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

Should you visit Seoul or Frankfurt?

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

Seoul

Seoul is a cultural, bustling, and modern city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a dynamic, diverse, and accessible city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Seoul and Frankfurt: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seoul or Frankfurt?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Seoul than Frankfurt, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Seoul is more popular for its food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Frankfurt is known for its historical sights. Seoul is popular for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. It is also home to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Frankfurt is popular for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife.

How is Seoul different from Frankfurt?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Seoul and Frankfurt.

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 Frankfurt can be an interesting and educational experience. Many sights are concentrated in the old town center. Highlights include the Historical Museum and St. Nicholas Church. Elsewhere, make sure you check out Maintower, the Städel Museum, and the Museum District.

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

Seoul is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Frankfurt makes for a great culinary experience. In addition to a number of international restaurants, the city also has a strong regional cuisine. Some of the most interesting local dishes include Frankfurter Sausage, Rindwurst, Grüne Soße (an herb sauce), and Handkäse mit Musik (marinated sour milk cheese). Also make sure you sample the Apfelwein.

Is Seoul or Frankfurt Better for Nightlife?

Both Seoul and Frankfurt are very good 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.

Frankfurt has a large number of nightlife venues. It's a vibrant city with many trendy clubs, cocktail bars, music venues, and more. You can enjoy techno, hip hop, and almost any style of music. There are also festivals, beer halls, and classic pubs.

Is Seoul or Frankfurt Better for Music?

Seoul is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Frankfurt is not a live music destination.

Seoul has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. 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.

Frankfurt is not a live music destination.

Is Seoul or Frankfurt Better for its Old Town?

Frankfurt is very good for its old town. However, Seoul does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Frankfurt to see the old town. Many museums and cafes are concentrated in the old town area.

Seoul does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Seoul or Frankfurt?

Seoul is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Seoul specifically to go shopping. 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.

Frankfurt is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's a financial capital in Europe, and as such there are plenty of high end shopping opportunities. MyZeil is a major shopping mall in the city and Kleinmarkthalle is a more classic market. Popular shopping neighborhoods and streets include Goethestrasse, Sachsenhausen and Berger Strasse.

Is Seoul or Frankfurt Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Seoul or Frankfurt.

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 Frankfurt. In town there's a zoo, a children’s museum, a math and technology museum (EXPERIMINTA), and a number of parks, natural areas, and playgrounds. If you're willing to head out of town then you can visit Taunus Wunderland, which is an amusement park with about 50 rides and attractions.

Is Seoul or Frankfurt Better for Couples?

Seoul is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Frankfurt is a nice destination for couples. The iconic spot of romance in the city is the Iron Footbridge, which is a traditional spot to attach a "love lock" and take a selfie. The city also offers river cruises, winery tours, and beautiful parks and natural areas.

Is Seoul or Frankfurt Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Frankfurt is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Frankfurt is a great city to visit for backpackers. You'll find a number of hostels in town. The city is also a major transportation hub so many backpackers pass through the area at some point on their trip through Germany.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Is Seoul or Frankfurt Better for Students?

Frankfurt is very popular for students. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit Frankfurt. The city offers prestigious universities and a world class education. The economy offers many internships and job opportunities and you'll find students from around the world studying here. Frankfurt is also well connected to the rest of Europe, so it's easy to explore the region.

Seoul is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

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

Both Seoul and Frankfurt offer fantastic public transit options.

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.

With a huge network, the transit system in Frankfurt can get you around easily. It is a huge transportation hub with a major international airport and a number of international train connections. Locally, the city has a subway, trams, commuter trains and buses.

Is Seoul or Frankfurt a more walkable city?

Seoul and Frankfurt both are very good 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.

Frankfurt is a very walkable destination. It has a compact city center that is generally pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Frankfurt or Seoul?

How long in Seoul or Frankfurt?

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

Couples should spend more time in Seoul than Frankfurt. 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 Frankfurt than Seoul 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 Frankfurt.

One day in Seoul or Frankfurt?

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 Frankfurt, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this accessible big city 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 Frankfurt?

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 Frankfurt. 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 Frankfurt?

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.

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

A week in Seoul or Frankfurt?

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 food and shopping around the connected big city of Frankfurt. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Seoul or Frankfurt?

Seoul has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Frankfurt. When comparing the sizes of Seoul and Frankfurt, 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 Frankfurt?

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 Frankfurt in the Summer?

Both Frankfurt 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 city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Frankfurt this time of year.

In the summer, Seoul is a little warmer than Frankfurt. Typically, the summer temperatures in Seoul in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Frankfurt averages at about 19°C (67°F).

In Frankfurt, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Seoul often gets less sunshine than Frankfurt. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 225 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually gets more rain in July than Frankfurt. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Frankfurt in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Frankfurt. 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 Frankfurt for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Seoul is generally a little warmer than Frankfurt. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 15°C (59°F), and Frankfurt fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Frankfurt during autumn. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Seoul usually receives around the same amount of rain as Frankfurt. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Seoul or Frankfurt in the Winter?

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

Frankfurt can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Seoul. Seoul is much colder than Frankfurt in the winter. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Frankfurt fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

In the winter, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Frankfurt. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 41 hours of full sun.

Seoul usually gets less rain in January than Frankfurt. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Frankfurt in the Spring?

Both Frankfurt 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. Also, most visitors come to Frankfurt for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Seoul is a little warmer than Frankfurt. Typically, the spring temperatures in Seoul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Frankfurt averages at about 10°C (50°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Frankfurt during spring. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Seoul usually receives more rain than Frankfurt. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Frankfurt and Seoul