Which place is cheaper, Berlin 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 Berlin 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.
Berlin is a diverse, historic, and cultural 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Berlin than Seoul. While Seoul is larger than Berlin, Berlin has more sights and attractions for tourists. Berlin is better known for its museums and nightlife, while Seoul is more popular for its food. Berlin is more touristy than Seoul and is popular for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. Also, Berlin is famous for the Brandenburg Gate. 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 Berlin and Seoul. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Berlin is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.
The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Berlin are among the most recognizable in the world. Famous landmarks include the rebuilt Reichstag, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and Berliner Fernsehturm. Many of the city's oldest and most famous museums are found on Museum Island, where you'll find the Pergamon Museum, the James Simon Gallery, the Altes Museum, and the Neues Museum, among others.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Seoul can be an interesting and educational experience. The museums and landmarks are diverse, with notable sights including N Seoul Tower, the Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village, and the National Museum of Korea.
Seoul is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.
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).
Dining out in Berlin is an experience not to be missed. There's a great international food scene, but also all of the traditional favorites like currywurst, spätzle, and schnitzel. You'll find many diverse food halls, street markets, and local restaurants, as well as a large selection of traditional German restaurants that cater to the tourists.
Berlin 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.
Berlin is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The nightlife scene here is legendary. There are club nights that last for days, bars and parties that appeal to every personality, and a diversity of venues that you can choose from. You'll find the classic techno warehouses, but there are also modern dance clubs, bunker parties, and raves.
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 Berlin 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.
Berlin has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. From the raves to the techno parties, there is a hugely diverse music scene in the city. It is so much more than the stereotypical punk and techno music that Berlin is known for. Rock, pop, and other genres are popular as well.
Both Seoul and Berlin are terrific 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 Berlin specifically to go shopping. Bookshops, flea markets, luxury boutiques and artisan shops all make up the shopping scene in the city. Kurfürstendamm is one of the most famous shopping districts in the city.
You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Seoul or Berlin.
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 Berlin. The city has a number of great kid-friendly museums such as the Museum of Natural History and the Computer Games Museum. There's also Legoland, an impressive aquarium, and lots of parks and playgrounds to explore.
Seoul is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.
Seoul is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples enjoy the beautiful viewpoints, outdoor parks, and diverse restaurants. There are also many beautiful luxury hotels where couples can enjoy a romantic getaway.
Berlin is a good city for couples to visit. Romantic activities in the city include wandering through Schloss Charlottenburg gardens and learning to dance at Clärchen’s Ballhaus. For couples who enjoy a night out on the town, there are many great restaurants and nightclubs that you can check out.
Berlin 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 Berlin. The city has no shortage of hostels to choose from, many of which organize activities and tours that guests can enjoy.
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.
Berlin is very popular for students. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.
Students come from all over the world to visit Berlin. With it's rich culture and eclectic creative side, this city appeals to many international students. There's also a great social scene that is perfect for university 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.
Both Seoul and Berlin 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 Berlin can get you around easily. The transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams.
Seoul is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.
Berlin is a somewhat walkable city. While parts of the city are very walkable, the neighborhoods are spread out and the city covers a large amount of space, so walking isn't always practical.
For even more information, also check out Is Seoul Worth Visiting? and Is Berlin Worth Visiting?.
Both Seoul and Berlin have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Berlin has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Berlin than Seoul. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Seoul, and 2-7 days is enough time in Berlin.
Families should spend more time in Seoul than Berlin. 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 Berlin. 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 Berlin 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 Berlin.
Seoul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
In Berlin, many people enjoy the live music and food that this creative big city offers. 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.
Seoul is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Berlin. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Seoul. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Berlin is a fun place to experience. In Berlin, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this big city destination offers. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
Seoul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.
In Berlin, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this artsy big city offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. 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 Adventure Tours to Germany, and The Best Cultural Tours in Germany.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Seoul is $110, while the average daily cost in Berlin is $149. 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 Berlin in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Seoul or Berlin? 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 Berlin:
Also for Berlin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Berlin 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.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Berlin:
For Berlin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
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:
For Berlin, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Berlin.
Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Berlin from other travelers:
Also in Berlin, 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 Berlin, we can see that Berlin 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 Berlin 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 Berlin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Berlin 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 Berlin Expensive?.
Seoul has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Berlin. When comparing the sizes of Seoul and Berlin, 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 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.
The summer brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Berlin. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Seoul this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Berlin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Seoul is a little warmer than Berlin in the summer. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Berlin fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Berlin. In the summer, Seoul often gets less sunshine than Berlin. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 227 hours of full sun.
Seoul receives a lot of rain in the summer. Seoul usually gets more rain in July than Berlin. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Berlin and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Seoul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, many visitors come to Berlin in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
In the autumn, Seoul is a little warmer than Berlin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Seoul in October average around 15°C (59°F), and Berlin averages at about 10°C (50°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Berlin during autumn. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 106 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Seoul usually receives more rain than Berlin. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Both Berlin and Seoul during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Seoul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Berlin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Berlin can be very cold during winter. Seoul can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Seoul is generally much colder than Berlin. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around -3°C (27°F), and Berlin fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).
In the winter, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Berlin. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 42 hours of full sun.
Seoul usually gets less rain in January than Berlin. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Berlin. Most visitors come to Seoul for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Berlin because of the activities around the city.
Seoul is a little warmer than Berlin in the spring. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Berlin fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).
In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Berlin during spring. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 160 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Seoul usually receives more rain than Berlin. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Seoul | Berlin | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | -0°C (31°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
Feb | -0°C (32°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
May | 18°C (65°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 369 mm (14.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
Aug | 26°C (80°F) | 294 mm (11.6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
Oct | 15°C (59°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
Nov | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
Dec | 0°C (33°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |