Which place is cheaper, Amsterdam or Seoul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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 Amsterdam can help you decide which place is right for you.
Seoul is a bustling, modern, and high energy city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and live music.
Amsterdam is a historic, canal-lined, and party-oriented city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and shopping.
Visitors will generally find more to do in Amsterdam than Seoul. While Seoul is larger than Amsterdam, Amsterdam has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Amsterdam is better known for its nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Seoul is more popular for its food and shopping. Amsterdam is more touristy than Seoul and is known for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. Also, Amsterdam is famous for The Rijksmuseum. Seoul is well known for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Amsterdam and Seoul. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Seoul and Amsterdam.
Many visitors head to Seoul specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The museums and landmarks are diverse, with notable sights including N Seoul Tower, the Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village, and the National Museum of Korea.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Amsterdam can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has a number of sights and museums including the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace. The world renowned Rijksmuseum is a must see for any art enthusiast. There are also many smaller, lesser known museums that are well worth a visit.
Seoul is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Seoul is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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).
Amsterdam may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Food is expensive in this city, particularly in the touristy areas. There are some markets that sell great local items and the dessert cafes are awesome!
Amsterdam is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.
Amsterdam is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city has some of the best nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of bars, dance clubs, and other activities that you can enjoy throughout the night.
Seoul has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.
Both Seoul and Amsterdam offer terrific live music venues.
Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Seoul 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.
Amsterdam has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.
Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam. The old city center is one of the best preserved in Europe. It's enclosed by canals and has many historic churches, plazas, and buildings.
Seoul does not have a historic old town.
Seoul is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Amsterdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.
The abundance of shops in Seoul make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.
Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Amsterdam. For the best shopping in town, head to the Nine Streets area in the historic district and the two main shopping streets of The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat.
Seoul is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.
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.
For families, Amsterdam is not always the best place to visit. The city does it's share of partying, and there are some areas, like the red light district, that aren't exactly kid-friendly, but there are some nice parks, playgrounds, and the impressive NEMO Science Museum that you can explore.
Both Seoul and Amsterdam are excellent 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.
Amsterdam makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For many, a visit to this city is all about the party, but for couples who enjoy history, architecture, or boat rides along the scenic canals, the city also makes a great getaway. It's also fun to stay in a houseboat and have a unique experience.
Amsterdam is very popular for backpackers. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Amsterdam. With it's party-hard personality and countless low price hostels, this city attracts its share of backpackers. Do note that many of the hostels aren't focused on quality, so make sure you understand what you're paying for. It may be worth booking a slightly more expensive room in a hotel.
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 well known for students. However, Amsterdam is not popular with students.
Seoul is a great city to visit as a student. 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.
Amsterdam is not popular with students.
Both Seoul and Amsterdam offer terrific public transit options.
Seoul has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.
With a huge network, the transit system in Amsterdam can get you around easily. The city has metros, trams, buses, and ferries that help you get around. Since this is the Netherlands, getting around by bike is very popular.
Amsterdam is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.
It is easy to get around Amsterdam on foot. The historic parts of the city are very walkable and much of the city is best explored on foot.
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.
For even more information, also check out Is Seoul Worth Visiting? and Is Amsterdam Worth Visiting?.
Both Seoul and Amsterdam have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Seoul, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amsterdam.
Families should spend more time in Seoul than Amsterdam. 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 Amsterdam than Seoul. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Amsterdam that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Amsterdam than Seoul 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 Amsterdam.
People visit Seoul because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
In Amsterdam, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this party-oriented big city offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city 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.
People visit Seoul because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Amsterdam. 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.
People visit Seoul because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.
Amsterdam is a fun place to experience. In Amsterdam, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this big city destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
Seoul is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Seoul, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
In Amsterdam, many people enjoy the live music and shopping that this scenic big city offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Seoul is $107, while the average daily cost in Amsterdam is $189. 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 Amsterdam in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Seoul or Amsterdam? 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:
Prices for flights to both Amsterdam 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.
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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.
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:
Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Seoul and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Seoul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Seoul is in Asia and Amsterdam is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Seoul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Seoul 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 Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam than you might in Seoul.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Seoul Expensive? and Is Amsterdam Expensive?.
Seoul has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Amsterdam. When comparing the sizes of Seoul and Amsterdam, 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.
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.
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Amsterdam. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Seoul this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Amsterdam for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Seoul is much warmer than Amsterdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amsterdam this time of the year. Seoul usually receives less sunshine than Amsterdam during summer. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.
Seoul gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Seoul usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The autumn brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Amsterdam. Many travelers come to Seoul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Seoul is a little warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Seoul in October average around 15°C (59°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 11°C (51°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seoul this time of the year. In the autumn, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun.
Seoul usually gets less rain in October than Amsterdam. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Amsterdam and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Seoul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Amsterdam can be very cold during winter. Seoul can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Seoul is generally much colder than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around -3°C (27°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during winter. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Seoul usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Both Amsterdam and Seoul during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Seoul for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Seoul is much warmer than Amsterdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
It's quite sunny in Seoul. In the spring, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun.
Seoul usually gets more rain in April than Amsterdam. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
Seoul | Amsterdam | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
Feb | -0°C (32°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
May | 18°C (65°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 369 mm (14.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
Aug | 26°C (80°F) | 294 mm (11.6 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
Oct | 15°C (59°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
Nov | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
Dec | 0°C (33°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |