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

Should you visit Seoul or Melbourne?

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

Seoul

Seoul is a colorful, cultural, and bustling city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a livable, friendly, and cultural 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Seoul and Melbourne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seoul or Melbourne?

You'll generally find more things to do in Seoul than Melbourne. Seoul is bigger than Melbourne, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Seoul is better known for its food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Melbourne is more popular for its beaches. Seoul is well known for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. Also, Seoul is famous for Gyeongbokgung Palace. Melbourne is well known for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population.

How is Seoul different from Melbourne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Melbourne can be an interesting and educational experience. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

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

Seoul is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Melbourne 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).

Dining out in Melbourne is an experience not to be missed. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

Is Seoul or Melbourne Better for Nightlife?

Both Seoul and Melbourne are great 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.

Melbourne has a large number of nightlife venues. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

Is Seoul or Melbourne Better for Music?

Seoul is very popular for its live music scene. However, Melbourne is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week 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.

Melbourne is not a live music destination.

Is Seoul or Melbourne Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is a well-known place for the beache. However, Seoul is not a beach destination.

Melbourne is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Seoul is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Seoul or Melbourne?

Seoul is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Seoul draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Melbourne. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

Is Seoul or Melbourne Better for Families?

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

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 Melbourne. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

Is Seoul or Melbourne Better for Couples?

Seoul is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Melbourne is a good city for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Is Seoul or Melbourne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Seoul and Melbourne are notable 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 Melbourne. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Seoul or Melbourne Better for Students?

Melbourne 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 Melbourne. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

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 Melbourne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Seoul is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Melbourne. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

Is Seoul or Melbourne a more walkable city?

Seoul and Melbourne 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.

Melbourne is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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

Should I spend more time in Melbourne or Seoul?

How long in Seoul or Melbourne?

In either Seoul or Melbourne, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Seoul than Melbourne because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Seoul, and 2-5 days is enough time in Melbourne.

Couples should spend more time in Seoul than Melbourne. 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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne?

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 Melbourne, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this friendly big city offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Melbourne?

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 Melbourne. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Melbourne?

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.

Melbourne is a fun place to experience. In Melbourne, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this big city destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Seoul or Melbourne?

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 progressive big city of Melbourne. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Seoul or Melbourne?

Seoul has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Melbourne. When comparing the sizes of Seoul and Melbourne, 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 Melbourne?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Melbourne is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Seoul has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Seoul or Melbourne in the Summer?

Both Melbourne and Seoul during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Seoul for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Seoul is a little warmer than Melbourne in the summer. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Melbourne fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in January.

In Melbourne, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Seoul often gets less sunshine than Melbournein January. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 271 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually gets more rain in July than Melbournein January. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Melbourne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Melbourne. The autumn months attract visitors to Seoul because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year.

In the autumn, Seoul is around the same temperature as Melbourne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Seoul in October average around 15°C (59°F), and Melbourne averages at about 15°C (60°F)in April.

In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Melbourne during autumn. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 170 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Seoul usually receives around the same amount of rain as Melbournein April. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Seoul or Melbourne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Melbourne. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Seoul this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Melbourne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Seoul in the winter. In January, Seoul is generally much colder than Melbournein July. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around -3°C (27°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In the winter, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Melbournein July. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 139 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Seoul or Melbourne in the Spring?

Both Melbourne and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Seoul for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Melbourne in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Seoul is around the same temperature as Melbourne in the spring. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Melbourne fluctuates around 14°C (57°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Melbourne. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Melbourne during spring. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 216 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Seoul usually receives more rain than Melbournein October. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Melbourne and Seoul