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

Should you visit Seoul or Cardiff?

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 Cardiff 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. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Cardiff

Cardiff is a industrial, up-and-coming, and green city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Seoul and Cardiff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seoul or Cardiff?

You'll generally find more things to do in Seoul than Cardiff. Seoul is bigger than Cardiff, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Seoul is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Cardiff is more popular for its impressive beauty. Seoul is well known for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. Also, Seoul is famous for Gyeongbokgung Palace. Cardiff is well known for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Seoul different from Cardiff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Seoul is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Seoul offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The museums and landmarks are diverse, with notable sights including N Seoul Tower, the Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village, and the National Museum of Korea.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Cardiff. The most notable landmark of the city is the famous and well-preserved Cardiff Castle. Visitors also enjoy seeing the Victorian arcades, museums, and cathedrals around town.

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

Seoul is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

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).

Cardiff may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Welsh cuisine is known for its stews and hearty vegetable dishes. The national dish is cawl, which is a stew made with lamb and vegetables. Other local favorites include Welsh rarebit, which is a type of cheese toast, and Glamorgan Sausage, which is actually made with vegetables.

Is Seoul or Cardiff Better for Nightlife?

Seoul is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Seoul know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Cardiff has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

Is Seoul or Cardiff Better for Music?

Seoul is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Cardiff is not a live music destination.

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.

Cardiff is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Seoul or Cardiff?

Seoul is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

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.

Cardiff has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

Is Seoul or Cardiff Better for Families?

Seoul is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Cardiff offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of climbing and play areas, museums, and playgrounds that can keep the little ones entertained. There are also plenty of outdoor parks and trails to wander around.

Is Seoul or Cardiff Better for Couples?

Seoul is a great destination for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for couples.

Couples visit Seoul frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy the beautiful viewpoints, outdoor parks, and diverse restaurants. There are also many beautiful luxury hotels where couples can enjoy a romantic getaway.

Cardiff is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The most romantic experiences involve a night out dining at nice restaurants, enjoying a cocktail at a classy bar, and strolling through neighborhoods and soaking up the atmosphere.

Is Seoul or Cardiff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Seoul is a popular place for backpackers. However, Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Seoul or Cardiff Better for Students?

Seoul is a great destination for students. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Seoul is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

It's common for students to visit Cardiff. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

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

Seoul is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Seoul has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cardiff. There is a bus system that you can use to get around.

Is Seoul or Cardiff a more walkable city?

Seoul is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Cardiff is a somewhat walkable city. There are pedestrianized areas and the waterfront is nice to walk around but there is still room for improvement when it comes to walkability.

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

Should I spend more time in Cardiff or Seoul?

How long in Seoul or Cardiff?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Seoul and Cardiff. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Seoul than in Cardiff. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Seoul, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cardiff.

Families should spend more time in Seoul than Cardiff. 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 Cardiff. 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff?

Because Seoul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Cardiff, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this industrial destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Seoul or Cardiff?

Because Seoul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cardiff. 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 Cardiff?

Seoul is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Seoul has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

A week in Seoul or Cardiff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Seoul. Because Seoul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the green destination of Cardiff. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom.

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

Which is Bigger, Seoul or Cardiff?

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

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.

Should I visit Seoul or Cardiff in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Cardiff. 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 Cardiff because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Seoul is a little warmer than Cardiff in the summer. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Cardiff fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cardiff this time of the year. Seoul usually receives less sunshine than Cardiff during summer. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 220 hours of full sun in the summer.

Seoul gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Seoul usually receives more rain than Cardiff. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Seoul or Cardiff in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Cardiff. The autumn months attract visitors to Seoul because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year.

In the autumn, Seoul is a little warmer than Cardiff. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Seoul in October average around 15°C (59°F), and Cardiff averages at about 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seoul this time of the year. In the autumn, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Cardiff. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 95 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cardiff. Seoul usually gets less rain in October than Cardiff. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Cardiff in the Winter?

Both Cardiff and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Seoul this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cardiff for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cardiff. It's quite cold in Seoul in the winter. In January, Seoul is generally much colder than Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around -3°C (27°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Cardiff during winter. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Seoul usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Seoul or Cardiff in the Spring?

Both Cardiff and Seoul during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Seoul for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Cardiff in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Seoul is a little warmer than Cardiff in the spring. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Cardiff fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It's quite sunny in Seoul. In the spring, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Cardiff. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 183 hours of full sun.

Seoul usually gets more rain in April than Cardiff. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cardiff and Seoul