A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Seoul vs. Alice Springs for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Seoul or Alice Springs?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Seoul and Alice Springs can help you decide which place is right for you.

Seoul

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. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, and food. See Seoul travel costs.

Alice Springs

Alice Springs is a charming, friendly, and laid back town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. The beauty of Alice Springs is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Alice Springs travel costs.

Seoul and Alice Springs: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Seoul or Alice Springs?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Seoul. Although Seoul and Alice Springs are both popular with visitors, Seoul has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Seoul is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Alice Springs is known for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Alice Springs is more touristy than Seoul and is popular for its desert landscapes, Outback setting, and location between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges. Seoul is popular for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. It is also home to Gyeongbokgung Palace.

How is Seoul different from Alice Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Alice Springs and Seoul. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Seoul or Alice Springs?

Seoul
Alice Springs

Seoul is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Alice Springs is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several wildlife centers in town that let you experience the desert animals first hand. Make sure you check out the Alice Springs Reptile Center, the Alice Springs Desert Park, and the Kangaroo Sanctuary. Another highlight of the town is a visit to the Alice Springs School of the Air.


Is the Food Better in Seoul or Alice Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Seoul
Alice Springs

Seoul is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and 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).

Alice Springs offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are casual eateries with local food and decent prices. While it's a small town, there are plenty of tourists passing through so you'll find enough places to eat with a decent selection.

Is Seoul or Alice Springs Better for Nightlife?

Seoul
Alice Springs

Seoul is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

The nightlife in Seoul has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alice Springs. It's a laid back small town, but there are still places to hang out in evening. Pubs and taverns are popular with locals and tourists alike. You'll also find a couple of casinos and clubs in town.

Is Seoul or Alice Springs Better for Music?

Seoul
Alice Springs

Seoul is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Alice Springs is not a live music destination.

Seoul has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. 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.

Alice Springs is not a live music destination.


Is Seoul or Alice Springs Better for Hiking?

Seoul
Alice Springs

Alice Springs is very popular for the nearby hiking options. However, Seoul is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Alice Springs specifically for its hiking. Just outside of town there are wonderful walking routes and hiking trails. You can visit gorges, waterholes, and wander through the stunning red desert landscapes. One of the most famous trails in the area is the Larapinta Trail.

Seoul is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Seoul or Alice Springs?

Seoul
Alice Springs

Seoul is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many people travel to Seoul specifically to go shopping. 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.

Alice Springs is a great destination for shopping. There are many shopping areas around town, particularly at the Yeperenye Shopping Centre, Alice Plaza, and Todd Mall. Prices can be a bit high, so keep that in mind as you're browsing.

Is Seoul or Alice Springs More Beautiful?

Seoul
Alice Springs

Alice Springs is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Seoul is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Alice Springs is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The surrounding area is filled with beautiful landscapes and dramatic views.

Seoul is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Seoul or Alice Springs Better for Families?

Seoul
Alice Springs

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Seoul or Alice Springs.

Seoul is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Alice Springs. Kids will enjoy the beautiful setting as much as adults. There are desert animals that you can see at Alice Springs Desert Park or the Kangaroo Sanctuary. The Earth Sanctuary has telescopes and unbeatable views of the night sky. In the area you'll also be able to take a camel ride or visit the National Road Transport Hall of Fame.

Is Seoul or Alice Springs Better for Couples?

Seoul
Alice Springs

Both Seoul and Alice Springs are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Alice Springs makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The red desert and stunning landscapes make for a truly one-of-a-kind romantic getaway. In addition to the area's natural beauty, there are hot air balloon rides and camel treks. Hiking and exploring is also at the top of many visitor's lists.

Is Seoul or Alice Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Seoul
Alice Springs

Alice Springs 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.

Alice Springs is a great town to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers stop off here during their Australian adventure. There a few hostels in town as well as a laid back and friendly environment that is perfect for backpacking.

