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

Should you visit Seoul or Marrakech?

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

Seoul

Seoul is a colorful, cultural, and bustling 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Marrakech

Marrakech is a ancient, cultural, and high-energy city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Seoul and Marrakech: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Jemaa el-Fnaa Square
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Seoul or Marrakech?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Marrakech than Seoul. While Seoul is larger than Marrakech, Marrakech has more sights and attractions for tourists. Marrakech is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty, while Seoul is known for its food, nightlife, music, and big city activities. Marrakech is more touristy than Seoul and is popular for its colorful medina, festive night market, and beautiful palaces. It is also home to Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Seoul is popular for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy.

How is Seoul different from Marrakech?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Seoul
Marrakech

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

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 Marrakech can be an interesting and educational experience. While wandering the medina is an attraction in and of itself, there are also several sights that you should specifically check out. The iconic Djemaa el-Fnaa, or the city's main square, is best visited as the sun goes down. Other notable landmarks include Koutoubia Mosque, Majorelle Gardens, and Medersa Ben Youssef.


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

Seoul
Marrakech

Seoul is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Marrakech is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Seoul is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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, Marrakech makes for a great culinary experience. Moroccan food is amazing and you'll enjoy grilled meats, tagines, couscous, and more. The city is more touristy than some parts of Morocco so you'll find the quality of the food can vary a bit, but it's still a culinary delight. Marrakesh is also a great city for taking a cooking class.

Is Seoul or Marrakech Better for Nightlife?

Seoul
Marrakech

Seoul is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Marrakech is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

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.

Marrakech has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Although alcohol is hard to come by, you'll find it in most western style restaurants and high end hotel chains. The city has more bars and nightclubs than you'd expect. There's also a great nighttime energy with many locals heading outside in the evening. Jemaa el-Fnaa, the main square, comes to life with street vendors, performers, and people during the nighttime hours.

Is Seoul or Marrakech Better for Music?

Seoul
Marrakech

Seoul is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Marrakech 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.

Marrakech is not a live music destination.


Is Seoul or Marrakech Better for its Old Town?

Seoul
Marrakech

Marrakech is very popular for its old town. However, Seoul does not have a historic old town.

Marrakech has a world-famous historical area. The historic medina is filled with spices, antiques, art, and pottery. The culture and experience of wandering the medina will have you feeling like you stepped back in time.

Seoul does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Seoul or Marrakech?

Seoul
Marrakech

Both Seoul and Marrakech are world-class 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 Marrakech specifically to go shopping. Shop your way through the street stalls and sample perfumes, spices, produce, and more. You'll find everything from souvenir trinkets to local items and authentic antiques.

Is Seoul or Marrakech Better for Families?

Seoul
Marrakech

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

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 Marrakech. Kids will enjoy exploring a new culture and wandering through the medina. The food is very kid-friendly and during the evening the main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa, comes to life with street performers, vendors, and entertainment. Families can also take cooking classes or head into the desert for a camel trek.


Is Seoul or Marrakech Better for Couples?

Seoul
Marrakech

Marrakech 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, Marrakech has plenty to offer. There are many wonderful restaurants and fascinating places for couples to explores. Wandering the medina or visiting the gardens make for a romantic and adventurous getaway.

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.

Is Seoul or Marrakech Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Seoul
Marrakech

Marrakech 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 Marrakech. The city is very affordable and there are countless riads that are budget-friendly. There are enough backpackers around town that it's not hard to meet fellow travelers.

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 Marrakech Better for Students?

Seoul
Marrakech

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

Seoul is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Marrakech is not popular with students.


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

Seoul
Marrakech

Seoul is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. However, Marrakech 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 limited or non-existant in Marrakech. While there are local buses, most people take taxis around town when they can't walk. Taxis are affordable and convenient.

Is Seoul or Marrakech a more walkable city?

Seoul
Marrakech

Seoul and Marrakech both are great 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.

Marrakech is a very walkable destination. The medina is the best area to walk around but it's very easy to get lost. Outside of the medina you'll want to keep your eyes open for motorbikes and the occasional donkey.

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

Should I spend more time in Marrakech or Seoul?

How long in Seoul or Marrakech?

Both Seoul and Marrakech have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Seoul has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Seoul than Marrakech. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Couples should spend more time in Marrakech than Seoul. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Marrakech that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.


  • How many days in Seoul or Marrakech? Ideal Length of Stay
    Seoul 3-7 
    Marrakech 3-7

One day in Seoul or Marrakech?

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 Marrakech, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural big city offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the shopping. 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.


A weekend in Seoul or Marrakech?

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 Marrakech. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

Five days in Seoul or Marrakech?

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.

Marrakech is a fun place to experience. In Marrakech, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this big city destination offers. Lots of people come for the shopping. 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 Marrakech?

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.

In Marrakech, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cultural big city offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the shopping. 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 10-Day Tours in Morocco, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Marrakech or Seoul?

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 Marrakech is $68. 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 Marrakech in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Seoul $56
    Marrakech $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Seoul $112
    Marrakech $92
Compare Hotels in Seoul and Marrakech

Looking for a hotel in Seoul or Marrakech? 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.

Hotels in Seoul


Hotels in Marrakech


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Seoul Hotel Prices and Marrakech Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Seoul $16
    Marrakech $6.29
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seoul

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


  • Subway Card
    $3.72
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $5.21
  • Metro Ride
    $1.00
  • Seoul City Pass Plus
    $7.44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:

  • Seoul Incheon International Airport to from Incheon Private Transfer: $85
  • Seoul Airport: Private Departure Transfer from Seoul City Center: $87
  • Private Transfer Service from Seoul City Hotels to Gimpo Airport: $57
  • Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Incheon Airport 1-12 pax: $215
  • Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Incheon Airport (1-5 pax): $115
  • Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Gimpo Airport (1-12 pax): $180
  • Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City - Gimpo Airport (1-5 pax): $120
  • Private Airport Transfer: Gimpo Airport to Seoul City (1-12 pax): $160
  • Private Airport Transfer : Incheon airport to/from Seoul(~7 pax): $99
  • Private Airport Transfer - Incheon Airport ⇔ Seoul (Up to 7 or 11 people): $138
  • Private Airport Transfer * Incheon Airport <-> Seoul (1-5 people): $104
  • Incheon Airport Transfer Service private transport to/from Seoul: $110

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marrakech

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

  • Marrakech Airport Round trip Transfers: $5.51
  • Marrakech Airport Transfer: $5.51
  • Transfer from Al Madina Airport: $5.88
  • Marrakech Airport Transfer ( ONE WAY pick-up OR/OU ONE WAY drop-off): $6.61
  • Marrakech Airport Transfer (ONE WAY pick-up OR/OU ONE WAY drop-off): $6.61
  • Marrakech airport transfer to Hotel: $6.61
  • Marrakech Airport transfer ( ONE WAY pick-up OR/OU ONE WAY drop-off): $6.61
  • Private transfer from airport Menara Marrakech To Riad/Hotel or Opposite way: $7.71
  • Private Transfer: from Marrakech Airport to your hotel: $8.23
  • Transfer from Marrakech Airport to Marrakech City Centre: $8.81
  • Private One-way Airport Transfer to/from Hotel in Marrakech: $8.81
  • Marrakech Airport Transfer : $9.36

Is it cheaper to fly into Seoul or Marrakech?

Prices for flights to both Marrakech 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 $31
    Marrakech $13
Typical Food Prices in Seoul

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


  • Rice with Kimchi & Bacon
    $4.46
  • Waffle
    $0.74
  • Dippin' Dots
    $1.49
  • Chicken Fried Rice
    $4.09
  • Chicken Stick
    $1.49
  • Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew
    $1.41
  • Lunch Buffet
    $4.46
  • Donut
    $0.74
  • Mushroom Burger
    $3.87
  • Green Tea Ice Cream
    $2.46
  • Udon & Sushi
    $5.21
  • Fresh Burger
    $3.57
  • Soba Noodles Lunch
    $3.35
  • Bibimbap Lunch
    $3.72
  • Fried Rice
    $4.09
  • Vietnamese Dinner
    $7.07
  • Breakfast and Coffee for 2
    $7.07
  • Donut
    $1.86

