A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Seoul vs. Buenos Aires, Argentina for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Seoul or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

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 Buenos Aires, Argentina can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Seoul or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Seoul

With a population of more than 11 million, Seoul is easily the largest city in South Korea. It is also the financial, political, and cultural capital of the country and has much to offer open minded travelers. It is often overlooked by travelers who instead head to Tokyo or Shanghai, but Seoul has a wide range of cultural experiences, food options, and historical sights. Seoul is a city of contrasts with ancient traditions, flashy technology, religious temples and a modern youth culture. It is also more affordable than many of the other Asian metropolis' to which it is often compared. If you're looking for an interesting and different experience that is a little off the tourist trail, Seoul can definitely offer that opportunity.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, federal capital of Argentina, also known as "The City of Tango", is best known for its energetic and unpredictable character. Like a restless child, Buenos Aires is a dynamic and modern city full of surprises. While its French-style palaces, rooftop restaurants, wide avenues and green plazas resemble European-style architecture, Buenos Aires preserves its musical, literary and culinary traditions. You can't miss dining in front of a Tango show, walking around the colourful streets of La Boca and visiting the renowned Recoleta Cemetery, designed by Argentina's most important architects and home to hundreds of illustrious corpses.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, and The Best Photography Tours in Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Seoul?

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 Buenos Aires, Argentina is $10. 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Seoul $54
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $4.13
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Seoul $108
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.26
Compare Hotels in Seoul and Buenos Aires, Argentina

Looking for a hotel in Seoul or Buenos Aires, Argentina? 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.

Hotels in Seoul


Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Seoul Hotel Prices and Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Seoul $15
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.58
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seoul

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


  • Subway Card
    $3.62
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $5.07
  • Metro Ride
    $0.98
  • Seoul City Pass Plus
    $7.24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:

  • Airport Private Transfer : Seoul Hotel to Incheon International Airport (ICN): $78
  • From Everland Admission Ticket with Transfer: $75
  • From Half-Day MBC Dae Jang Geum Park Transfer: $55
  • Incheon Airport Private Transfer between Seoul City: $100
  • Private Airport Transfer * Incheon Airport <-> Seoul (1-5 people): $101
  • Private Airport Transfer - Incheon Airport from/to Hotel in Seoul: $192
  • Private Airport Transfer : Gimpo airport to/from Seoul (1~7pax): $95
  • Private Airport Transfer : Incheon airport to/from Seoul(~7 pax): $99
  • Private Airport Transfer: Gimpo Airport to Seoul City (1-12 pax): $160
  • Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Gimpo Airport (1-12 pax): $180
  • Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Incheon Airport (1-5 pax): $115
  • Private Departure Transfer:Hotel to Incheon International Airport: $145

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:


  • Taxi from Airport
    $0.13
  • Local Bus
    $0.00
  • Metro Ride
    $0.00
  • Taxi to airport
    $0.03
  • Taxi
    $0.09

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:

  • ONE WAY: Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) Transfer to/from Buenos Aires City: $18
  • Private One-way Ezeiza Airport Transfer To/From Buenos Aires: $20
  • Private transfer Vehicle from Buenos Aires city to Ezeiza Airport: $20
  • Airport Transfer: Jorge Newbery Airfield (AEP) to Buenos Aires: $25
  • Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Jorge Newbery Airfield Airport (AEP): $25
  • Buenos aires Shared EZE Airport Transfer: $30
  • Buenos Aires Local Airport One - way Private Transfer from 30 USD: $30
  • Jorge Newbery Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $30
  • Buenos Aires Center One-way Private Transfer to Local Airport: $30
  • Private Airport Transfer AEP Jorge New Berry to CAPITAL BA: $30
  • Buenos Aires Ezeiza Airport Transfer with English speaking driver: $34
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Buenos Aires APT-HTL (EZA): $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Seoul or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Prices for flights to both Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 $30
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.25
Typical Food Prices in Seoul

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


  • Rice with Kimchi & Bacon
    $4.34
  • Waffle
    $0.72
  • Dippin' Dots
    $1.45
  • Chicken Fried Rice
    $3.98
  • Chicken Stick
    $1.45
  • Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew
    $1.38
  • Lunch Buffet
    $4.34
  • Donut
    $0.72
  • Mushroom Burger
    $3.76
  • Green Tea Ice Cream
    $2.39
  • Udon & Sushi
    $5.07
  • Fresh Burger
    $3.48
  • Soba Noodles Lunch
    $3.26
  • Bibimbap Lunch
    $3.62
  • Fried Rice
    $3.98
  • Vietnamese Dinner
    $6.88
  • Breakfast and Coffee for 2
    $6.88
  • Donut
    $1.81

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul

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

  • Gyeongbokgung Palace : Tour, dinner and coffee: $36
  • Seoul Mangwon Market Social Night Food Tour: $43
  • Namdaemun Market: the Largest Traditional Market Food Tour: $46
  • Namdaemun Market Street Food Tour: $47
  • Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals; Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $48
  • Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals;Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $53
  • Gwangjang Market Netflix Food Tour: $54
  • Guided City Wall Sunset Hike with Korean Dinner: $57
  • Seoul Seongsu dong Tour Including Lunch, Dinner, Beer, Night View: $69
  • Night Market Food Tour: $70
  • Night Market Food Tour: $72
  • K-FOOD one day cooking class: $75

Typical Food Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:


  • Lunch
    $0.03
  • Cup of Coffee
    $0.01
  • Empandas
    $0.02
  • Espresso
    $0.01
  • Dinner (Pizza)
    $0.02
  • Ice Cream
    $0.01
  • Breakfast at Airport
    $0.04
  • Dinner (Sandwiches)
    $0.01
  • Sweets
    $0.01
  • Hot Dog
    $0.01
  • Breakfast (Take-Away)
    $0.01
  • Lunch for 2
    $0.16
  • Cake and Coffee
    $0.53
  • Dinner
    $1.88
  • Powerade
    $0.12
  • Lunch
    $0.83
  • Dinner
    $1.21
  • Chocolate
    $3.12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

  • Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class: $35
  • Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $37
  • Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $40
  • Tango Dinner Show Homero Manzi menu Sur: $45
  • Private tour Argentinian Flavours food tours on foot : $46
  • Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Class: $50
  • Skip the Line Ticket for Tango Porteño Show with Dinner : $53
  • Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $54
  • Argentine Cooking Experience in Palermo: $55
  • Early Tango Dinner Show with Semi Private Transfer: $59
  • Dinner or Lunch on Grill Revire By Grupo Summa: $60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Seoul $26
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.34
Typical Entertainment Prices in Seoul

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


  • Palace Tickets
    $5.79
  • Movie Ticket
    $5.79
  • Kimchi Museum
    $2.17

Tours and Activities in Seoul

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

  • Changdeokgung Palace Hanbok Rental Experience in Seoul: $7.00
  • Seoul Changdeokgung Palace Hanbok Experience Hanboknam (내국인불가): $7.20
  • [NEWTRO ART TOUR] Media art museum & walking tour: $8.00
  • Seoul Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Alive Museum Discount Ticket at Insa-dong(내국인불가): $9.70
  • [Seoul] Football Faentasium Admission Ticket (내국인 불가): $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Skip the Line: 63 Building Observatory + Aqua Planet 63 Combo Ticket: $11
  • Seoul Job Experience Theme Park Ticket for Kid (내국인 불가): $13
  • Dongdaemun City Tour Bus(내국인불가): $14
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace Private Half-Day Tour: $19
  • Virtual Tour of Korean Demilitarized Zone: $19

Typical Entertainment Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Here are a few typical costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entry to Japanese Gardens (for 2)
    $0.04
  • Movie Ticket
    $0.02
  • Tango Class
    $0.03
  • Bar entrance
    $0.58

Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Buenos Aires Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $10
  • Recoleta Cemetery Walking Tour: $10
  • Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $10
  • Historical Tour of the Recoleta Cemetery: $15
  • Walking Tour La Boca: $15
  • True Crime Buenos Aires: A Walking Tour: $15
  • Graffiti Tour: $15
  • Recoleta Cemetery Experience - Immersive Tour with Death: $16
  • Under Ground Tours Private Side B of the City: $20
  • Skip the Line: Boca Juniors Museum and Tour: THE VIP BOMBONERA: $22
  • Half Day Walking Tour Discovering Palermo Soho & Graffiti in Buenos Aires: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Seoul $12
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.81

Sample the Local Flavors in Seoul

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

  • Chunpoong Makgeolli Brewery Tour: $10
  • Seoul Pub Crawl by Absolute: $20
  • The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $21
  • Pub Crawl: $25
  • The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $25
  • Soju Tasting at Distillery - Story of Three Pigs: $42
  • Soju Tasting at Distillery - story of 3 pigs: $42

Typical Alcohol Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Buenos Aires, Argentina from other travelers:


  • Beer
    $0.01
  • Beer (0.66L)
    $0.02
  • Cocktail
    $0.03
  • Alcohol
    $0.67

Sample the Local Flavors in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

  • Wine tasting at the Barolo Palace: $35
  • Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $38
  • Wine Tasting and Tapas with Expert Sommelier in Buenos Aires: $42
  • Unique Wine Tasting in a Boutique Hotel : $45
  • Wine Tasting at Downtown Buenos Aires Ego Experience: $53
  • Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
  • Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79
  • Argentine Experience: Immersive 6 Course Menu with Wine Tasting : $98
  • Wine Tour to Colonia Del Sacramento Uruguay: $147
  • Bodega Gamboa Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $169
  • Customizable Private City Tour of Buenos Aires + Wine Tasting: $229


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Seoul and Buenos Aires, Argentina, we can see that Seoul is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Seoul is in Asia and Buenos Aires, Argentina is in South America, 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Seoul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seoul than you might in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Seoul Expensive? and Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Seoul or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Seoul. When comparing the sizes of Seoul and Buenos Aires, Argentina, 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Many travelers come to Seoul for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Seoul is around the same temperature as Buenos Aires, Argentina in the summer. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Buenos Aires, Argentina this time of the year. Seoul usually receives less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during summer. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the summer. Seoul gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Seoul usually receives more rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Seoul 26°C (78°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Seoul or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Buenos Aires, Argentina. Many visitors come to Seoul in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Seoul is cooler than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Seoul in October average around 15°C (59°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina averages at about 18°C (65°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seoul this time of the year. In the autumn, Seoul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 220 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Seoul usually gets less rain in October than Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Seoul 15°C (59°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Seoul or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Winter?

Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Seoul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Seoul can be very cold during winter. In January, Seoul is generally much colder than Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around -3°C (27°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during winter. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 143 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Seoul usually receives less rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Seoul -3°C (27°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Seoul or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Spring?

Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Seoul during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Seoul because of the activities around the city.

Seoul is cooler than Buenos Aires, Argentina in the spring. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in October.

In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Seoul. In the spring, Seoul often gets less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 227 hours of full sun.

Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Seoul usually gets less rain in April than Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Seoul 13°C (55°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Buenos Aires, Argentina and Seoul

Seoul Buenos Aires, Argentina
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -3°C (27°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Feb -0°C (32°F) 25 mm (1 in) 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 22°C (71°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 18°C (65°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 369 mm (14.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 26°C (80°F) 294 mm (11.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 169 mm (6.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 15°C (59°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 0°C (33°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 23°C (74°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)