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

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Should you visit Seoul or Edinburgh?

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

Seoul

Seoul is a modern, high energy, and colorful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a ancient, charming, and character-filled city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

How is Seoul different from Edinburgh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Seoul or Edinburgh better for Museums and Historical Sights?

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

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.

The museums and tourist attractions in Edinburgh are world-renowned. The most famous sights include the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum of Scotland.


Is Seoul or Edinburgh better for Food?

Most foodies will appreciate the options in Seoul a bit more than Edinburgh.

Seoul has long been recognized as a culinary destination. 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).

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Edinburgh. The city has some unique but famous dishes to try including haggis and black pudding. For slightly less intimidating options, check out the cullen skink, porridge, or smoked salmon.

Is Seoul or Edinburgh better for Nightlife?

Both Seoul and Edinburgh are comparable when it comes to partying.

Seoul offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Edinburgh has a large number of nightlife venues. With so many students, the nightlife stays very active. There are a wide range of bars, clubs and pubs to choose from.

Is Seoul or Edinburgh better for Music?

Both Seoul and Edinburgh offer a variety of live music venues.

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.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Edinburgh. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Is Seoul or Edinburgh better for Shopping?

Both Seoul and Edinburgh are good shopping destinations.

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.

Edinburgh is well-known for its shopping. Head to Princes Street in the New Town to visit department stores and other name brand shops. Nearby George Street has more boutique style shops and less crowds.


Is Seoul or Edinburgh better for Families?

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

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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Edinburgh is very family-friendly. There are a variety of unique activities for families in town including exploring Edinburgh Castle, a visit to the Edinburgh Dungeon, and of course, following the Harry Potter Trail.

Is Seoul or Edinburgh better for Couples?

Both Seoul and Edinburgh are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Seoul is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples enjoy the beautiful viewpoints, outdoor parks, and diverse restaurants. There are also many beautiful luxury hotels where couples can enjoy a romantic getaway.

Edinburgh makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its castle and the Royal Mile, there are many romantic places to explore as a couple. There are also good restaurants and some nice hotels.

Is Seoul or Edinburgh better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Seoul and Edinburgh are popular destinations for backpackers.

Seoul is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Edinburgh. The city has some good hostels and an active nightlife, so it's not hard to find other travelers to hang out with.

Is Seoul or Edinburgh better for Students?

Seoul and Edinburgh are both good 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Edinburgh. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.


Is Seoul or Edinburgh better for Public Transit?

While Edinburgh and Seoul both provide public transit, overall the system in Seoul is considered to be better.

Seoul has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.

Edinburgh has some public transit options. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.

Is Seoul or Edinburgh a more walkable city?

Seoul and Edinburgh both are comparable when exploring on foot.

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.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Edinburgh. The Old Town in particular is fun to walk around

Seoul and Edinburgh: Pros and Cons

Seoul
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
Edinburgh
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Cons
  • Less popular for food
  • Public transit not as usable


Should I spend more time in Edinburgh or Seoul?

How long in Seoul or Edinburgh?

In either Seoul or Edinburgh, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Seoul than Edinburgh because of the overall number of sights and activities.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Seoul is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Edinburgh is 1-5 days.


  • How many days in Seoul or Edinburgh? Ideal Length of Stay
    Seoul 3-7 
    Edinburgh 1-5

One day in Seoul or Edinburgh?

People visit Seoul because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Edinburgh, many people enjoy the live music and shopping that this vibrant destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Edinburgh?

People visit Seoul because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Edinburgh. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Edinburgh?

People visit Seoul because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Edinburgh is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Seoul or Edinburgh?

Seoul is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Seoul, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find theater and nightlife around the character-filled destination of Edinburgh. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered around the area. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Which city is cheaper, Edinburgh or Seoul?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Seoul is $93, while the average daily cost in Edinburgh is $143. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Seoul and Edinburgh in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Seoul $47
    Edinburgh $76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Seoul $94
    Edinburgh $152

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Seoul $13
    Edinburgh $17
Typical Local Transportation prices in Seoul

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


  • Subway Card
    $3.91
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $5.47
  • Metro Ride
    $1.06
  • Seoul City Pass Plus
    $7.82

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:

  • Summer Activity in Korea: Water Leisure Tour at Gapyeong with Private Transfer: $360
  • Seoul ⇄ Alpensia / Yongpyong Ski Resort Private Van Transfers: $469
  • Private transfer in Korea along with a wide range of cars (3~28pax): $75
  • Private Transfer: Seoul to Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN): $108
  • Private Transfer to Airport : Seoul to Incheon Airport ( up to 7pax): $79
  • Private Transfer from Seoul Hotels to Incheon Int'l Airport: $120
  • Private Departure Transfer from Seoul Hotels to Gimpo International Airport: $90
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Gimpo International Airport to Seoul Hotels: $90
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Seoul to Gimpo International Airport (GMP): $31
  • Private Airport Transfer: Seoul to Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN): $41
  • Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Incheon Airport (1-9 pax): $120
  • Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Incheon Airport (1-6 pax): $85

Typical Local Transportation prices in Edinburgh

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


  • Local Bus
    $4.43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Edinburgh

Also for Edinburgh, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Edinburgh Airport: Bus Transfer: $6.06
  • Private luxury transfer from Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh: $28
  • Private luxury transfer from Edinburgh to Edinburgh Airport: $28
  • Private Edinburgh Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $29
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Edinburgh Airport (EDI) to Edinburgh: $32
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Edinburgh to Edinburgh Airport (EDI): $32
  • Private Edinburgh city to Edinburgh Airport transfer - Or airport to city: $45
  • Private Edinburgh Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel / Accommodation: $47
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Edinburgh Airport to City Hotel: $52
  • Departure Transfer - Edinburgh City to Edinburgh Airport: $52
  • Round Trip Edinburgh Airport (EDI) Transfer to Edinburgh City Center: $58
  • Edinburgh Airport (EDI) to Edinburgh Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Seoul or Edinburgh?

Prices for flights to both Edinburgh 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 $26
    Edinburgh $39
Typical Food prices in Seoul

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


  • Rice with Kimchi & Bacon
    $4.69
  • Waffle
    $0.78
  • Dippin' Dots
    $1.56
  • Chicken Fried Rice
    $4.30
  • Chicken Stick
    $1.56
  • Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew
    $1.49
  • Lunch Buffet
    $4.69
  • Donut
    $0.78
  • Mushroom Burger
    $4.07
  • Green Tea Ice Cream
    $2.58
  • Udon & Sushi
    $5.47
  • Fresh Burger
    $3.75
  • Soba Noodles Lunch
    $3.52
  • Bibimbap Lunch
    $3.91
  • Fried Rice
    $4.30
  • Vietnamese Dinner
    $7.43
  • Breakfast and Coffee for 2
    $7.43
  • Donut
    $1.96

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul

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

  • Night Market Food Tour: $48
  • Traditional Korean Cooking Class (Kimchi) & market tour with chef Joungy: $51
  • Korean Cooking Class with Full-Course Meal & Local Market Tour: $56
  • Small-Group Korean Cooking Class in Seoul: $56
  • Traditional Cooking Experience in Korean Style House in Seoul: $58
  • Secret of Banchan (side dish) cooking!: $61
  • Traditional Korean cooking class and market visit in Seoul: $62
  • Private 3-Hour Korean Cooking Class in Seoul: $68
  • Local Flavors of Seoul at Night: Street Food Tour: $70
  • Eat like a local! Most authentic Seoul food tour: $79
  • Historic Jongro District Authentic Food Tour in Seoul: $81
  • Gwangjang Market Food Tour including Lunch: $82

Typical Food prices in Edinburgh

For Edinburgh, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Breakfast
    $10
  • Dinner at Filling Station
    $12
  • Lunch for Two
    $18
  • Sandwich
    $2.28
  • Cheese & bread
    $8.90
  • Thai Restaurant Dinner (for 2)
    $31
  • 2 Coffees and Scones
    $7.14
  • Turkish Delight
    $1.72
  • Soup at the Pub
    $7.27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Edinburgh

For Edinburgh, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Scottish Classic Desserts private cooking class with professional chef: $66
  • Discover Royal Mile-Old Town & ENJOY Indian Dinner ~ Walking Tour!: $79
  • 3-Hour Guided Secret Food Tour: $94
  • Vegetarian/Vegan Curry Cooking Class – pure comfort food for the soul!: $97
  • Curry Around The World Cooking Class: $97
  • Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Edinburgh: $106
  • Relaxing Handmade Pasta with meal and wine - Safe Cooking Class: $110
  • Vegetarian/Vegan Curry Private Cooking Class with professional chef: $116
  • "Curry Around The World" Private Cooking Class with professional chef: $116
  • Private Food Tour with a Local Expert including 10 Tastings in Edinburgh: $136
  • Handmade Pasta Cooking Class & Dinner with professional chef for private groups: $137
  • 3-Hour Secret Food Tour in Edinburgh w/ Private Tour Option: $228

