Which place is cheaper, Seoul or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Seoul?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Seoul. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Seoul?
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
In the heart of the Anhui Province of China is the stunning Mount Huangshan, or Yellow Mountain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site draws in visitors from around the world to take in the stunning views and conquer a new challenge.
Mount Huangshan is one of the most popular destinations in China. Because of this, most of the towns and regions around it also use the name Huangshan. Even the closest town, Tunxi, has begun going by Huangshan City. Keep this in mind as it could potentially cause some confusion in transit.
The whole of Huangshan has 36 separate peaks rising approximately 1,800 meters into the air. It is often covered in a spiritual-feeling mist that makes the peaks appear to live in the clouds. It has inspired artists for centuries, and is often thought to be the model for the typical mountain ranges seen in ancient Chinese paintings.
Seoul
With a population of more than 11 million, Seoul is easily the largest city in South Korea. It is also the financial, political, and cultural capital of the country and has much to offer open minded travelers. It is often overlooked by travelers who instead head to Tokyo or Shanghai, but Seoul has a wide range of cultural experiences, food options, and historical sights. Seoul is a city of contrasts with ancient traditions, flashy technology, religious temples and a modern youth culture. It is also more affordable than many of the other Asian metropolis' to which it is often compared. If you're looking for an interesting and different experience that is a little off the tourist trail, Seoul can definitely offer that opportunity.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, and The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea.
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Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) Prices
China PricesSeoul Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) $72Seoul $128
The average daily cost (per person) in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is $72, while the average daily cost in Seoul is $128. 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Seoul in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) $25Seoul $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) $50Seoul $108
Compare Hotels in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Seoul
Looking for a hotel in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Seoul? 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: Seoul Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $10Seoul $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain):
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Shuttle Bus to Tangkou for Two$3.64
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seoul
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:
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Subway Card$3.58
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Short Taxi Ride$5.01
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Metro Ride$0.97
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Seoul City Pass Plus$7.16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:
- Night Views Tour with Guide and Transfers: $41
- From Round-Trip Transfer to Dae Jang Geum Park: $55
- Transfer Service from Gimpo Airport to Hotel City: $57
- Seoul Gimpo Airport (GMP) Transfer to Seoul/Suwon/Seongnam/Yongin: $60
- Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) to Seoul - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
- Incheon Airport (ICN) Transfer to Seoul/Suwon/Seongnam/Yongin: $68
- Private Transfer from Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) to Seoul hotels: $80
- Seoul to Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) - Departure Private Transfer: $80
- Private Airport Transfer Gimpo Intl Airport (GMP) to Seoul City: $83
- Private Airport Transfer : Gimpo airport to/from Seoul (1~7pax): $89
- Private Gimpo Airport Transfer to/from Seoul(1~7pax): $94
- Incheon International Airport (ICN): Private Seoul Transfer: $95
Is it cheaper to fly into Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Seoul?
Prices for flights to both Seoul and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 dayHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) $33Seoul $51
Typical Food Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:
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Rice with Kimchi & Bacon$4.30
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Waffle$0.72
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Dippin' Dots$1.43
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Chicken Fried Rice$3.94
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Chicken Stick$1.43
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Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew$1.36
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Lunch Buffet$4.30
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Donut$0.72
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Mushroom Burger$3.72
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Green Tea Ice Cream$2.36
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Udon & Sushi$5.01
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Fresh Burger$3.44
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Soba Noodles Lunch$3.22
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Bibimbap Lunch$3.58
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Fried Rice$3.94
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Vietnamese Dinner$6.80
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Breakfast and Coffee for 2$6.80
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Donut$1.79
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seoul.
