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

Should you visit Seoul or Philadelphia?

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 Philadelphia 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a historic, cultural, and diverse city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Seoul and Philadelphia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seoul or Philadelphia?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Philadelphia than Seoul. While Seoul is larger than Philadelphia, Philadelphia has more sights and attractions for tourists. Philadelphia is better known for its museums, theatre productions, historical sights, christmas markets, and impressive beauty, while Seoul is more popular for its food, music, shopping, and big city activities. Seoul is well known for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. Philadelphia is well known for its diverse population, large number of universities, great restaurant and market scene, and its role in American history. Also, Philadelphia is famous for The Liberty Bell.

How is Seoul different from Philadelphia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Philadelphia is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Philadelphia are among the most recognizable in the world. The city has a rich history with a number of museums and monuments. Popular sites around the city include the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the National Museum of Jewish American History.

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.

Is Seoul or Philadelphia Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is a well-known place for its theatre productions. However, Seoul is not a theatre destination.

Philadelphia has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. There are major Broadway shows as well as smaller venues. Head to The Avenue of the Arts along Broad Street for a popular stretch of theaters.

Seoul is not a theatre destination.

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

Seoul is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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).

Dining out in Philadelphia is an experience not to be missed. It has grown into a well-recognized food destination. It's diversity of cultures and residents have influenced the restaurant scene and you'll find many great places to dine covering a number of international flavors. The city is famous for its Philly cheesesteak and roast pork sandwich. You can also grab some local favorites at Reading Terminal Market.

Is Seoul or Philadelphia Better for Nightlife?

Both Seoul and Philadelphia are excellent 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.

Philadelphia has a large number of nightlife venues. The city's nightlife scene carries late into the evening with many rooftop and outdoor beer gardens. Most of the clubs and bars are found in the downtown area and you'll find places to dance, listen to live music, or sip a trendy cocktails.

Is Seoul or Philadelphia Better for Music?

Seoul is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its music scene.

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.

Philadelphia has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Is Seoul or Philadelphia Better for its Old Town?

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

Many people head to Philadelphia to see the old town. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.

Seoul does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Seoul or Philadelphia?

Seoul is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia. With all items tax-free, this city is a great place to shop. It has many boutique shops as well as name brand stores and shopping areas. For a local vibe, head to Reading Terminal Market.

Is Seoul or Philadelphia Better for Christmas?

Philadelphia is a well-known place for its Christmas activities. However, Seoul does not offer Christmas activities.

Philadelphia is an extremely popular place to visit during the Christmas season. There are a number of holiday events, light shows, and festivals during the holiday season.

Seoul does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Seoul or Philadelphia Better for Christmas Markets?

Philadelphia is very good for its Christmas markets. However, Seoul does not offer Christmas markets.

Philadelphia offers some nice Christmas markets. The city has its own German style Christmas market at Love Park and City Hall. It hosts over 80 vendors.

Seoul does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Seoul or Philadelphia Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Seoul or Philadelphia.

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 Philadelphia. The city has many museums and a fascinating history that is interesting to kids and adults alike. Popular activities include a zoo and Sesame Place. Kids also love the hands-on Please Touch Museum.

Is Seoul or Philadelphia Better for Couples?

Seoul is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Philadelphia 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.

Philadelphia is a good city for couples to visit. Like many large cities, it is a fun place to explore in the evening as a couple. This is also a great foodie destination with great markets, food trucks, and diverse restaurants that reflect the city's diverse population.

Is Seoul or Philadelphia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Seoul and Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia. There are a few good hostels for backpackers and budget travelers to choose from.

Is Seoul or Philadelphia Better for Students?

Seoul and Philadelphia 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.

Philadelphia is a great city to visit as a student. With its many universities and diverse population, this city is a great place for international students.

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

Seoul is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Seoul has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Philadelphia. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.

Is Seoul or Philadelphia a more walkable city?

Philadelphia is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Philadelphia on foot. The Old City is particularly walkable, as is Avenue of the Arts, and Rittenhouse Square.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Philadelphia or Seoul?

How long in Seoul or Philadelphia?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Seoul and Philadelphia. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Seoul than in Philadelphia. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Seoul, and 2-3 days is enough time in Philadelphia.

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

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

Each neighborhood in Seoul has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Philadelphia, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this cultural big city offers. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 Philadelphia?

Seoul is a fun place to experience. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

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

Each neighborhood in Seoul has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Philadelphia is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Philadelphia. Lots of people come for the museums. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Seoul or Philadelphia?

Seoul is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the cultural big city of Philadelphia. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

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

Which is Bigger, Seoul or Philadelphia?

Seoul has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Philadelphia. When comparing the sizes of Seoul and Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia?

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 Philadelphia in the Summer?

Both Philadelphia and Seoul during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Seoul this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Philadelphia for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Philadelphia, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Seoul often gets less sunshine than Philadelphia. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 273 hours of full sun.

Philadelphia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually gets more rain in July than Philadelphia. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Philadelphia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Philadelphia. Many travelers come to Seoul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Philadelphia in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Seoul is a little warmer than Philadelphia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Seoul in October average around 15°C (59°F), and Philadelphia averages at about 56°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia this time of the year. In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seoul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Philadelphia during autumn. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 202 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Seoul usually receives around the same amount of rain as Philadelphia. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Seoul or Philadelphia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Philadelphia. Many visitors come to Seoul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Philadelphia for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Philadelphia can be very cold during winter. Seoul can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Seoul is generally much colder than Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around -3°C (27°F), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

In the winter, Seoul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Philadelphia. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 152 hours of full sun.

Seoul usually gets less rain in January than Philadelphia. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Philadelphia in the Spring?

Both Philadelphia and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Seoul for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

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

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

In April, Seoul usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Philadelphia and Seoul