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

Should you visit Seoul or Canberra?

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

Seoul

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

Canberra

Canberra is a cultural, diverse, and under-rated city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Canberra travel costs.

Seoul and Canberra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seoul or Canberra?

You'll generally find more things to do in Seoul than Canberra. Seoul is bigger than Canberra, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Seoul is better known for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Canberra is more popular for its hiking. Seoul is more touristy than Canberra and is popular for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. Also, Seoul is famous for Gyeongbokgung Palace. Canberra is well known for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves.

How is Seoul different from Canberra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Canberra can be an interesting and educational experience. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

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

Seoul is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Seoul is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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 Canberra is an experience not to be missed. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

Is Seoul or Canberra Better for Nightlife?

Seoul is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Seoul has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Canberra has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

Is Seoul or Canberra Better for Music?

Seoul is terrific for its live music scene. However, Canberra 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.

Canberra is not a live music destination.

Is Seoul or Canberra Better for Hiking?

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

Many people include a hike when visiting Canberra. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Seoul is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Seoul or Canberra?

Seoul is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Canberra 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.

Many visitors go to Canberra to go shopping. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

Is Seoul or Canberra Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Seoul or Canberra.

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 Canberra. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

Is Seoul or Canberra Better for Couples?

Seoul is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Seoul makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Canberra is a good city for couples to visit. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

Is Seoul or Canberra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Seoul is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Canberra is lacking in options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Canberra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Despite being the capital city, few backpackers actually spend much time in town. There are some budget-friendly motels if you're stopping by.

Is Seoul or Canberra Better for Students?

Seoul and Canberra are both great 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.

Canberra is a great city to visit as a student. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

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

Seoul is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Seoul can take you anywhere. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.

You'll find some public transit in Canberra, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

Is Seoul or Canberra a more walkable city?

Seoul is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Canberra is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

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

Should I spend more time in Canberra or Seoul?

How long in Seoul or Canberra?

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

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

One day in Seoul or Canberra?

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 Canberra, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination 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 Canberra?

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 Canberra. 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 Canberra?

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.

Canberra is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Canberra. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Seoul or Canberra?

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 under-rated destination of Canberra. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Melbourne, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Seoul or Canberra?

Seoul has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Canberra. When comparing the sizes of Seoul and Canberra, 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 Canberra?

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

Both Canberra and Seoul during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Seoul for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Canberra because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually gets more rain in July than Canberrain January. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Canberra in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Canberra. The autumn months attract visitors to Seoul because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Canberra this time of year.

In the autumn, Seoul is cooler than Canberra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Seoul in October average around 15°C (59°F), and Canberra averages at about 17°C (63°F)in April.

Canberra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Seoul usually receives less rain than Canberrain April. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Seoul or Canberra in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Canberra. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Seoul this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Canberra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Seoul in the winter. In January, Seoul is generally much colder than Canberrain July. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around -3°C (27°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Seoul usually gets less rain in January than Canberrain July. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Canberra in the Spring?

Both Canberra and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Seoul for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Canberra in the spring for the activities around the city.

Seoul is cooler than Canberra in the spring. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Canberra fluctuates around 15°C (60°F)in October.

In April, Seoul usually receives around the same amount of rain as Canberrain October. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Canberra and Seoul