Which city is cheaper, Barcelona 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 Barcelona can help you decide which place is right for you.
Seoul is a modern, high energy, and colorful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.
Barcelona is a cultural, friendly, and colorful 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Barcelona and Seoul. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Plenty of people visit the sights and museums in both Seoul and Barcelona.
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 plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Barcelona has many famous sights for visitors. Architecture and history all contribute to the city's impressive sights and museums. Famous landmarks include the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, and the Palace of Catalan Music.
Both Seoul and Barcelona offer good local cuisine and restaurants.
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).
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Barcelona is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. With easy access to fresh produce, there are many food markets around town. You'll also find great fresh local dishes at the many restaurants. Make sure you try the paella, croquettes, and Jamon Iberico.
Both Seoul and Barcelona are comparable 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.
People head to Barcelona just to party. The city offers an amazing nightlife at a much more affordable price than many places in Europe. There are beach parties, boat parties, and bars that stay packed late into the night. The city also hosts many street fiestas and music festivals.
Both Seoul and Barcelona offer a variety of 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.
Barcelona has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.
Both Seoul and Barcelona are good shopping destinations.
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 people travel to Barcelona specifically to go shopping. Head to Portal De L’Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.
You'll find kid-friendly activities in either Seoul or Barcelona.
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 Barcelona. Check out the Magic Fountains Show near Plaça d’Espanya, wander through the aquarium, or sample some chocolate at the Chocolate Museum. There are also many great parks and playgrounds around town.
While Seoul and Barcelona are both good for backpackers, overall Barcelona is more popular.
Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Barcelona. There are many hostels around town, each with its own personality. Many of the hostels also organize activities or dinners for guests so it's easy to meet other travelers.
Plenty of backpackers 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 and Barcelona are both 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.
Barcelona is a great destination for students. This is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find international students from around the world. It's a beautiful city with plenty to see and do.
Both Seoul and Barcelona offer 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 Barcelona can get you around easily. There's a metro, bus, and tram system that navigates the city.
Seoul and Barcelona both are comparable when exploring on foot.
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.
Barcelona is a very walkable destination. The city is more spread out than some other major European cities, but there are many plazas and outdoor areas that are fun to explore on foot. The city has designed "superilles," which are areas where car traffic has been directed around pedestrian-friendly plazas so visitors can explore, relax, or play.
Both Seoul and Barcelona have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either.
The ideal length of time for a trip to Seoul is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Barcelona is 3-7 days.
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 Barcelona, many people enjoy the live music and food that this colorful 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.
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 Barcelona. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. 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.
Barcelona is a fun place to experience. In Barcelona, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this big city destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Barcelona, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this friendly big city offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Seoul is $96, while the average daily cost in Barcelona is $134. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Seoul and Barcelona in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Seoul or Barcelona? 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:
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Barcelona are as follows:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Barcelona:
Prices for flights to both Barcelona 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.
Some typical examples of dining costs in Barcelona are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Barcelona.
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:
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Barcelona are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Barcelona are as follows:
Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Barcelona:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Seoul and Barcelona, we can see that Barcelona 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 Barcelona 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 Barcelona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Barcelona than you might in Seoul.
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.
Both Barcelona and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Seoul for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Barcelona in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Seoul is generally a little warmer than Barcelona. Temperatures in Seoul average around 26°C (78°F), and Barcelona stays around 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Barcelona. Seoul usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during summer. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Seoul. In July, Seoul usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Both Barcelona and Seoul during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Seoul in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, most visitors come to Barcelona for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Seoul is cooler than Barcelona in the autumn. The temperature in Seoul is usually 15°C (59°F) in October, and Barcelona stays around 17°C (63°F).
It's quite sunny in Seoul. In the autumn, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Barcelona. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun.
Seoul usually gets less rain in October than Barcelona. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Barcelona. Most visitors come to Seoul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Seoul can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Seoul is much colder than Barcelona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Seoul in January are around -3°C (27°F), and Barcelona is about 9°C (48°F).
Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Barcelona during winter. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Seoul usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
The spring brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Barcelona. The spring months attract visitors to Seoul because of the activities around the city. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.
In April, Seoul is generally around the same temperature as Barcelona. Temperatures in Seoul average around 13°C (55°F), and Barcelona stays around 13°C (55°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Barcelona. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seoul this time of the year. In the spring, Seoul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Barcelona. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun.
Seoul usually gets more rain in April than Barcelona. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
Seoul | Barcelona | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
Feb | -0°C (32°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
May | 18°C (65°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 369 mm (14.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
Aug | 26°C (80°F) | 294 mm (11.6 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
Oct | 15°C (59°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
Nov | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
Dec | 0°C (33°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
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