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

Should you visit Seoul or Picton?

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 Picton 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. Other popular activities here include live music, food, and shopping.

Picton

Picton is a scenic, quaint, and relaxing town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Seoul and Picton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seoul or Picton?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Seoul. Although Seoul and Picton are both popular with visitors, Seoul has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Seoul is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Picton is known for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Picton is more touristy than Seoul and is known for its picturesque scenery, laid back setting, and beautiful walking trails. Seoul is popular for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. It is also home to Gyeongbokgung Palace.

How is Seoul different from Picton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Seoul is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Picton is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a few local museums around town that are fun to visit with the weather isn't cooperating. Edwin Fox Ship is the world's oldest merchant ship. You can also learn about the town's whaling past at the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum.

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

Seoul is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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).

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Picton. The town is filled with restaurants that stay true to New Zealand's culinary traditions. Mussels and salmon are common on menus, and there are many bakeries and waterfront cafes to try.

Is Seoul or Picton Better for Nightlife?

Seoul is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Picton is not a good town for nightlife.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Picton. It's a small town with a quiet and calm atmosphere.

Is Seoul or Picton Better for Music?

Seoul is very popular for its music scene. However, Picton is not a live music destination.

In Seoul you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Picton is not a live music destination.

Is Seoul or Picton Better for Beaches?

Picton is a well-known place for the beache. However, Seoul is not a beach destination.

Picton is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are four beaches in the area. Picton Beach is by the town center and near many restaurants and cafes. About a ten minute walk from town is Shelley Beach and if you're up for more walking, Bob's Bay is secluded and nice. If you have a car you can make it to Governer's Bay.

Seoul is not a beach destination.

Is Seoul or Picton Better for Hiking?

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

Picton is a popular spot for hiking. There are many nice walking paths in the area and this is a great way to explore, reach beaches, and see the surrounding landscapes. If you're up for a longer trip, Queen Charlotte Track is a popular trail.

Seoul is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Seoul or Picton?

Seoul is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Seoul is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Picton. There are a few galleries and local shops around town.

Is Seoul or Picton Better for Families?

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

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 Picton. Kids will enjoy taking a boat cruise to Motuara Island. You can see dolphins, birds, and other wildlife. There are also wildlife centers in the area, family-friendly walking trails, museums, aquariums, and kayaking opportunities.

Is Seoul or Picton Better for Couples?

Both Seoul and Picton 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.

Picton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are romantic and quaint bed and breakfasts, beautiful walking paths, wildlife encounters, and many more fun activities for couples. Kayak trips, vineyard tours, and local spas make this a great couple's getaway destination.

Is Seoul or Picton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Picton is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Picton is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are plenty of hostels in the area as well as great transportation links, making this a great spot for backpackers.

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 Picton Better for Students?

Seoul is a well-known place for students. However, Picton 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.

Picton is not popular with students.

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

Seoul is very popular for its public transit. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Picton has some public transit options. There are water taxis but no buses around town.

Is Seoul or Picton a more walkable city?

Seoul and Picton both are high quality 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.

Picton is a very walkable destination. It's a quaint and compact town that's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Picton or Seoul?

How long in Seoul or Picton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Seoul or Picton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Seoul than Picton 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 1-2 days is enough time in Picton.

Families should spend more time in Seoul than Picton. 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 Picton. 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 Picton 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 Picton?

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 Picton, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this relaxing destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This town 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 Picton?

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 Picton. 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 Picton?

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.

Picton is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Picton. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Seoul or Picton?

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 food and shopping around the picturesque destination of Picton. Most people come for the beaches. 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 from Auckland, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to New Zealand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Seoul or Picton?

Seoul has a larger population, and is about 3450 times larger than the population of Picton. When comparing the sizes of Seoul and Picton, 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 Picton?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Picton is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Seoul has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Seoul or Picton in the Summer?

Both Picton and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Seoul in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Picton for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Seoul is a little warmer than Picton. Typically, the summer temperatures in Seoul in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Picton averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Seoul. In July, Seoul usually receives more rain than Pictonin January. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Picton receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Seoul or Picton in the Autumn?

Both Picton and Seoul during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Seoul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Picton because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Seoul is generally around the same temperature as Pictonin April. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 15°C (59°F), and Picton fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Seoul usually gets less rain in October than Pictonin April. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Picton in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Picton. The winter months attract visitors to Seoul because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Picton this time of year.

The weather in Seoul can be very cold. Seoul is much colder than Picton in the winter. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Picton fluctuates around 10°C (49°F)in July.

Picton receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Seoul usually receives less rain than Pictonin July. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Seoul or Picton in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Picton. The activities around the city are the main draw to Seoul this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Picton for the beaches and the small town charm.

In the spring, Seoul is around the same temperature as Picton. Typically, the spring temperatures in Seoul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Picton averages at about 13°C (55°F)in October.

Seoul usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Pictonin October. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Picton and Seoul