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Seoul $23
    Edinburgh $20
Typical Entertainment prices in Seoul

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


  • Palace Tickets
    $6.26
  • Movie Ticket
    $6.26
  • Kimchi Museum
    $2.35

Tours and Activities in Seoul

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

  • "Nami Island" & "Petite France" or "Garden of Morning Calm" ※ Private Tour: $97
  • "Parasite" Filming Location Afternoon Tour with Free Jjapaguri(Ram-don): $44
  • 'My Love From The Star' TV Tour Including Petite France: $120
  • (Private) 9-Days Tasty Journey Around South Korea Tour: $3,475
  • 1 Day Seorak Mt. Private Tour: $314
  • 1 day Jeonju City tour by KTX Train from Seoul: $390
  • 10 Day Essential Korea Tour(Seoul, DMZ, Busan, Gyeongju, Andong, Jeju): $4,306
  • 1Day Customizable Private Daegu tour from Seoul by KTX train: $462
  • 2 Day Essential Tour-Nami Island,Petite Fr. and Mt.Seorak(Inc. Accom. & 4 Meals): $741
  • 2 Day Private: Rakkojae Korean Cultural Heritage Tour via Andong Hahoe Village: $654
  • 2 Day Tour for Seoul City/Nami, Petite,Garden of Morning Calm(Inc. Lun. & Din.): $555
  • 2 Days Gyeongju Private Tour from Seoul and Near Seoul: $490

Typical Entertainment prices in Edinburgh

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Edinburgh's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Show Tickets
    $39
  • Movie Tickets for Two
    $15
  • Donation for Storytellers
    $7.39

Tours and Activities in Edinburgh

For Edinburgh, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • City Highlights Self-Guided Smartphone Tour: $5.66
  • Harry Potter’s Explore the magic of the city on an audio walking tour: $5.99
  • The Witches Tour: $6.80
  • Edinburgh Audio Tour: Discover its History and Secrets: $8.26
  • Edinburgh Royal Mile (New Self Guided Tour): $8.26
  • Late Night Haunted Underground Vaults Tour: $12
  • Historic Underground Vaults Daytime Tour: $12
  • Old Town Historical Walking Tour: $12
  • Self-Guided City Experience: $12
  • Self-Guided City Sightseeing Treasure Hunt: $14
  • Ghost and Gore Walking Tour of Edinburgh: $14
  • Murder and Mystery Walking Tour of Edinburgh: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Seoul $10
    Edinburgh $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Seoul

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

  • Seoul Pub Crawl and Party with Free Shots: $24
  • Pub Crawl and Party at City's Best Bars and Clubs: $25
  • 3-Hour Small Group Korean Pub Crawl + Food Tasting in Hongdae: $86

Typical Alcohol prices in Edinburgh

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Edinburgh from other travelers:


  • Beer & Wine
    $17
  • Half Pint at Tollbooth Tavern
    $2.03
  • Pint of Beer
    $4.31

Sample the Local Flavors in Edinburgh

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

  • The Orange Pub Crawl - Edinburgh: $18
  • Edinburgh Brewery Tour: $22
  • Holyrood Distillery Gin and Whisky Guided Tour: $24
  • Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour: $24
  • Guided Gin Tasting at 56 North Distillery: $34
  • Pickering's Gin Distillery Tour with Gin Tastings: $34
  • Loch Lomond, Stirling, and Glengoyne Distillery Tour from Edinburgh: $52
  • Rosslyn Chapel, Scottish Borders & Glenkinchie Distillery from Edinburgh: $54
  • Loch Ness, Highlands and Whisky Distillery Day Tour from Edinburgh: $66
  • Bike, beers and brewery tour: $90
  • Edinburgh and Golf and Distillery Tour with Private Driver: $259
  • Whisky Distillery Tour from Edinburgh by Private Vehicle: $284

About these numbers

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

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Seoul vs. Edinburgh Travel Comparison

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