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

Should you visit Seoul or Marseille?

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

Seoul

Seoul is a bustling, modern, and high energy 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 museums, nightlife, and live music.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Seoul and Marseille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seoul or Marseille?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Seoul than Marseille, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Seoul is more popular for its museums, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Marseille is known for its nightlife, beaches, historical sights, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Marseille is more touristy than Seoul and is popular for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. Seoul is popular for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. It is also home to Gyeongbokgung Palace.

How is Seoul different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Seoul is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Seoul and Marseille offer terrific 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).

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Marseille is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.

Is Seoul or Marseille Better for Nightlife?

Marseille 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.

Marseille is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Much of the city's nightlife is centered around being outdoors. Whether you're on the beach or hanging out at a rooftop bar, Marseille is a magical place.

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.

Is Seoul or Marseille Better for Music?

Seoul is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Marseille 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.

Marseille is not a live music destination.

Is Seoul or Marseille Better for Beaches?

Marseille is very good for the beache. However, Seoul is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Marseille to enjoy the beach. The city has nice beaches that offer both culture and diversity, which may be lacking some other coastal parts of the French Riviera.

Seoul is not a beach destination.

Is Seoul or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

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

Marseille has a world-famous historical area. The Old Port is filled with shops and boutiques, and is the most scenic part of the city. It dates back to the Middle Ages and is filled with history and character.

Seoul does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Seoul or Marseille?

Seoul is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Marseille 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.

Marseille is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

Is Seoul or Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille is very good for its Christmas markets. However, Seoul does not offer Christmas markets.

Marseille offers some nice Christmas markets. The old town has a Christmas craft market where you can buy toys, Christmas treats, or decorations.

Seoul does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Seoul or Marseille Better for Families?

Seoul is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Marseille is lacking in options 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.

Marseille doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Nearby beaches and an outdoor climbing area make it a diverse city to visit with kids.

Is Seoul or Marseille Better for Couples?

Both Seoul and Marseille are excellent 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.

Marseille makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Strolling the boulevards and exploring the history and culture of this city make it a top couples' destination.

Is Seoul or Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Seoul and Marseille 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 Marseille. It has a decent number of hostels for a city of its size.

Is Seoul or Marseille Better for Students?

Seoul and Marseille are both excellent 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.

Marseille is a great city to visit as a student. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

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

Seoul is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Seoul can get you around easily. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.

You'll find some public transit in Marseille, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.

Is Seoul or Marseille a more walkable city?

Seoul and Marseille both are excellent 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.

Marseille is a very walkable destination. The Old Port (Vieux Port) is particularly walkable and is one of the best areas to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Seoul?

How long in Seoul or Marseille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Seoul and Marseille. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Seoul than in Marseille. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Seoul, and 2-3 days is enough time in Marseille.

Families should spend more time in Seoul than Marseille. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Seoul than Marseille 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 Marseille?

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 Marseille, many people enjoy the nightlife and food 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. 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 Marseille?

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 Marseille. 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 Marseille?

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.

Marseille is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Marseille. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Seoul or Marseille?

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 nightlife and food around the energetic destination of Marseille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Seoul or Marseille?

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

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 Marseille in the Summer?

Both Marseille and Seoul during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Seoul this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Marseille for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Seoul is around the same temperature as Marseille. Typically, the summer temperatures in Seoul in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Marseille averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Seoul often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually gets more rain in July than Marseille. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Marseille in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Marseille. Many travelers come to Seoul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Marseille in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Seoul is generally around the same temperature as Marseille. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 15°C (59°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seoul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Marseille during autumn. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Seoul usually receives less rain than Marseille. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Seoul or Marseille in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Marseille. Many visitors come to Seoul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Seoul can get quite cold in the winter. Seoul is much colder than Marseille in the winter. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Marseille fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Marseille. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun.

Seoul usually gets less rain in January than Marseille. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Marseille in the Spring?

Both Marseille and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Seoul for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Marseille because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Seoul is around the same temperature as Marseille. Typically, the spring temperatures in Seoul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Marseille averages at about 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Marseille. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during spring. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Seoul usually receives more rain than Marseille. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Marseille and Seoul