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

Should you visit Seoul or Sado?

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

Seoul

Seoul is a colorful, cultural, and bustling city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Seoul travel costs.

Sado

Sado is a cultural, off-the-beaten-path, and traditional island. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food. See Sado travel costs.

Seoul and Sado: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seoul or Sado?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Seoul. Although Seoul and Sado are popular destinations, Seoul has more sights and attractions for tourists. Seoul is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Sado attracts visitors for its hiking. Seoul is more touristy than Sado and is known for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. It is also well known for Gyeongbokgung Palace. Sado is famous for its beautiful scenery, traditional culture, and population of endangered crested ibis.

How is Seoul different from Sado?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Seoul and Sado.

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 Sado can be an interesting and educational experience. The former gold mines are open to the public and fascinating to explore. For a traditional town, head to Shukunegi, which has narrow alleys and historic homes. Also worth a visit is the Sado History Museum.

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

Seoul is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Seoul is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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).

Sado has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find great seafood including crab, tuna, and prawns. There are also fresh vegetables, rice, and other typical Japanese ingredients in the area.

Is Seoul or Sado Better for Nightlife?

Seoul is notable for nightlife. However, Sado is a mediocre island 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.

Sado doesn't offer many options. This is a quiet island and doesn't have much in the form of nightlife.

Is Seoul or Sado Better for Music?

Seoul is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Sado 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.

Sado is not a live music destination.

Is Seoul or Sado Better for Hiking?

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

Sado is a popular spot for hiking. There is wonderful hiking on the island. Head to the Osado Mountain Range for wildflowers and spectacular views and scenery.

Seoul is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Seoul or Sado?

Seoul is an unbeatable place for shopping. However, Sado is a mediocre island 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, Sado has some nice offerings. You'll find shops where you can pick up any necessities that you may have forgotten. There are also souvenir shops where you can find local items to remember your trip.

Is Seoul or Sado Better for Families?

Seoul is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Seoul is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Sado is a family-friendly city. The former gold mines are fascinating and open to the public. There are also parks and interesting wildlife such as the Japanese ibis that you can see.

Is Seoul or Sado Better for Couples?

Seoul is notable for romance. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island 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.

Sado makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The area's history and nature make it a unique place for a couple's trip. There are museums, and outdoor spaces that you visit as well as the interesting mines.

Is Seoul or Sado Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Seoul and Sado 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 Sado. There are a couple of hostels as well as guesthouses that backpackers can stay at while they're in town.

Is Seoul or Sado Better for Students?

Seoul is notable for students. However, Sado is not popular with students.

Seoul is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Sado is not popular with students.

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

Seoul is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, Sado is a mediocre island for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Seoul can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.

Public transit is quite limited in Sado. There are no trains on the island and the bus routes are infrequent and slow. You really must have a car to explore the area.

Is Seoul or Sado a more walkable city?

Seoul is notable for its walkability. However, Sado is a mediocre island for its high level of walkability.

Seoul is very walkable. 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.

Sado is not a very walkable city. The island isn't particularly walkable, so you'll want to have a vehicle to explore.

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

Should I spend more time in Sado or Seoul?

How long in Seoul or Sado?

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

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

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 Sado, many people enjoy the food and museums that this off-the-beaten-path destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This island 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 Sado?

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 Sado. 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 Sado?

Seoul is a bustling 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.

Sado is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Sado. 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 Sado?

Seoul is a high energy 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 museums and food around the off-the-beaten-path destination of Sado. 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 Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Seoul or Sado?

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 Sado in the Summer?

Both Sado and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Seoul for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sado because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Seoul is generally around the same temperature as Sado. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 26°C (78°F), and Sado fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

Seoul usually receives less sunshine than Sado during summer. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 198 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sado. It's quite rainy in Seoul. In July, Seoul usually receives more rain than Sado. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Sado receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Seoul or Sado in the Autumn?

Both Sado and Seoul during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Seoul because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sado this time of year.

Seoul is around the same temperature as Sado in the autumn. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 15°C (59°F) in October, and Sado fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Seoul. In the autumn, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Sado. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 155 hours of full sun.

Sado gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Seoul usually gets less rain in October than Sado. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sado receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Sado in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Sado. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Seoul this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sado for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Sado. It's quite cold in Seoul in the winter. In the winter, Seoul is much colder than Sado. Typically, the winter temperatures in Seoul in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Sado averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Sado during winter. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sado receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Seoul usually receives less rain than Sado. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Sado receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Seoul or Sado in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Sado. Many travelers come to Seoul for the activities around the city.

In April, Seoul is generally a little warmer than Sado. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 13°C (55°F), and Sado fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seoul this time of the year. In the spring, Seoul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sado. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 194 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sado. Seoul usually gets less rain in April than Sado. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Sado receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sado and Seoul