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul

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

  • Sunset Walking Tour in Naksan Park with Dinner: $61
  • Seoul Ultimate Food Tour: $65
  • Energizing Korean Cooking Class in a Local Home in Seoul: $71
  • Night Market Food Tour: $72
  • Authentic Korean Home Cooking and Market Tour: $76
  • K-FOOD one day cooking class: $77
  • Korean Cooking Class with Full-Course Meal & Local Market Tour in Seoul: $81
  • [Seoul] Cooking Class for Korean Food with NOW COOKING Studio: $81
  • Secret Food Tours Seoul w/ Private Tour Option: $99
  • Noryangjin Fish Market Dinner: $123
  • 3-Hour Seoul Night Food Tour: Hongdae & Yeonnam: $130
  • Seoul Food n Night view with Local Korean BBQ dinner Hongdae st.: $150

Typical Food Prices in Marrakech

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


  • Orange Juice on the Square
    $0.30
  • Breakfast
    $1.19
  • Dates
    $0.60
  • Olives
    $0.90
  • Sandwich
    $1.29
  • Souvenir Spices
    $6.17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marrakech

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

  • Dinner In Agafay Desert & Camel Ride with lovely Sunset : $12
  • Agafay Desert Sunset, Camel Ride and Dinner from Marrakech: $15
  • Cooking Lesson at the Ouirgane Ecolodge with Lunch: $19
  • Typical Moroccan Dinner at the inhabitant in Marrakech: $22
  • Marrakesh: Agafay desert Sunset tour with dinner show : $22
  • Magical Dinner in Marrakech Desert with Camel ride at the sunset : $22
  • Sunset in Agafay: Dinner, Camel, Quad-Book Adventure with Viator: $22
  • Magical dinner and camel ride on sunset in Desert Marrakech : $23
  • Magical Dinner In Agafay Desert and Sunset Experience: $24
  • Marical dinner and camel ride at sunset in Desert of Marrakech: $24
  • Marrakech Desert Tour with Camel Ride and Dinner Show : $26
  • Berber Dinner In Marrakech Agafay Desert Sunset Camel Ride : $27

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Seoul $27
    Marrakech $6.99
Typical Entertainment Prices in Seoul

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


  • Palace Tickets
    $5.95
  • Movie Ticket
    $5.95
  • Kimchi Museum
    $2.23

Tours and Activities in Seoul

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

  • Private Tour Nami Island with Petite France 'and/or' The Garden of Morning Calm: $98
  • (Private tour) Nami Island + Railbike + Garden of morning calm: $220
  • 2-Hour Makgeolli Tasting Experience in Seoul: $39
  • 2D 1N Phoenix Pyeongchang Reseot Stay + Trout Ice-Fishing Festival Tour: $144
  • 3-Hour Self-guided Sokcho Tour with Private Transportation: $24
  • 3-Hour Seoul Tasting Tour: Cityhall, Gwanghwamun & Jeongdong Area: $108
  • ARMY must visit BTS tour in Seoul: $50
  • Activity - Mt. Bukhan Hiking Guided Tour: $150
  • Afternoon Half Day Seoul City Tour, visit Queen's dorm: $67
  • Alive Museum Discount Ticket at Insa-dong(내국인불가): $9.70
  • Alpaca World & Nami Island Private Tour : $285
  • Alternative A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20

Typical Entertainment Prices in Marrakech

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


  • Palace Tickets
    $1.99
  • Golf at Atlas Golf
    $56

Tours and Activities in Marrakech

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

  • Marrakech Medina Walking Tour With Local Guide: $5.00
  • 3-Hour Colorful Souks Tour: $5.00
  • 3-Hour Colorful Souks Tour: $5.00
  • Skip the Line: Woven History Museum Ticket - musée Histoire Tissée: $6.79
  • Full Day Tour to Atlas Mountains in Imlil Valley: $15
  • Full Day Hiking Tour to Atlas Mountains from Marrakech: $15
  • From full-day tour to Essaouira (private): $16
  • Marrakech highlight tours: $17
  • Private Full Day Tour to Essaouira Mogador from Marrakech: $17
  • Marrakesh Tour Guide: living the vibe as a Local.: $17
  • Atlas Mountains Three Valley and Berber Villages & Watterffalls Day Tour: $17
  • Full Day Tour in Atlas Mountains From Marrakech : $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Seoul $12
    Marrakech $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Seoul

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

  • Chunpoong Makgeolli Brewery Tour: $10
  • The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $21
  • Soju Tasting at Distillery - story of 3 pigs: $42


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

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


Which is Bigger, Seoul or Marrakech?

Seoul has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Marrakech. When comparing the sizes of Seoul and Marrakech, 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.