Which place is cheaper, London or Seoul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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 London can help you decide which place is right for you.
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.
London is a diverse, iconic, and global city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.
Travelers will generally find more things to do in London than Seoul. While Seoul is larger than London, London has more sights and attractions for tourists. London is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, christmas markets, and impressive beauty, while Seoul is known for its food. London is more touristy than Seoul and is popular for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. It is also home to Big Ben. Seoul is popular for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between London and Seoul. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
London is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.
The museums, monuments, and landmarks in London are among the most recognizable in the world. The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Seoul can be an interesting and educational experience. The museums and landmarks are diverse, with notable sights including N Seoul Tower, the Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village, and the National Museum of Korea.
London is very popular for its theatre productions. However, Seoul is not a theatre destination.
The theater scene in London is world-class. The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.
Seoul is not a theatre destination.
Seoul is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, London is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.
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, London makes for a great culinary experience. Although food here was once the butt of a number of jokes, the restaurant scene has come a long way, and you can find anything and everything around town. Head to Chinatown to try dim sum or hot pot. There are no shortage of Indian restaurants as well. If you want the best food for the lowest prices, your best bet is to get out of the touristy areas and discover where the locals eat. There are also many markets that are perfect for grabbing a unique lunch or snack. Burrough Market has a number of ethnic and seafood vendors as well as fresh produce and snack options.
London is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.
London is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.
Seoul has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.
Both Seoul and London offer fantastic 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.
London has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.
Both Seoul and London are fantastic 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.
Many people travel to London specifically to go shopping. With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British shopping experience.
London is very popular for its Christmas activities. However, Seoul does not offer Christmas activities.
London is a world class destination during the Christmas season. There's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, outdoor ice skating, and beautiful Christmas lights throughout the city. You can also listen to Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square or see a classic Christmas show.
Seoul does not offer Christmas activities.
London is very popular for its Christmas markets. However, Seoul does not offer Christmas markets.
London has some of the best Christmas markets in the world. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.
Seoul does not offer Christmas markets.
London is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.
London is one of the most popular family destinations. Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is fun for everyone, but should be booked well in advance as it sells out. Theatre enthusiasts will enjoy catching a musical in West End and sampling dim sum or a hot pot in Chinatown. There are often Wednesday matinee showings that are perfect for kids with early bedtimes.
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.
London is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.
For those traveling as a couple, London has plenty to offer. With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway. There are world class musicals, evening concerts, and restaurants of every style, cuisine, and budget. It's easy for couples to fill days in this vibrant city.
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.
London is very popular for backpackers. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit London. Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit. There's a huge backpacker network here and it's easy to meet other travelers. The nightlife scene is also second to none.
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.
London 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 London. The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.
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.
Both Seoul and London 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 London can get you around easily. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.
London is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.
It is easy to get around London on foot. With many walkable areas, it is considered to be one of the world's most walkable major cities.
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.
For even more information, also check out Is Seoul Worth Visiting? and Is London Worth Visiting?.
Both Seoul and London have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, London has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in London than Seoul. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.
Families should spend more time in London than Seoul. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in London, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in London than Seoul. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in London that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in London 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 London.
Seoul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
In London, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this diverse big city offers. This city 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.
Seoul is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in London. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Seoul. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
London is a fun place to experience. In London, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this big city destination offers. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
Seoul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.
In London, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this global big city offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.
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 United Kingdom, and The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Seoul is $110, while the average daily cost in London is $239. 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 London in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Seoul or London? 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in London:
Also for London, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both London 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.
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seoul.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to London:
For London, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:
For London, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for London.
Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in London:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Seoul and London, we can see that London 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 London 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 London would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in London 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 London Expensive?.
Seoul has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of London. When comparing the sizes of Seoul and London, 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.
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.
The summer brings many poeple to Seoul as well as London. The summer months attract visitors to Seoul because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to London this time of year.
In the summer, Seoul is a little warmer than London. Typically, the summer temperatures in Seoul in July average around 26°C (78°F), and London averages at about 18°C (64°F).
In the summer, Seoul often gets less sunshine than London. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while London receives 195 hours of full sun.
Seoul receives a lot of rain in the summer. Seoul usually gets more rain in July than London. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while London receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both London and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Seoul this time of year. Also, many travelers come to London for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Seoul is generally a little warmer than London. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 15°C (59°F), and London fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually receives more sunshine than London during autumn. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while London receives 107 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Seoul usually receives less rain than London. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while London receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Both London and Seoul during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Seoul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to London in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
London can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Seoul. Seoul is much colder than London in the winter. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and London fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
In the winter, Seoul often gets more sunshine than London. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while London receives 52 hours of full sun.
Seoul usually gets less rain in January than London. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while London receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and London. Many visitors come to Seoul in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to London for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Seoul is a little warmer than London. Typically, the spring temperatures in Seoul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and London averages at about 9°C (48°F).
In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seoul usually receives more sunshine than London during spring. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while London receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Seoul usually receives more rain than London. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while London receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Seoul | London | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
Feb | -0°C (32°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
May | 18°C (65°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 369 mm (14.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
Aug | 26°C (80°F) | 294 mm (11.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
Oct | 15°C (59°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
Nov | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
Dec | 0°C (33°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |