Which place is cheaper, Seoul or Hue?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hue and Seoul 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.
Hue is a ancient, imperial, and cultural city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.
Seoul is a modern, high energy, and colorful city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food.
Travelers will usually find more to do in Seoul than Hue, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Seoul is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Hue is known for its historical sights. Hue is more touristy than Seoul and is known for its imperial buildings and political history as the country's historic capital. Seoul is popular for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. It is also home to Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Seoul and Hue. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Hue or Seoul.
You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Hue. It's an ancient city that is filled with many sights from its imperial past. The Imperial City in Hue is the city's most important attraction. Other sights include the Thai Hoa Palace, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the Royal Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh.
Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Seoul. The museums and landmarks are diverse, with notable sights including N Seoul Tower, the Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village, and the National Museum of Korea.
Seoul is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.
Many restaurants in Seoul have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Food is a cultural obsession here, and you'll find everything from world class street food to award winning restaurants. The dishes are so much more diverse than Korean barbecue and kimchi. Many dishes are very spicy, with popular local foods including gamjatang (pork and potato soup) and jeon (savory pancakes).
The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Hue. Local dishes were once served to the city's emperors, but today you'll find them in restaurants and food stalls. Dishes are either sweet or spicy with lemongrass, basil, chilies, and mint herbs mixed in. Soups and grilled meats are popular such as bun bo hue and nem lui.
Seoul is a well-known place for its evening party scene. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.
Seoul offers plenty to do in the evening. This is definitely a work hard/play hard city, with locals working long hours during the day and then partying hard late into the night. The nightlife scene is strong both during the week and on weekends. There are bars, clubs, and lounges that are frequented by locals and tourists alike.
With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Hue. For the best nightlife, many visitors head to the Western Area, particularly around the streets of Pham Ngu Lao, Chu Van An and Vo Thi Sau. Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street is another popular area for nightlife in Hue.
Seoul is terrific for its music scene. However, Hue is not a live music destination.
In Seoul you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. K-pop has put the city on the map for music, but you'll actually find a wide range of genres here including rock music and electronic dance music.
Hue is not a live music destination.
Hue is a well-known place for its old town. However, Seoul does not have a historic old town.
There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Hue. As the former imperial capital, you'll see many temples and historical sites in the city.
Seoul does not have a historic old town.
Seoul is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.
Seoul is a world class destination for shoppers. This bustling city offers traditional local items as well as Korean cosmetics and trendy fashion. Although shopping malls are spread throughout the city, some of the most popular shopping areas are found around Myeong-dong and Dongdaemun.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hue. The city has many local markets where you can find traditional and authentic handicrafts. Some of the most interesting things to purchase at the markets include silk paintings, antiques, and lacquerware.
Seoul is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.
Seoul is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a wide range of kid-friendly activities, ranging from the easy choices like amusement parks and children's museums, to the less obvious like kid-friendly cafes and markets. There are many entertainment options packed into a small space, so kids and adults alike will stay entertained.
Hue is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy exploring the Imperial City, visiting Ho Quyen Arena and Long Chau Temple, or wandering through the city's local markets. The Demilitarized Zone is also an interesting side trip.
Seoul is a well-known place for couples. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.
Seoul is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples enjoy the beautiful viewpoints, outdoor parks, and diverse restaurants. There are also many beautiful luxury hotels where couples can enjoy a romantic getaway.
Hue is a nice destination for couples. Couples can enjoy boat rides or sunset cruises along Perfume River. There are also interesting temples and fascinating day trips that you can take from the city.
Hue is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Hue is a great city to visit for backpackers. It is a popular stop over in central Vietnam. There are plenty of hostels and budget guesthouses to accommodate the backpacker crowds. There are also cheap restaurants and interesting activities relating to the city's long history.
It's common for backpackers to visit Seoul. The city isn't the most popular among backpackers, but those who visit will enjoy exploring a fascinating culture and delicious cuisine. Because it's a large city, you'll find a diversity of accommodation options including some budget-friendly hostels and hotels.