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.


Is Seoul or Alice Springs Better for Students?

Seoul
Alice Springs

Seoul is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Alice Springs 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.

Alice Springs is not popular with students.

Is Seoul or Alice Springs Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Seoul
Alice Springs

Seoul is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Alice Springs is not known for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Seoul can get you around easily. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.

Public transit is generally limited in Alice Springs. Public transit options are limited but you will find buses that leave from the Yeperenye Shopping Center on Hartley Street. There are also taxis in town.

Is Seoul or Alice Springs a more walkable city?

Seoul
Alice Springs

Seoul is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Seoul is a very walkable destination. 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.

Alice Springs is somewhat walkable. The downtown area can be explored on foot.


For even more information, also check out Is Seoul Worth Visiting? and Is Alice Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alice Springs or Seoul?

How long in Seoul or Alice Springs?

It's fun to spend time in either Seoul or Alice Springs. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Seoul due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Seoul, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alice Springs.

Families should spend more time in Seoul than Alice Springs. 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 Alice Springs. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Seoul that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Seoul than Alice Springs 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.


  • How many days in Seoul or Alice Springs? Ideal Length of Stay
    Seoul 3-7 
    Alice Springs 2-4

One day in Seoul or Alice Springs?

Seoul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Even though Alice Springs is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Seoul or Alice Springs?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Seoul. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alice Springs. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

Five days in Seoul or Alice Springs?

Seoul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Alice Springs is a fun place to experience. Alice Springs is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Seoul or Alice Springs?

Seoul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Alice Springs is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea, The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia, and The Best 3-Week Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Alice Springs or Seoul?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Seoul is $128, while the average daily cost in Alice Springs is $113. 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 Seoul and Alice Springs in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Seoul $54
    Alice Springs $50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Seoul $108
    Alice Springs $100
Compare Hotels in Seoul and Alice Springs

Looking for a hotel in Seoul or Alice Springs? 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 Seoul


Hotels in Alice Springs


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 and Alice Springs Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Seoul $15
    Alice Springs $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seoul

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:


  • Subway Card
    $3.58
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $5.01
  • Metro Ride
    $0.97
  • Seoul City Pass Plus
    $7.16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:

  • Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Incheon Airport 1-12 pax: $204
  • Private Transfer from Seoul to Incheon Cruise Terminal(12 pax): $190
  • Private Airport Transfer From Incheon Airport To Seoul(up to 12): $190
  • Private Airport Transfer: Gimpo Airport to Seoul City (1-12 pax): $167
  • Private Transfer To/From Incheon Airport (1-12pax): $164
  • Seoul Incheon Airport ICN to Seoul - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $160
  • Private transfer from Seoul hotel to Seoul Station and so on: $132
  • Private Airport Transfer - Incheon Airport ⇔ Seoul (Up to 7 or 11 people): $130
  • Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) to Seoul- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $129
  • Incheon Airport transfer directly to Seoul city: $113
  • Premium Seoul Airport Transfer: Affordable & Convenience: $105
  • [Cherry blossom]Gyeongju Tour from SEOUL transfer to BUSAN: $101

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alice Springs

Also for Alice Springs, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Uluru to Alice Springs or Alice to Uluru 1-Way Luxe Transfer: $168
  • Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock) Coach Transfer: $171

Is it cheaper to fly into Seoul or Alice Springs?

