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

Should you visit Seoul or Portland?

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

Seoul

Seoul is a modern, high energy, and colorful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.

Portland

Portland is a quirky, eclectic, and tree-lined city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and hiking.

Seoul and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seoul or Portland?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Seoul than Portland. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Seoul is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Portland attracts visitors for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Portland is more touristy than Seoul and is popular for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. 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 Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Seoul is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

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

Seoul is very popular for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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).

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Seoul or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Seoul is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Seoul has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Portland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

Is Seoul or Portland Better for Music?

Seoul is very popular for live music. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its live music scene.

Seoul is known as a music capital around the world. 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.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Is Seoul or Portland Better for Hiking?

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

Portland is a popular spot for hiking. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Seoul is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Seoul or Portland?

Seoul is very popular for shopping. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Seoul. 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.

Portland offers some nice shopping areas. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Is Seoul or Portland Better for Families?

Seoul is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Seoul is a very family-friendly destination. 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 kid-friendly things to do in Portland. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Seoul or Portland Better for Couples?

Seoul is a very popular place for romance. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Is Seoul or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland 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.

Portland is a great city to visit for backpackers. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

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 Portland Better for Students?

Seoul is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Portland is popular with students. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

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

Seoul is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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.

You'll find some public transit in Portland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Is Seoul or Portland a more walkable city?

Seoul and Portland both are superb 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.

Portland is a very walkable destination. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland or Seoul?

How long in Seoul or Portland?

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

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

Seoul is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Portland, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this eclectic 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. 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 Portland?

Seoul is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Seoul is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Seoul, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Portland is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Portland. 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 Portland?

Seoul is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Seoul has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the tree-lined destination of Portland. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Seoul or Portland?

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

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 Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland and Seoul during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Seoul for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Portland in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Seoul is generally a little warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 26°C (78°F), and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In Portland, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Seoul often gets less sunshine than Portland. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually gets more rain in July than Portland. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Portland in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Portland. 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 Portland for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Seoul is a little warmer than Portland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 15°C (59°F) in October, and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Portland during autumn. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Seoul usually receives less rain than Portland. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Seoul or Portland in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Portland. Most visitors come to Seoul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Portland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Portland can be very cold. Seoul can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Seoul is much colder than Portland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Seoul in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Portland averages at about 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Portland. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Portland. Seoul usually gets less rain in January than Portland. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Portland in the Spring?

Both Portland and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Seoul because of the activities around the city. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

In April, Seoul is generally a little warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 13°C (55°F), and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually receives less sunshine than Portland during spring. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Seoul usually receives more rain than Portland. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland and Seoul