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

Should you visit Seoul or Kobe?

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

Seoul

Seoul is a high energy, colorful, and cultural 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 live music, food, and shopping.

Kobe

Kobe is a multicultural, quaint, and subdued city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Seoul and Kobe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seoul or Kobe?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Seoul than Kobe, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Seoul is more touristy than Kobe and is popular for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. It is also home to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Kobe is popular for its world renowned Kobe beef and its hot spring resorts.

How is Seoul different from Kobe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Seoul is great for its historical sights. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Seoul. The museums and landmarks are diverse, with notable sights including N Seoul Tower, the Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village, and the National Museum of Korea.

Kobe is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Check out the view from the top of the Kobe Port Tower and visit the high energy area of Kobe Harborland. The Disaster Reduction Museum and the nearby Human Renovation Museum are both fascinating to visit as well. Also check out the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art and Rokko Island.

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

Seoul is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Seoul, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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, Kobe makes for a great culinary experience. Most people immediately think of Kobe beef when they think of this city, but there are also many other specialties around town. You'll find good sushi as well as akashiyaki, which are octopus dumplings. The city long served as a major port for Japan, so there is a strong Chinese influence over the cuisine. In particular, you should try the chuka ryori (a Chinese dumpling).

Is Seoul or Kobe Better for Nightlife?

Seoul is great for its evening party scene. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Many people head to Seoul for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kobe. The nightlife scene is a bit subdued, but that doesn't mean you won't find local bars, karaoke, and live music venues where you can hang out. Many visitors enjoy having a chill night out with a drink in a laid back setting.

Is Seoul or Kobe Better for Music?

Seoul is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Kobe 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.

Kobe is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Seoul or Kobe?

Seoul is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Kobe is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's fun and convenient to shop here, as the best shopping districts are easy to access from the train stations. Sannomiya is a hub of transportation and shopping in the city, but also check out Kobe Harborland for its diverse stores and high energy.

Is Seoul or Kobe Better for Families?

Seoul is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Seoul. 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.

Kobe is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of kid-friendly attractions around Kobe Harborland including a ferris wheel, Anpanman Museum, and the Kobe Maritime Museum. Kids will also enjoy running around Meriken Park or Mount Rokko. Kids who like animals will enjoy a visit to Kobe Animal Kingdom.

Is Seoul or Kobe Better for Couples?

Seoul is great for couples. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Seoul is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Kobe is a nice destination for couples. There's a romantic view from the top of the Kobe Port Tower. There are also many parks and a waterfront promenade where you can take a stroll. If you enjoy hiking, you can take the Maya View Line Kikuseidai, which is particularly nice in the evening.

Is Seoul or Kobe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Seoul and Kobe are good 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 Kobe. Although many tourists and backpackers don't put Kobe on their itinerary, there are still a handful of hostels around the city.

Is Seoul or Kobe Better for Students?

Seoul is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Kobe is not popular with students.

Many students visit Seoul. 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.

Kobe is not popular with students.

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

Seoul is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Seoul is top-notch. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.

Kobe has a few public transit options. While there is a subway system, it's not particularly useful to tourists. There is a bus service that operates a line that targets tourists.

Is Seoul or Kobe a more walkable city?

Seoul is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Seoul is a very walkable destination. 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.

Kobe is somewhat walkable. It's relatively easy to walk around many parts of the city, although some areas are quite hilly. You can walk from Shin-Kobe Bullet Train Station to the water in about half an hour.

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

Should I spend more time in Kobe or Seoul?

How long in Seoul or Kobe?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Seoul or Kobe to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Seoul than Kobe because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Seoul, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kobe.

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

Seoul is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Kobe, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this multicultural 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 Kobe?

Seoul is a fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Seoul is a colorful big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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

A week in Seoul or Kobe?

Seoul is a bustling city where you can fill many days. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find food and shopping around the quaint destination of Kobe. 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 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Seoul and Kobe, we can see that Seoul is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Seoul or Kobe?

Seoul has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Kobe. When comparing the sizes of Seoul and Kobe, 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 Kobe?

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 Kobe in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Kobe. Many visitors come to Seoul in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Kobe for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Seoul is around the same temperature as Kobe. Typically, the summer temperatures in Seoul in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Kobe averages at about 27°C (80°F).

In the summer, Seoul often gets less sunshine than Kobe. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kobe. Seoul receives a lot of rain in the summer. Seoul usually gets more rain in July than Kobe. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Kobe in the Autumn?

Both Kobe and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Seoul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Kobe because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Seoul is generally cooler than Kobe. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 15°C (59°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during autumn. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. In October, Seoul usually receives less rain than Kobe. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Seoul or Kobe in the Winter?

Both Kobe and Seoul during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Seoul because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kobe this time of year.

The weather in Seoul can be very cold. Seoul is much colder than Kobe in the winter. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Kobe fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

In the winter, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 140 hours of full sun.

Seoul usually gets less rain in January than Kobe. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Kobe in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Kobe. The activities around the city are the main draw to Seoul this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kobe for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Seoul is cooler than Kobe. Typically, the spring temperatures in Seoul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Kobe averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during spring. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kobe receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Seoul usually receives less rain than Kobe. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kobe and Seoul