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

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Should you visit Seoul or Berlin?

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

Seoul

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

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.

How is Seoul different from Berlin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Seoul or Berlin better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Plenty of people visit the sights and museums in both Seoul and Berlin.

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.

The museums and tourist attractions in Berlin are world-renowned. 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.


Is Seoul or Berlin better for Food?

Both Seoul and Berlin offer good local cuisine.

Seoul has long been recognized as a culinary destination. 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).

Berlin has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a great international food scene, but also all of the traditional favorites like currywurst, spätzle, and schnitzel.

Is Seoul or Berlin better for Nightlife?

Both Seoul and Berlin 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.

The nightlife in Berlin is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Is Seoul or Berlin better for Music?

Both Seoul and Berlin 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.

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

Is Seoul or Berlin better for Shopping?

Both Seoul and Berlin 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.

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


Is Seoul or Berlin better for Families?

You'll find 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Berlin is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Seoul or Berlin better for Couples?

Both Seoul and Berlin are 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.

Berlin is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Romantic activities in the city include wandering through Schloss Charlottenburg gardens and learning to dance at Clärchen’s Ballhaus.

Is Seoul or Berlin better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

While Seoul and Berlin are both good for backpackers, overall Berlin is more popular.

Many backpackers frequent 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.

Is Seoul or Berlin better for Students?

Seoul and Berlin 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.

Berlin is a great destination for students. 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.


Is Seoul or Berlin better for Public Transit?

Both Seoul and Berlin 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.

Visitors in Berlin can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams.

Is Seoul or Berlin a more walkable city?

Seoul and Berlin 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.

Berlin is a very walkable city. While parts of the city are very walkable, the neighborhoods spread out and the city covers a large amount of space, so walking isn't always practical.

Seoul and Berlin: Pros and Cons

Seoul
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
Cons
  • Less popular with backpackers
Berlin
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities


Should I spend more time in Berlin or Seoul?

How long in Seoul or Berlin?

Both Seoul and Berlin 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 Berlin is 2-7 days.


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

One day in Seoul or 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 diverse 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.

A weekend in Seoul or Berlin?

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.


Five days in Seoul or Berlin?

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. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Seoul or Berlin?

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 diverse big city offers. Plenty of people spend one week here when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered around the area. One week is often enough time to spend here.

Which city is cheaper, Berlin or Seoul?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Seoul is $93, while the average daily cost in Berlin is $115. 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 Berlin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Seoul $47
    Berlin $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Seoul $94
    Berlin $108

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Seoul $13
    Berlin $15
Typical Local Transportation prices in Seoul

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


  • Subway Card
    $3.91
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $5.47
  • Metro Ride
    $1.06
  • Seoul City Pass Plus
    $7.82

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:

  • Seoul ⇄ Alpensia / Yongpyong Ski Resort Private Van Transfers: $469
  • Summer Activity in Korea: Water Leisure Tour at Gapyeong with Private Transfer: $360
  • Incheon Airport / Seoul ⇄ Daemyung Vivaldi Park Ski Resort Private Van Transfers: $267
  • Incheon Airport Transfer- Private Service between Airport and Seoul (1-13 pax): $200
  • Private Airport Transfer: Gimpo Airport to Seoul City (1-9 pax): $125
  • Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Gimpo Airport (1-9 pax): $125
  • Departure Private Transfer Seoul City to Seoul Airport ICN by Business Minivan: $123
  • Departure Private Transfer Seoul City to Seoul Airport ICN by Luxury Sedan: $123
  • Private Transfer from Seoul Hotels to Incheon Int'l Airport: $120
  • Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Incheon Airport (1-9 pax): $120
  • 1- Day Private Seoul or Outskirts Tour (Round-trip transfer to your hotel): $120
  • Everland Themepark Private Round trip Transfer + Ticket from Seoul: $115

Typical Local Transportation prices in Berlin

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


  • Short Trip Metro Ticket
    $1.47
  • Bahn Ticket
    $3.16
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berlin

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

  • Private Departure Transfer from Berlin City Center to Berlin Tegel Airport: $24
  • Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL) to Berlin - Round-Trip Private Van Transfer: $27
  • Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL) to Berlin - Arrival Private Van Transfer: $27
  • Berlin to Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL) - Departure Private Van Transfer: $27
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Berlin to Schonefeld Airport (SXF): $30
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Berlin to Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER): $30
  • Transfer from Berlin Tegel Airport to Berlin city (any hotel or address): $32
  • Berlin Schonefeld Airport (SXF) to Berlin - Departure Private Van Transfer: $34
  • Private Transfer from Berlin City Center to Schönefeld Airport: $36
  • Premium Transfer Accommodation in Berlin to Berlin Tegel Airport: $37
  • Premium Transfer from Berlin Tegel Airport to Accommodation in Berlin: $37
  • Private Business Transfer from Berlin Hotel to Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL): $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Seoul or Berlin?

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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Seoul $26
    Berlin $44
Typical Food prices in Seoul

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


  • Rice with Kimchi & Bacon
    $4.69
  • Waffle
    $0.78
  • Dippin' Dots
    $1.56
  • Chicken Fried Rice
    $4.30
  • Chicken Stick
    $1.56
  • Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew
    $1.49
  • Lunch Buffet
    $4.69
  • Donut
    $0.78
  • Mushroom Burger
    $4.07
  • Green Tea Ice Cream
    $2.58
  • Udon & Sushi
    $5.47
  • Fresh Burger
    $3.75
  • Soba Noodles Lunch
    $3.52
  • Bibimbap Lunch
    $3.91
  • Fried Rice
    $4.30
  • Vietnamese Dinner
    $7.43
  • Breakfast and Coffee for 2
    $7.43
  • Donut
    $1.96

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seoul.