Seoul is a well-known place for students. However, Hue is not popular with students.
Students come from all over to stay in Seoul. Many international students head to Seoul National University, which has an excellent academic reputation. The city is also fun and energetic, so everyone will be entertained.
Hue is not popular with students.
Seoul is terrific for its public transit. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.
The thorough and effecient public transit system of Seoul can take you anywhere. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.
Hue has some public transit options. Cyclos, motorbikes, and local bus are the most common ways to get around the city.
Hue and Seoul both are superb when exploring on foot.
Hue is a very walkable destination. Many of the sights can be reached on foot and the city is relatively compact.
Seoul is very walkable. Many neighborhoods are fun to explore on foot but do take note that parts of the city are very hilly and the weather can be bitter cold during the winter months.
For even more information, also check out Is Hue Worth Visiting? and Is Seoul Worth Visiting?.
Both Hue and Seoul have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Seoul than in Hue. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hue, and 3-7 days is enough time in Seoul.
Families should spend more time in Seoul than Hue. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Seoul, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Seoul than Hue. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Seoul that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Seoul than Hue if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Seoul.
In Hue, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this imperial destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.
When visiting Seoul, people usually allow for lots of time. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hue. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
Many people visit Seoul for a weekend. When visiting Seoul, people usually allow for lots of time. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.
Hue is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Hue. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.
When visiting Seoul, people usually allow for lots of time. Many people spend five days here. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.
You'll find food and shopping around the imperial destination of Hue. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
Seoul, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Vietnam, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, and The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Hue is $48, while the average daily cost in Seoul is $107. 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 Hue and Seoul in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Hue 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.
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Hue:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hue:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:
Prices for flights to both Seoul and Hue 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.
Some typical examples of dining costs in Hue are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hue.
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seoul.
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Hue are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hue are as follows:
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Hue:
Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hue and Seoul, we can see that Seoul is more expensive. And not only is Hue much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hue would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hue 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 Hue.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hue Expensive? and Is Seoul Expensive?.
Seoul has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Hue. When comparing the sizes of Hue and Seoul, 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.
Seoul has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Hue experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Both Seoul and Hue are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hue throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Seoul for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Hue is generally a little warmer than Seoul. Daily temperatures in Hue average around 29°C (85°F), and Seoul fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hue. Hue usually receives more sunshine than Seoul during summer. Hue gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Seoul receives 121 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Seoul. In July, Hue usually receives less rain than Seoul. Hue gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Hue is March to August. The rainy season in Hue is September to December.
Both Seoul and Hue during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hue because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Seoul because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
Hue is much warmer than Seoul in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hue averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Seoul fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Hue often gets less sunshine than Seoul. Hue gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seoul receives 204 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hue. Hue usually gets more rain in October than Seoul. Hue gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year. September to December is the rainy season in Hue.
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hue and Seoul. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hue year-round. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Seoul this time of year.
It's quite cold in Seoul in the winter. In the winter, Hue is much warmer than Seoul. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hue in January average around 22°C (71°F), and Seoul averages at about -3°C (27°F).
Hue usually receives less sunshine than Seoul during winter. Hue gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Seoul receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.
Hue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hue usually receives more rain than Seoul. Hue gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the winter. March to August in Hue is the dry season.
The spring brings many poeple to Hue as well as Seoul. Hue attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Seoul for the activities around the city.
In April, Hue is generally much warmer than Seoul. Daily temperatures in Hue average around 26°C (80°F), and Seoul fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seoul. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hue this time of the year. In the spring, Hue often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Seoul. Hue gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seoul receives 205 hours of full sun.
Hue usually gets less rain in April than Seoul. Hue gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Hue | Seoul | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
May | 29°C (83°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
Jun | 30°C (85°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 369 mm (14.5 in) |
Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 294 mm (11.6 in) |
Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 331 mm (13 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 613 mm (24.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
Nov | 24°C (76°F) | 376 mm (14.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 223 mm (8.8 in) | 0°C (33°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |