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

Should you visit Seoul or Auckland?

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 Auckland can help you decide which place is right for you.

Seoul

Seoul is a cultural, bustling, and modern city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Auckland

Auckland is a adventurous, adrenaline-filled, and thrill-seeking city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Seoul and Auckland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seoul or Auckland?

You'll generally find more things to do in Seoul than Auckland. Seoul is bigger than Auckland, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Seoul is better known for its food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Auckland is more popular for its beaches and hiking. Auckland is more touristy than Seoul and is popular for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. Seoul is well known for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. Also, Seoul is famous for Gyeongbokgung Palace.

How is Seoul different from Auckland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Auckland 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 Auckland?

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Seoul and Auckland.

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 Auckland can be an interesting and educational experience. The waterfront is filled with sights for tourists, and many of the city's attractions are geared towards thrill seekers. The Sky Tower is a popular landmark with its Sky Walk and Sky Jump. There are also many thrilling experiences that you can have along the Harbour Bridge. For museums, head to the New Zealand Maritime Museum, the Auckland Art Gallery, or the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

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

Seoul is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Seoul has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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).

Dining out in Auckland is an experience not to be missed. The city has a diverse selection of restaurants, but you'll also find many places that highlight local ingredients such as seafood and lamb. You'll often find the standard dishes such as fish and chips, oysters, and green-lipped mussels on the menus.

Is Seoul or Auckland Better for Nightlife?

Both Seoul and Auckland are very good when it comes to partying.

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.

Auckland has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and there are many bars and clubs that you can explore in the evening. Some of the best nightlife options are found in the vibrant Britomart precinct and around the trendy Ponsonby Road. Other popular areas include Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter.

Is Seoul or Auckland Better for Music?

Seoul is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Auckland is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week 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.

Auckland is not a live music destination.

Is Seoul or Auckland Better for Beaches?

Auckland is a well-known place for the beache. However, Seoul is not a beach destination.

Auckland is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You don't have to head too far from the city to find some impressive beaches that are diverse and beautiful. There are beaches that are secluded and private as well as more lively beaches with all of the amenities and activities that you might want.

Seoul is not a beach destination.

Is Seoul or Auckland Better for Hiking?

Auckland is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Seoul is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Auckland. Locals love to get outdoors, and you'll find many local hikes in the area. There are easy paths that are family-friendly and perfect for a stroll, as well as longer stretches that present more of a challenge.

Seoul is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Seoul or Auckland?

Seoul is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Seoul draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Auckland. The city centre is cosmopolitan and full of diverse shopping venues that sell international brands as well as local designers. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Britomart, High Street, and Queen Street.

Is Seoul or Auckland Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Seoul or Auckland.

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 Auckland. There's a big focus on getting kids outside in the city, so you'll find many outdoor parks and play spaces. Popular activities for families include visiting the Huia Lodge Discovery Centre, going to the Museum of Transport and Technology, and wandering through the botanical garden.

Is Seoul or Auckland Better for Couples?

Both Seoul and Auckland are very good 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.

Auckland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic restaurants in the city, as well as spas, cocktail bars, and evening venues. Couples will also enjoy one of the many thrill-seeking activities that New Zealand is famous for.

Is Seoul or Auckland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Auckland 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.

Auckland is a great city to visit for backpackers. Auckland is high on many backpackers' wish list, and usually they pass through the city at some point during their trip. You'll find a number of hostels in the city that are perfect for socializing and saving money.

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 Auckland Better for Students?

Seoul and Auckland are both very good destinations for students and younger travelers.

Seoul is very popular with students. 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.

Auckland is a great city to visit as a student. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

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

Seoul is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Seoul has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.

You'll find some public transit in Auckland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a mishmash of different public transit options, and trips often include a variety of modes of transport. In the city you'll find ferries, trains, and buses to help you get around.

Is Seoul or Auckland a more walkable city?

Seoul is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Auckland is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

Seoul is a very walkable city. 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.

Auckland is generally not very walkable. It is a very car-centric city and it can be challenging to explore on foot alone.

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

Should I spend more time in Auckland or Seoul?

How long in Seoul or Auckland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Seoul and Auckland. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Seoul than in Auckland. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Seoul, and 2-3 days is enough time in Auckland.

Families should spend more time in Seoul than Auckland. 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 Auckland. 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 Auckland 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 Auckland.

One day in Seoul or Auckland?

Seoul is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Auckland, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cosmopolitan big city offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

A weekend in Seoul or Auckland?

Seoul is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auckland. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Auckland?

Seoul is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Seoul, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Auckland is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Auckland. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Seoul or Auckland?

Seoul is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Seoul has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the adrenaline-filled big city of Auckland. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Seoul and Auckland, we can see that Auckland 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 Auckland is in Pacific, 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 Auckland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Auckland 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 Auckland Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Seoul or Auckland?

Seoul has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Auckland. When comparing the sizes of Seoul and Auckland, 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.

When is the best time to visit Seoul or Auckland?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Auckland is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Seoul has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Seoul or Auckland in the Summer?

Both Auckland and Seoul during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Seoul because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.

Seoul is a little warmer than Auckland in the summer. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Auckland fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in January.

In Auckland, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Seoul often gets less sunshine than Aucklandin January. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 240 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually gets more rain in July than Aucklandin January. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Auckland in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Auckland. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Seoul this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Auckland for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Seoul is around the same temperature as Auckland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Seoul in October average around 15°C (59°F), and Auckland averages at about 16°C (61°F)in April.

In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Auckland during autumn. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 162 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Seoul usually receives less rain than Aucklandin April. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Seoul or Auckland in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Auckland. Many travelers come to Seoul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Auckland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Seoul. In January, Seoul is generally much colder than Aucklandin July. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around -3°C (27°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the winter, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Aucklandin July. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 141 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Auckland. Seoul usually gets less rain in January than Aucklandin July. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Auckland in the Spring?

Both Auckland and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Seoul in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Auckland for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Seoul is cooler than Auckland in the spring. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Auckland fluctuates around 14°C (58°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Auckland during spring. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Seoul usually receives more rain than Aucklandin October. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Auckland and Seoul