A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Seoul vs. Milford Sound for Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Seoul or Milford Sound?

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 Milford Sound 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. See Seoul travel costs.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a breathtaking, world renowned, and remote fiord. You'll find world class beauty in Milford Sound as well. And you can't forget about the skiing and hiking. See Milford Sound travel costs.

Seoul and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seoul or Milford Sound?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Seoul. Although Seoul and Milford Sound are both popular with visitors, Seoul has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Seoul is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Milford Sound is known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Seoul is popular for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. It is also home to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Milford Sound is popular for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Seoul different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Milford Sound and Seoul. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Seoul or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Seoul is not a skiing destination.

People head to Milford Sound specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. Many locals head to the snow-capped peaks to enjoy skiing, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, a ski tour is your best option.

Seoul is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Seoul or Milford Sound?

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

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.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Seoul is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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).

While Milford Sound is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. You'll find a restaurant or two in the small town of Milford Sound. Your best option is the Milford Sound Lodge. In the park you'll want to come prepared with your own food. Many organized tours include a picnic lunch.

Is Seoul or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Seoul is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Milford Sound. Things get quiet at night and there's little in the form of nightlife.

Is Seoul or Milford Sound Better for Music?

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

Milford Sound is not a live music destination.

Is Seoul or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is very popular for the nearby hiking options. However, Seoul is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Milford Sound specifically for its hiking. The Milford Track has long been considered one of the world's best hikes. It's also, arguably, the most famous hike in New Zealand. The 53 kilometer trek takes you from Lake Te Anau through stunning scenery, alpine settings, and across spectacular suspension bridges.

Seoul is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Seoul or Milford Sound?

Seoul is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Seoul or Milford Sound More Beautiful?

Milford Sound is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Seoul is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Milford Sound as well. This is one of the most spectacular natural settings in New Zealand. The remoteness, combined with the mountains, waterfalls, and stunning views make this a true bucket list destination.

Seoul is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Seoul or Milford Sound Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Seoul or Milford Sound.

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 Milford Sound. The outdoor wonders will impress the kids as much as the adults. There are shorter walks that are family-friendly and the boat rides are also fun for the whole family. You can take a scenic flight or visit the stunning Mirror Lakes. This really is a playground for both kids and adults.

Is Seoul or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

Both Seoul and Milford Sound are high quality 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.

Milford Sound makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This is one of the most stunning natural areas in the world, and the romance comes from the spectacular beauty, world class hikes, and breathtaking surroundings that will leave you awed and inspired.

Is Seoul or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Seoul and Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound. The area's remoteness and high price tag make it a bit challenging for backpackers and budget travelers. If you have plenty of time and enough money, it is truly a not to be missed destination.

Is Seoul or Milford Sound Better for Students?

Seoul is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not popular with students.

Is Seoul or Milford Sound 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. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.

Is Seoul or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Seoul is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options 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.

Milford Sound is not a walkable city. This is one of the most remote places in New Zealand so you really must have a car or organized transportation to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Seoul?

How long in Seoul or Milford Sound?

Seoul and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Seoul than Milford Sound 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 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

Families should spend more time in Seoul than Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound?

Seoul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Milford Sound, many people enjoy the skiing that this iconic destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This fiord 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 Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Seoul. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milford Sound. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Milford Sound?

Seoul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Milford Sound is a fun place to experience. In Milford Sound, many people enjoy the skiing that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Seoul or Milford Sound?

Seoul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find skiing around the iconic destination of Milford Sound. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Seoul and Milford Sound, we can see that Milford Sound 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. Even though Seoul is in Asia and Milford Sound is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Seoul or Milford Sound?

Seoul has a larger population, and is about 23790 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Seoul and Milford Sound, 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.