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

Should you visit Seoul or Oslo?

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

Seoul

Seoul is a bustling, modern, and high energy city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and live music.

Oslo

Oslo is a park-filled, green, and clean 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 food, museums, and nightlife.

Seoul and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seoul or Oslo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Seoul than Oslo. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Oslo is more touristy than Seoul and is known for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports. Seoul is famous for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. It is also well known for Gyeongbokgung Palace.

How is Seoul different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Seoul and Oslo.

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 Oslo can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch Museum.

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

Seoul is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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).

Oslo has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has a reputation of serving a lot of cured meats and potato dishes, but there is actually a good amount of variation available. Local favorites include smoked salmon, meatballs, and meat stews.

Is Seoul or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

Seoul is notable for nightlife. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Seoul has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Oslo. The city's high alcohol prices mean that many locals enjoy their drinks at home during pre-parties before heading out on the town. The atmosphere is usually laid-back and chill, with a diversity of entertainment venues that you can choose between.

Is Seoul or Oslo Better for Music?

Seoul is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Oslo is not a live music destination.

Seoul is a world class music destination. 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.

Oslo is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Seoul or Oslo?

Seoul is an amazing city to visit for shopping. However, Oslo is a mediocre city for its shopping opportunities.

Seoul is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Oslo has some nice offerings. The shopping that is available includes shopping malls and local boutique shops.

Is Seoul or Oslo Better for Families?

Oslo is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Oslo is one of the most popular family destinations. The city goes out of its way to integrate kid-friendly activities into everyday life. From playgrounds and parks to interactive museums and nearby amusement parks, this city is among the most kid-friendly around.

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.

Is Seoul or Oslo Better for Couples?

Seoul is notable for romance. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Oslo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You can explore castles, go on forest hikes, or enjoy a couple's massage.

Is Seoul or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Seoul and Oslo are nice 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 Oslo. Notoriously expensive, this city does have some hostels, but it can be a bit challenging for those on a budget. Because many backpackers avoid the area due to the costs, it can be challenging to meet other backpackers.

Is Seoul or Oslo Better for Students?

Seoul and Oslo 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.

Oslo is a great city to visit as a student. The University of Oslo has an excellent reputation and welcomes many foreign students every year. The school does a lot to make sure international students feel at home here.

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

Both Seoul and Oslo offer terrific public transit options.

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.

With a huge network, the transit system in Oslo can get you around easily. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.

Is Seoul or Oslo a more walkable city?

Seoul and Oslo 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.

Oslo is a very walkable destination. The city has a number of traffic-free areas so it's fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Seoul?

How long in Seoul or Oslo?

In either Seoul or Oslo, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Seoul than Oslo because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Seoul, and 1-5 days is enough time in Oslo.

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

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

Seoul is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Oslo, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this progressive big city offers. 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 Oslo?

Seoul is a fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oslo. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Oslo?

Seoul is a high energy big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Oslo is a fun place to experience. In Oslo, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this big city destination offers. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Seoul or Oslo?

Seoul is a bustling city where you can fill many days. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find nightlife and food around the park-filled big city of Oslo. 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

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

Which is Bigger, Seoul or Oslo?

Seoul has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Oslo. When comparing the sizes of Seoul and Oslo, 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 Oslo?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Seoul or Oslo in the Summer?

Both Oslo and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Seoul this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Oslo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Seoul is generally a little warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 26°C (78°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Oslo. Seoul usually receives less sunshine than Oslo during summer. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Seoul. In July, Seoul usually receives more rain than Oslo. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Seoul or Oslo in the Autumn?

Both Oslo and Seoul during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Seoul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Oslo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Seoul is much warmer than Oslo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 15°C (59°F) in October, and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

It's quite sunny in Seoul. In the autumn, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun.

Seoul usually gets less rain in October than Oslo. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Oslo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Oslo. Many visitors come to Seoul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Oslo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Oslo can be very cold during winter. Seoul can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Seoul is a little warmer than Oslo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Seoul in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Oslo averages at about -4°C (25°F).

Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during winter. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Seoul usually receives less rain than Oslo. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Seoul or Oslo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Oslo. Most visitors come to Seoul for the activities around the city during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Oslo because of the activities around the city.

In April, Seoul is generally much warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 13°C (55°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seoul this time of the year. In the spring, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun.

Seoul usually gets more rain in April than Oslo. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Oslo and Seoul