- Guided Street Food Tour at Namdaemun Market: $45
- Seoul Night Run for Local-Favorite Korean BBQ Dinner: $50
- [Wine & K-BBQ] A Perfect Pairing Dinner in Sinchon: $52
- Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals; Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $53
- Wine & K-BBQ: A Perfect Pairing Dinner: $53
- Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals;Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $57
- Gwangjang Market Netflix Food Tour: $58
- Kimchi Dishes Cooking Class with Wine Pairing: $61
- Seoul by Night: Palaces, Market & Street Food Tour (Vegan Option): $65
- Namdaemun Market Food Tour: $65
- Guided City Wall Sunset Hike with Korean Dinner: $67
- Cooking Class in Seoul with Korean Grandma: $68
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $27Seoul $26
Typical Entertainment Prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) are as follows:
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Two Entrance Tickets$64
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Two Cable Car Passes$22
Typical Entertainment Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:
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Palace Tickets$5.73
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Movie Ticket$5.73
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Kimchi Museum$2.15
Tours and Activities in Seoul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:
- K-Culture Adventure in Seoul Self-Guided Walking Tour : $3.58
- Gyeongbokgung Palace Hanbok Rental Experience in Seoul: $7.00
- Seoul Changdeokgung Palace Hanbok Experience Hanboknam (내국인불가): $7.10
- Alternative A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Korean Society and Local Mindset Gwanghwamun Tour: $8.00
- [Seoul] Football Faentasium Admission Ticket (내국인 불가): $10
- Street Hustle Adventure in Seoul: $11
- Gwanghwamun Tour about Korean Society and Local Mindset: $11
- SPAREX Jjimjilbang Sauna Dongmyo branch Admission Ticket(내국인불가): $11
- Skip the Line: Figure Museum W Ticket (내국인 불가): $11
- Dynamic Maze Discount Ticket Insa-dong(내국인불가): $12
- Seoul Job Experience Theme Park Ticket for Kid (내국인 불가): $13
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) $16Seoul $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Seoul
Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl: $25
- The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $26
- LGBTQ+ Pub Crawl and Drag Show with Local Drag Queen: $29
- Rice Wine Tasting with Sommelier - Finest Makgeolli (& Soju): $42
- Rice Wine Tasting with Sommelier - Finest Makgeolli (& Soju): $47
- Soju Tasting at Distillery: $51
- Premium Pub Crawl with Open Bottles: $57
- Chunpoong Makgeolli Brewery Tour: $59
- Korean Craft Makgeolli Brewery Tour & Tasting Experience: $60
- Craft Makgeolli Brewery Tour & Tasting Experience: $67
- Itaewon Premium Pub Crawl with Open Bottles: $73
- Learn and Craft Makgeolli in a Traditional Brewery: $79
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Seoul, we can see that Seoul is more expensive. And not only is Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain).
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) Expensive? and Is Seoul Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Seoul?
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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Seoul in the Summer?
Both Seoul and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Seoul in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is generally a little warmer than Seoul. Daily temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) average around 29°C (85°F), and Seoul fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Seoul. It's quite rainy in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). In July, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives less rain than Seoul. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) 29°C (85°F)Seoul 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Seoul in the Autumn?
Both Seoul and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Seoul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is a little warmer than Seoul in the autumn. The daily temperature in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Seoul fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually gets more rain in October than Seoul. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) 19°C (65°F)Seoul 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Seoul in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Seoul. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Seoul because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Seoul can be very cold. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is much warmer than Seoul. Typically, the winter temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Seoul averages at about -3°C (27°F).
In January, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives more rain than Seoul. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) 4°C (40°F)Seoul -3°C (27°F)
Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Seoul in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) as well as Seoul. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Seoul this time of year.
In April, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is generally a little warmer than Seoul. Daily temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) average around 17°C (62°F), and Seoul fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives a lot of rain in the spring. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually gets more rain in April than Seoul. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) 17°C (62°F)Seoul 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Seoul and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
| Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) | Seoul | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (40°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (51°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 22°C (71°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 235 mm (9.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 369 mm (14.5 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 121 mm (4.7 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 294 mm (11.6 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 0°C (33°F) | 22 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.