A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Seoul vs. Mount Aspiring National Park for Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Seoul or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

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 Mount Aspiring National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Seoul

Seoul is a bustling, modern, and high energy city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and live music. See Seoul travel costs.

Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a rugged, breathtaking, and undeveloped national park. You'll find world class beauty in Mount Aspiring National Park as well. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Mount Aspiring National Park travel costs.

Seoul and Mount Aspiring National Park : Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seoul or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Seoul than Mount Aspiring National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Seoul is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Mount Aspiring National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Seoul is more touristy than Mount Aspiring National Park and is known for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. Also, Seoul is famous for Gyeongbokgung Palace. Mount Aspiring National Park is well known for its mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes.

How is Seoul different from Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park?

Seoul is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Mount Aspiring National Park 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Seoul or Mount Aspiring National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Seoul is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Seoul is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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).

Mount Aspiring National Park has a small number of restaurants to choose from. Bring plenty of food supplies, because amenities are in short supply in many parts of the park.

Is Seoul or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Nightlife?

Seoul is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for its evening party scene.

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.

Mount Aspiring National Park doesn't offer many options. Stargazing is the best nightlife in the area.

Is Seoul or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Music?

Seoul is very popular for its live music scene. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a live music destination.

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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Seoul or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Hiking?

Mount Aspiring National Park is very popular for the nearby hiking options. However, Seoul is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Mount Aspiring National Park specifically for its hiking. There are many different types of trails in the park that range from shorter day hikes to multi-day hikes. The difficulty level doesn't always correspond to the length of the hike, so do your research before you set out. Some of the most known hikes in the area are the Blue Pools Track, the Rob Roy Track, the Routeburn Track, and the challenging Cascade Saddle Route.

Seoul is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Seoul or Mount Aspiring National Park?

Seoul is very popular for its shopping opportunities. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Seoul or Mount Aspiring National Park More Beautiful?

Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park as well. The stunning mountain scenery and pristine, rugged hikes make this a truly spectacular alpine setting.

Seoul is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Seoul or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Seoul or Mount Aspiring National Park.

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 Mount Aspiring National Park. The park offers a stunning natural setting that will inspire a child's love of nature. There are a number of kid-friendly hikes in the park with some of the most popular being the Blue Pools Track, Routeburn Nature Walk, the Roaring Billy Falls Walk, and the Thunder Creek Falls Walk.

Is Seoul or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Couples?

Both Seoul and Mount Aspiring National Park 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with inspiring scenery and a breathtaking mountain setting, this park is perfect for couples who appreciate nature's beauty. There are hiking trails, waterfalls, and striking views that will spark the romance in any relationship.

Is Seoul or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park. Set in the beautiful Southern Alps, backpackers will love exploring the impressive mountain scenery and breathtaking views.

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 Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Students?

Seoul is a well-known place for students. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not popular with students.

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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not popular with students.

Is Seoul or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Seoul is very popular for its public transit. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Mount Aspiring National Park. It's possible to arrange transportation to the trailheads from Te Anau or Wanaka.

Is Seoul or Mount Aspiring National Park a more walkable city?

Seoul is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Mount Aspiring National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for its ease of walking around.

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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a somewhat walkable city. There are day hikes as well as mult-day back country hikes through the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Seoul Worth Visiting? and Is Mount Aspiring National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mount Aspiring National Park or Seoul?

How long in Seoul or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

In either Seoul or Mount Aspiring National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Seoul than Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park .

Families should spend more time in Seoul than Mount Aspiring National Park . 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 Mount Aspiring National Park . 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 Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Seoul is a big city with plenty to do. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Mount Aspiring National Park, many people enjoy the that this rugged destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This national park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park ?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Seoul. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 Mount Aspiring National Park. 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 Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Seoul is a fun place to experience. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Seoul has to offer.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a fun place to experience. In Mount Aspiring National Park, many people enjoy the 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 Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Seoul is a big city with plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

You'll find around the rugged destination of Mount Aspiring National Park. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Seoul and Mount Aspiring National Park , we can see that Seoul 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 Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park Expensive?.