Which place is cheaper, Cheju (Jeju) or Seoul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Seoul or Cheju (Jeju)?
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 Cheju (Jeju) can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Seoul or Cheju (Jeju)?
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.
Cheju (Jeju)
Cheju is an island located just off the southern coast of South Korea in the Korean Strait. It is known for its volcanic landscape full of craters and cave-like lava tubes, which many visitors venture to hike and explore. With the main industry invested in tourism, it is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and foreigners alike, and remains the top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea, The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, and The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySeoul $107Cheju (Jeju) $72
The average daily cost (per person) in Seoul is $107, while the average daily cost in Cheju (Jeju) is $72. 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 Cheju (Jeju) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSeoul $54Cheju (Jeju) $46
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSeoul $108Cheju (Jeju) $92
Compare Hotels in Seoul and Cheju (Jeju)
Looking for a hotel in Seoul or Cheju (Jeju)? 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Seoul Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Seoul $15Cheju (Jeju) $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seoul
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:
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Subway Card$3.62
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Short Taxi Ride$5.07
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Metro Ride$0.98
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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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):
- Jeju Airport Transfer: $20
- Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $25
- Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $30
- Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City Downtown to Jeju Airport: $50
- jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $57
- Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190
Is it cheaper to fly into Seoul or Cheju (Jeju)?
Prices for flights to both Cheju (Jeju) 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
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Food Meals for one daySeoul $30Cheju (Jeju) $17
Typical Food Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:
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Rice with Kimchi & Bacon$4.34
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Waffle$0.72
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Dippin' Dots$1.45
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Chicken Fried Rice$3.98
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Chicken Stick$1.45
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Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew$1.38
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Lunch Buffet$4.34
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Donut$0.72
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Mushroom Burger$3.76
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Green Tea Ice Cream$2.39
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Udon & Sushi$5.07
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Fresh Burger$3.48
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Soba Noodles Lunch$3.26
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Bibimbap Lunch$3.62
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Fried Rice$3.98
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Vietnamese Dinner$6.88
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Breakfast and Coffee for 2$6.88
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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 Cheju (Jeju)
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):
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Burger$4.49
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Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)$7.24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cheju (Jeju)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cheju (Jeju).
- Cooking Korean Cuisine and Dinner at Jeju Seaside Sunset Terrace: $108
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Seoul $26Cheju (Jeju) $5.49
Typical Entertainment Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:
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Palace Tickets$5.79
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Movie Ticket$5.79
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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
Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)
Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Visitors to Jeju Glass Museum and Experience: $25
- [Jeju] Hanbok Rental Experience/Korean Traditional Clothes Rental Shop: $30
- [Jeju] Woman Diver Haenyeo Traditional Clothes Rental Experience: $32
- Seogwipo (The Southern City of Jeju) Jungmun Area Walking Tour: $55
- Seogwipo(the southern city of Jeju) Art Museum Walking Tour: $55
- jeju island private jumbo taxi tour - West & South of Jeju: $55
- Full-Day Private Jumbo taxi Tour - East of Jeju Island (UNESCO): $55
- Olle Trail Sunset Tour in Jeju Island : $56
- Seogwipo(The southern city of Jeju)City Walking Tours with Sunset: $60
- Private Tour Sangumburi Crater & Jeju stone park in jeju island : $60
- jeju Private Day Taxi tour - West of Jeju Island: $60
- Jeju island Southern Unesco Mt.halla ONE day Bus Tour: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySeoul $12Cheju (Jeju) $7.12
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Seoul and Cheju (Jeju), we can see that Seoul is more expensive. And not only is Cheju (Jeju) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cheju (Jeju) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju).
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Seoul Expensive? and Is Cheju (Jeju) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Seoul or Cheju (Jeju)?
Seoul has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Cheju (Jeju). When comparing the sizes of Seoul and Cheju (Jeju), 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 Cheju (Jeju)?
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 Cheju (Jeju) in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Cheju (Jeju). Many visitors come to Seoul in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Seoul is generally around the same temperature as Cheju (Jeju). Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 26°C (78°F), and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cheju (Jeju) this time of the year. Seoul usually receives less sunshine than Cheju (Jeju) during summer. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.
Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju). Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySeoul 26°C (78°F)Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Seoul or Cheju (Jeju) in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Cheju (Jeju). Most visitors come to Seoul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.
Seoul is cooler than Cheju (Jeju) in the autumn. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 15°C (59°F) in October, and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 18°C (64°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 Cheju (Jeju). Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 179 hours of full sun.
Seoul usually gets less rain in October than Cheju (Jeju). Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSeoul 15°C (59°F)Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Seoul or Cheju (Jeju) in the Winter?
Both Cheju (Jeju) and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Seoul because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Seoul can be very cold. In the winter, Seoul is much colder than Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the winter temperatures in Seoul in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 5°C (41°F).
Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju) during winter. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 75 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Seoul usually receives less rain than Cheju (Jeju). Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySeoul -3°C (27°F)Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Seoul or Cheju (Jeju) in the Spring?
Both Cheju (Jeju) and Seoul during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Seoul this time of year.
In April, Seoul is generally around the same temperature as Cheju (Jeju). Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 13°C (55°F), and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
It's quite sunny in Seoul. In the spring, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju). Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 190 hours of full sun.
Seoul usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Cheju (Jeju). Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSeoul 13°C (55°F)Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Cheju (Jeju) and Seoul
| Seoul | Cheju (Jeju) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | -0°C (32°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 369 mm (14.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (80°F) | 294 mm (11.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 241 mm (9.5 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 179 mm (7 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (59°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Nov | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 0°C (33°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.