Jeju) in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hongcun and Cheju (Jeju).

In the summer, Hongcun is a little warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the summer temperatures in Hongcun in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 26°C (79°F).

Cheju (Jeju) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hongcun gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hongcun usually receives less rain than Cheju (Jeju). Hongcun gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hongcun 29°C (85°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Hongcun as well as Cheju (Jeju).

In October, Hongcun is generally around the same temperature as Cheju (Jeju). Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 19°C (65°F), and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Hongcun usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Cheju (Jeju). Hongcun gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hongcun 19°C (65°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)

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

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

Hongcun can get quite cold in the winter. Hongcun is cooler than Cheju (Jeju) in the winter. The daily temperature in Hongcun averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In January, Hongcun usually receives less rain than Cheju (Jeju). Hongcun gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hongcun 4°C (40°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)

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

Both Cheju (Jeju) and Hongcun during the spring are popular places to visit.

In the spring, Hongcun is a little warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the spring temperatures in Hongcun in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 13°C (56°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hongcun. Hongcun usually gets more rain in April than Cheju (Jeju). Hongcun gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hongcun 17°C (62°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Cheju (Jeju) and Hongcun

Hongcun Cheju (Jeju)
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 9°C (47°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 13°C (56°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
May 22°C (71°F) 189 mm (7.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 235 mm (9.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 121 mm (4.7 in) 27°C (80°F) 241 mm (9.5 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 179 mm (7 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)