Prices for flights to both Alice Springs and Seoul 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
    Seoul $51
    Alice Springs $42
Typical Food Prices in Seoul

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


  • Rice with Kimchi & Bacon
    $4.30
  • Waffle
    $0.72
  • Dippin' Dots
    $1.43
  • Chicken Fried Rice
    $3.94
  • Chicken Stick
    $1.43
  • Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew
    $1.36
  • Lunch Buffet
    $4.30
  • Donut
    $0.72
  • Mushroom Burger
    $3.72
  • Green Tea Ice Cream
    $2.36
  • Udon & Sushi
    $5.01
  • Fresh Burger
    $3.44
  • Soba Noodles Lunch
    $3.22
  • Bibimbap Lunch
    $3.58
  • Fried Rice
    $3.94
  • Vietnamese Dinner
    $6.80
  • Breakfast and Coffee for 2
    $6.80
  • 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: $51
  • Wine & K-BBQ: A Perfect Pairing Dinner: $53
  • Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals; Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $53
  • Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals;Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $57
  • Kimchi Dishes Cooking Class with Wine Pairing: $61
  • Gwangjang Market Netflix Food Tour: $64
  • Namdaemun Market Food Tour: $65
  • Seoul by Night: Palaces, Market & Street Food Tour (Vegan Option): $65
  • Guided City Wall Sunset Hike with Korean Dinner: $67
  • Cooking Class in Seoul with Korean Grandma: $68

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alice Springs

For Alice Springs, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • From Day Trip to Uluru with BBQ Dinner: $242
  • Ayers Rock Day Trip from Alice Springs Including BBQ Dinner: $246

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Seoul $26
    Alice Springs $14
Typical Entertainment Prices in Seoul

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


  • Palace Tickets
    $5.73
  • Movie Ticket
    $5.73
  • Kimchi Museum
    $2.15

Tours and Activities in Seoul

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:

  • DMZ, Eunpyeong village and Jinkwansa Temple Private Tour : $212
  • Private Garden of Morning Calm Experience: $267
  • Private Tour Nami Island & Morning Calm Garden: $256
  • Seoul National Museum Walking Tour Experience: $35
  • (Closed) Korea’s White House Walking Tour Blue House: $148
  • (Small Group) Art and Architecture tour of Seoul: $121
  • 1 Day Private Full DMZ Tour in Seoul with Crystal Gondola: $220
  • 2 Hours Seoul Private Walking Tour Including Pick up: $59
  • 2025 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best: DMZ Tour from Seoul: $29
  • 2D 1N Phoenix Pyeongchang Reseot Stay + Trout Ice-Fishing Festival Tour: $144
  • 3-Hour Self-guided Sokcho Tour with Private Transportation: $30
  • Aegibong DMZ and Eunpyeong Hanok Village One Day Tour from Seoul: $51

Tours and Activities in Alice Springs

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Alice Springs.

  • Royal Flying Doctor Service Alice Springs Tourist Facility: $15
  • Desert Park Entry Ticket: $26
  • Alice Springs Desert Park General Entry Ticket: $27
  • Alice Springs Desert Park Nocturnal Tour: $28
  • Art Centre Tour in Alice Springs: $50
  • West MacDonnell Ranges Half day Tour -Small Group: $100
  • From Alice Spring: West MacDonnell Ranges Half-Day Tour: $103
  • Alice Springs Airport to West MacDonnell Half-Day Tour : $107
  • Red Centre Journey Tour with Morning Tea: $114
  • Alice Springs Tour to West MacDonnell Ranges with Lunch: $116
  • Red Centre Journey Tour: $116
  • West MacDonnell Ranges Tour from Alice Springs: $117

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Seoul $12
    Alice Springs $17

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: $28
  • Rice Wine Tasting with Sommelier - Finest Makgeolli (& Soju): $42
  • Rice Wine Tasting with Sommelier - Finest Makgeolli (& Soju): $46
  • 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: $78

Typical Alcohol Prices in Alice Springs

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Alice Springs:


  • Glass of Wine in Alice Springs
    $4.58


When comparing the travel costs between Seoul and Alice Springs, we can see that Seoul is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Seoul is in Asia and Alice Springs is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Seoul Expensive? and Is Alice Springs Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Seoul or Alice Springs?

Seoul has a larger population, and is about 400 times larger than the population of Alice Springs. When comparing the sizes of Seoul and Alice Springs, 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.