Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Pyeongchang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Pyeongchang or Busan (Pusan)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Pyeongchang or Busan (Pusan), this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Pyeongchang or Busan (Pusan)?
Pyeongchang
Pyeongchang is a county of South Korea situated in the Taebaek Mountains in Gangwon Province. A popular location for winter sports, it was chosen as the host city for the 2018 Winter Olympics. Other attractions include Buddhist temples, parks, villages, and natural scenery.
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 The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul, The Best 10-Day Tours from Seoul, The Best 2-Week Tours from Seoul, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPyeongchang $114Busan (Pusan) $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Pyeongchang is $114, 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 Pyeongchang and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPyeongchang $62Busan (Pusan) $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPyeongchang $124Busan (Pusan) $78
Compare Hotels in Pyeongchang and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Pyeongchang 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: Pyeongchang Hotel Prices and Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pyeongchang $25Busan (Pusan) $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Private Transfer from Busan Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Cruise Port: $70
- Private Transfer from Busan City Hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $76
- Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
- Busan to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $118
- Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $118
- Busan Airport (PUS) to Busan Hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $60
Is it cheaper to fly into Pyeongchang or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Pyeongchang 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 dayPyeongchang $27Busan (Pusan) $26
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: $48
- 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.Pyeongchang $51Busan (Pusan) $20
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- 2-Day Busan East and South Private Tour: $300
- 4Hour Tour From Seokbulsa Temple To Geumjeongsan Fortress: $90
- Adventures in Blossoms: Daegu E-World Cherry Blossoms Tour: $77
- Busan Essential Private Tour with Heaedong Yonggungsa and Gamcheon Village: $240
- Busan Glowing Panorama Private Night Tour for Max 6 Guests: $300
- Busan Guided Small Group Tour for Up to 6 Cruise Guests.: $99
- Busan Hidden Gems Private Guided Tour: $89
- Busan Night Small Group Photo Tour (Max 7): $68
- Busan Night Tour Including a Cruise w/ Fireworks: $110
- Busan ONE-DAY Highlights for PRIVATE CRUISE PASSENGER'S: $250
- Busan Ocean Tour (Full Day + Accommodation(4-star Hotel)): $145
- Busan Private Tour: $216
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPyeongchang $8.79Busan (Pusan) $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pyeongchang and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Pyeongchang is more expensive. And not only is Busan (Pusan) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Busan (Pusan) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Busan (Pusan) 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 Pyeongchang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pyeongchang than you might in Busan (Pusan).
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pyeongchang Expensive? and Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Pyeongchang or Busan (Pusan)?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Pyeongchang or Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Pyeongchang as well as Busan (Pusan).
In the summer, Pyeongchang is around the same temperature as Busan (Pusan). Typically, the summer temperatures in Pyeongchang in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 25°C (77°F).
In the summer, Pyeongchang often gets less sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Pyeongchang gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 166 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). Pyeongchang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Pyeongchang usually gets less rain in July than Busan (Pusan). Pyeongchang gets 217 mm (8.5 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPyeongchang 24°C (76°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Pyeongchang or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Pyeongchang are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
In October, Pyeongchang is generally cooler than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Pyeongchang average around 15°C (60°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
It's quite sunny in Busan (Pusan). Pyeongchang usually receives less sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during autumn. Pyeongchang gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 202 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Pyeongchang. In October, Pyeongchang usually receives more rain than Busan (Pusan). Pyeongchang gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPyeongchang 15°C (60°F)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Pyeongchang or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Pyeongchang during the winter are popular places to visit.
Busan (Pusan) can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Pyeongchang. Pyeongchang is much colder than Busan (Pusan) in the winter. The daily temperature in Pyeongchang averages around 0°C (33°F) in January, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In Busan (Pusan), it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Pyeongchang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Busan (Pusan). Pyeongchang gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 200 hours of full sun.
Pyeongchang usually gets more rain in January than Busan (Pusan). Pyeongchang gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPyeongchang 0°C (33°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Pyeongchang or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pyeongchang and Busan (Pusan).
In the spring, Pyeongchang is cooler than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the spring temperatures in Pyeongchang in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 14°C (57°F).
In Pyeongchang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pyeongchang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Busan (Pusan) during spring. Pyeongchang gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 196 hours of full sun in the spring.
Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Pyeongchang usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Pyeongchang gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPyeongchang 12°C (54°F)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Pyeongchang
| Pyeongchang | Busan (Pusan) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 0°C (33°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (35°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 217 mm (8.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (68°F) | 216 mm (8.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (60°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (49°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (38°F) | 39 mm (1.5 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.