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

Should you visit Seoul or Nagano?

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

Seoul

Seoul is a modern, high energy, and colorful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food.

Nagano

Nagano is a alpine, scenic, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and skiing.

Seoul and Nagano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seoul or Nagano?

You'll generally find more things to do in Seoul than Nagano. Seoul is bigger than Nagano, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Seoul is better known for its food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Nagano is more popular for its skiing, resorts, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty. Nagano is more touristy than Seoul and is popular for its historic temples, beautiful mountain setting, and being the host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. Seoul is well known for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. Also, Seoul is famous for Gyeongbokgung Palace.

How is Seoul different from Nagano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Seoul or Nagano Better for Skiing?

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

People head to Nagano specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. The city hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and many of the skiing events were held at ski resorts in the area. In the Nagano Prefecture you'll find several ski resorts with some of the most popular being the Hakuba ski areas, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, and Myoko Kogen.

Seoul is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Seoul or Nagano?

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Seoul and Nagano.

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 Nagano can be an interesting and educational experience. The area is filled with history and there are many places to explore. Matsumoto Castle, the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, Zenko-ji Temple, and Togakushi Shrine are just some of the highlights.

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

Seoul is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Seoul have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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 Nagano is an experience not to be missed. You'll find many of Japan's culinary favorites here like ramen, udon, sushi, and sashimi. There are also regional dishes and some comfort food like Tonkatsu and Oyaki Dumplings.

Is Seoul or Nagano Better for Nightlife?

Both Seoul and Nagano are superb 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.

Nagano has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is varied, from local and intimate venues, to wild and crazy clubs. You'll find all styles and activities such that whatever you're looking for, the city likely won't disappoint.

Is Seoul or Nagano Better for Music?

Seoul is terrific for its live music scene. However, Nagano 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.

Nagano is not a live music destination.

Is Seoul or Nagano Better for Resorts?

Nagano is very good for its resorts. However, Seoul is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Nagano makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find wonderful mountain resorts throughout the entire prefecture.

Seoul is not a resort destination.

Is Seoul or Nagano Better for its Old Town?

Nagano is very good for its old town. However, Seoul does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Nagano to see the old town. Throughout the prefecture there is a lot of history and charming towns. If you're willing to get out of Nagano City, you can enjoy an area filled with tradition and culture. In particular, Tsumago-juku was the first preserved old town in Japan.

Seoul does not have a historic old town.

Is Seoul or Nagano Better for Hiking?

Nagano is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Seoul is not a hiking destination.

Nagano is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding area is filled with stunning scenery, natural beauty, and beautiful hikes. You'll find shrines and temples, historic villages, nice views, and peaceful walks throughout the region. One of the most unique walks is along the highest road in Japan, the Norikura Echo Line. The route is at 8,800 feet and is lined with ten meter high snow walls. It's open from from late April to the end of June every year.

Seoul is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Seoul or Nagano?

Seoul is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Many visitors go to Nagano to go shopping. There are a number of shopping streets that are fun to explore including the historic street of Naka-mise. This street is lined with tea shops, cafes, traditional stores, and more. While there aren't a huge number of shopping centers around town, Midori Nagano is one of the biggest.

Is Seoul or Nagano Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Seoul or Nagano.

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 Nagano. Chibikko Ninja Village is a great place for kids with climbing walls, indoor playgrounds, and more. There are also a number of sports facilities around town, and you can keep the sport theme going with a visit to the Nagano Olympic Museum. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to the Nagano Chausuyama Zoo and for little kids, the Nagano City Joyama Zoo is nice.

Is Seoul or Nagano Better for Couples?

Seoul is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Seoul is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Nagano is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a lot of history and beauty, making it a romantic destination for couples. There are also outdoor activities as well as a number of sports that you can enjoy.

Is Seoul or Nagano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Seoul and Nagano 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 Nagano. There are several good hostels in the area, as well as some great activities for young travelers, backpackers, and sports enthusiasts.

Is Seoul or Nagano Better for Students?

Seoul is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

Nagano is a good city to visit for students. It's relative affordability combined with its close proximity to Tokyo and laid back populations make this a nice place to study.

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

Seoul is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Seoul can take you anywhere. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.

Nagano has a few public transit options. The main station in town is Nagano Station. There's a bus and train system through the area, including buses that run to Zenkoji Temple. There's also a bus that goes to the Togakushi area and takes about an hour. However, renting a car will give you more freedom and efficiency. .

Is Seoul or Nagano a more walkable city?

Seoul is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Nagano is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable and there are hiking trails around the Togakushi area, where you'll find many shrines and other attractions.

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

Should I spend more time in Nagano or Seoul?

How long in Seoul or Nagano?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Seoul and Nagano. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Seoul than in Nagano. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Seoul, and 1-3 days is enough time in Nagano.

Families should spend more time in Nagano than Seoul. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Nagano, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Seoul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Nagano, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this traditional destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Seoul or Nagano?

Seoul is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nagano. 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 Nagano?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Seoul. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Nagano is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Nagano. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Seoul or Nagano?

Seoul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find museums and skiing around the scenic destination of Nagano. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Seoul or Nagano?

Seoul has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Seoul and Nagano, 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 Nagano?

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 Nagano in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Nagano. Many travelers come to Seoul for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Nagano in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Seoul is around the same temperature as Nagano in the summer. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Nagano fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In the summer, Seoul often gets less sunshine than Nagano. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 136 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nagano. Seoul receives a lot of rain in the summer. Seoul usually gets more rain in July than Nagano. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Nagano in the Autumn?

Both Nagano and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Seoul in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, most visitors come to Nagano for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Seoul is around the same temperature as Nagano. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Seoul in October average around 15°C (59°F), and Nagano averages at about 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Nagano during autumn. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. In October, Seoul usually receives less rain than Nagano. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Seoul or Nagano in the Winter?

Both Nagano and Seoul during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Seoul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Nagano because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Nagano can be very cold. Seoul can be very cold during winter. In January, Seoul is generally much colder than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around -3°C (27°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In Nagano, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Seoul often gets less sunshine than Nagano. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 212 hours of full sun.

Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Seoul usually gets less rain in January than Nagano. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Nagano in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Nagano. The spring months attract visitors to Seoul because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nagano this time of year.

Seoul is a little warmer than Nagano in the spring. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Nagano fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seoul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nagano during spring. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 191 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Seoul usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nagano. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nagano and Seoul