A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Seoul vs. Dewa Sanzan for Food, Attractions, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Seoul or Dewa Sanzan?

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 Dewa Sanzan can help you decide which place is right for you.

Seoul

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

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan is a religious, sacred, and remote religious site. And you can't forget about the hiking and museums.

Seoul and Dewa Sanzan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seoul or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Seoul than Dewa Sanzan, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Seoul is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Dewa Sanzan is more popular for its hiking. Seoul is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan and is popular for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. Also, Seoul is famous for Gyeongbokgung Palace. Dewa Sanzan is well known for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges.

How is Seoul different from Dewa Sanzan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Seoul is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Dewa Sanzan. This is a sacred religious site that is at the heart of the Shugendo folk religion. The religion combines Buddhist and Shinto traditions and there are several temples in the area including the most sacred sights at Yudono-san, Haguro-san, and Gas-san, as well as the Churenji and Dainichibo Temples.

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

Seoul is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Seoul has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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).

Dewa Sanzan may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. In your guesthouse you'll be given "Shojin cuisine", which is the traditional cuisine that has been handed down through the generations. It is strictly vegetarian and is heavily influenced by whatever vegetable is currently in season in the area. Traditionally, the cuisine focused on sustenance and not taste, but for the purposes of hospitality, the dishes are more flavorful than is typical in the traditional cuisine.

Is Seoul or Dewa Sanzan Better for Nightlife?

Seoul is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Dewa Sanzan. This is a religious site that is remote and focused on mountain worship and devotion. Nightlife is non-existent in the area.

Is Seoul or Dewa Sanzan Better for Music?

Seoul is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Dewa Sanzan 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.

Dewa Sanzan is not a live music destination.

Is Seoul or Dewa Sanzan Better for Hiking?

Dewa Sanzan is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Seoul is not a hiking destination.

Dewa Sanzan is a popular spot for hiking. Experienced hikers can climb Mt. Gassan and Mt. Yudono in one day and do Mt. Haguro separately. For Mt. Gassan, you'll want to take the bus to the 8th station and climb from there.

Seoul is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Seoul or Dewa Sanzan?

Seoul is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options 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.

Dewa Sanzan has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. This is a sacred sight that is devoted to worship and a simple life. As such, shopping in not available in the area with the exception of a couple of convenience stores.

Is Seoul or Dewa Sanzan Better for Families?

Seoul is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

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

Dewa Sanzan is not such a family-friendly city. The remote location make this a challenging place to access. It's a religious destination and its sacred and historic past is often lost to children. Out of respect for the strict religion, this site is best visited as an adult.

Is Seoul or Dewa Sanzan Better for Couples?

Seoul is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Dewa Sanzan 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.

Dewa Sanzan is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who want to do something that's a bit different from mainstream Japan will appreciate a visit to this religious site.

Is Seoul or Dewa Sanzan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Seoul and Dewa Sanzan are notable destinations for backpackers.

Seoul is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Dewa Sanzan. This is an off-the-beaten-path destination for backpackers, and it can be difficult to reach by public transit. Once you're there, if you want a traditional experience, you can stay at a Shukubo Pilgrim Lodge.

Is Seoul or Dewa Sanzan Better for Students?

Seoul is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Dewa Sanzan is not popular with students.

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.

Dewa Sanzan is not popular with students.

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

Seoul is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its public transit.

Visitors in Seoul can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.

Public transit is generally limited in Dewa Sanzan. There is public transit from Tsuruoka Station to Mt. Haguro and the accommodation in the area. There are also buses to the top of Mt. Haguro, Mt. Yudono, and Mt. Gassan 8th Station.

Is Seoul or Dewa Sanzan a more walkable city?

Seoul is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options 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.

Dewa Sanzan is generally not very walkable. Everything is very spread out so walking can be challenging. Experienced hikers will enjoy hiking to each of the three shrines.

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

Should I spend more time in Dewa Sanzan or Seoul?

How long in Seoul or Dewa Sanzan?

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

Families should spend more time in Seoul than Dewa Sanzan. 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 Dewa Sanzan. 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 Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan?

Seoul is a colorful city where you can fill many days. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Dewa Sanzan, many people enjoy the museums that this sacred destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This religious site 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 Dewa Sanzan?

Seoul is a high energy big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Dewa Sanzan. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Dewa Sanzan?

Seoul is a cultural city where you can fill many days. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Dewa Sanzan is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Dewa Sanzan. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Seoul or Dewa Sanzan?

Seoul is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find museums around the religious destination of Dewa Sanzan. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Seoul and Dewa Sanzan, we can see that Seoul is more expensive. And not only is Dewa Sanzan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dewa Sanzan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan.

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

When is the best time to visit Seoul or Dewa Sanzan?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Seoul or Dewa Sanzan in the Summer?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Seoul during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Seoul because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking are the main draw to Dewa Sanzan this time of year.

Seoul is around the same temperature as Dewa Sanzan in the summer. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In the summer, Seoul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dewa Sanzan. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 124 hours of full sun.

Dewa Sanzan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually gets more rain in July than Dewa Sanzan. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Dewa Sanzan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Dewa Sanzan. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Seoul this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking trails.

In the autumn, Seoul is a little warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Seoul in October average around 15°C (59°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during autumn. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Dewa Sanzan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Seoul usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzan. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Seoul or Dewa Sanzan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Dewa Sanzan. Many travelers come to Seoul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Dewa Sanzan in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Dewa Sanzan can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Seoul. In January, Seoul is generally much colder than Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around -3°C (27°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around -1°C (30°F).

In the winter, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. Seoul usually gets less rain in January than Dewa Sanzan. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Dewa Sanzan in the Spring?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Seoul in the spring for the activities around the city.

Seoul is a little warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the spring. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during spring. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 188 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Seoul usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dewa Sanzan. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dewa Sanzan and Seoul