  • Night Market Food Tour: $48
  • Traditional Korean Cooking Class (Kimchi) & market tour with chef Joungy: $51
  • Korean Cooking Class with Full-Course Meal & Local Market Tour: $56
  • Small-Group Korean Cooking Class in Seoul: $56
  • Traditional Cooking Experience in Korean Style House in Seoul: $58
  • Secret of Banchan (side dish) cooking!: $61
  • Traditional Korean cooking class and market visit in Seoul: $62
  • Private 3-Hour Korean Cooking Class in Seoul: $68
  • Local Flavors of Seoul at Night: Street Food Tour: $70
  • Eat like a local! Most authentic Seoul food tour: $79
  • Historic Jongro District Authentic Food Tour in Seoul: $81
  • Gwangjang Market Food Tour including Lunch: $82

Typical Food prices in Berlin

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Berlin:


  • Sandwich and Coffee To Go
    $5.26
  • Turkish Sandwich
    $2.10
  • Currywurst
    $2.10
  • 2 Pho Noodles
    $9.47
  • Restaurant Dinner and Beers (for 2)
    $63
  • Mauer Park (2)
    $12
  • Coffees at Impala
    $8.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Berlin

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

  • English Comedy Ticket including Pizza in Berlin Mitte: $16
  • English Comedy Showcase Including Pizza in Berlin Mitte: $25
  • Bitemojo Self Guided Food Tour New To Berlin: $40
  • Dinner Cruise – “This is the CHEF talking”: $49
  • Berlin Kreuzberg - Food Tour: $53
  • Berlin Mitte - Food Tour: $53
  • Berlin Food Tour: $55
  • Withlocals 10 Tastings: Covid-19 Regulated Private Food Tour: $57
  • Berlin Dinner Cruise.: $61
  • History Bites: The Berlin History and Food Tour: $61
  • Fun Dinner and Dancing by Gaiety in Berlin: $84
  • Vegan Food Tour Experience in Berlin: $87

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Seoul $23
    Berlin $19
Typical Entertainment prices in Seoul

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


  • Palace Tickets
    $6.26
  • Movie Ticket
    $6.26
  • Kimchi Museum
    $2.35

Tours and Activities in Seoul

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

  • "Nami Island" & "Petite France" or "Garden of Morning Calm" ※ Private Tour: $97
  • "Parasite" Filming Location Afternoon Tour with Free Jjapaguri(Ram-don): $44
  • 'My Love From The Star' TV Tour Including Petite France: $120
  • (Private) 9-Days Tasty Journey Around South Korea Tour: $3,475
  • 1 Day Seorak Mt. Private Tour: $314
  • 1 day Jeonju City tour by KTX Train from Seoul: $390
  • 10 Day Essential Korea Tour(Seoul, DMZ, Busan, Gyeongju, Andong, Jeju): $4,306
  • 1Day Customizable Private Daegu tour from Seoul by KTX train: $462
  • 2 Day Essential Tour-Nami Island,Petite Fr. and Mt.Seorak(Inc. Accom. & 4 Meals): $741
  • 2 Day Private: Rakkojae Korean Cultural Heritage Tour via Andong Hahoe Village: $654
  • 2 Day Tour for Seoul City/Nami, Petite,Garden of Morning Calm(Inc. Lun. & Din.): $555
  • 2 Days Gyeongju Private Tour from Seoul and Near Seoul: $490

Typical Entertainment prices in Berlin

For Berlin, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Berlin Zoo (2)
    $21

Tours and Activities in Berlin

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

  • Rude Bastards tour of Berlin: $1.87
  • Music of Berlin Private Tour: Communist Berlin Exploration Game: $3.72
  • Berlin Private Tour: Third Reich & the Cold War Exploration Game: $4.96
  • The Dönerkebab: Discover how it changed Germany on an audio walking tour: $5.48
  • Witches, Riots and the Cold War: A Walk Through Wedding Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.48
  • In and Around Alexanderplatz Walking Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.48
  • Berlin's Centre - Explore the city's modern history with this audio walking tour: $5.48
  • Classic Sights and Hidden Histories of Berlin's Museum Island Audio Tour: $5.48
  • Into the Heart of Berlin Self-guided Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.48
  • Ku'damm Couture and Currywurst Self-guided Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.48
  • Berlin Trabi Museum: Day Ticket: $5.66
  • Self-Guided Tour of Over 100 Sights: $5.66

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Seoul $10
    Berlin $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Seoul

Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Seoul Pub Crawl and Party with Free Shots: $24
  • Pub Crawl and Party at City's Best Bars and Clubs: $25
  • 3-Hour Small Group Korean Pub Crawl + Food Tasting in Hongdae: $86

Typical Alcohol prices in Berlin

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Berlin from other travelers:


  • Drinks at a Show
    $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Berlin

Also in Berlin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Berlin Pub Crawl And Night Life Tour: $15
  • Guided Pub Crawl with Shots: $20
  • Berlin Nightlife: The Original Pub Crawl: $20
  • #1 Berlin Pub Crawl: $25
  • Sean's Wine Tasting Events: $66
  • Showgirls of Burlesque by Gl’Amouresque: $66
  • Welcome to Berlin tour! Sightseeing, souvenirs and visit of a German brewery: $236

About these numbers

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.

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Seoul vs. Berlin Travel Comparison

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