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

Should you visit Seoul or San Francisco?

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 San Francisco can help you decide which place is right for you.

Seoul

Seoul is a bustling, modern, and high energy city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a beautiful, outdoorsy, and quirky coastal city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Seoul and San Francisco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seoul or San Francisco?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in San Francisco than Seoul. While Seoul is larger than San Francisco, San Francisco has more sights and attractions for tourists. San Francisco is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Seoul is known for its nightlife and music. San Francisco is more touristy than Seoul and is popular for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. It is also home to The Golden Gate Bridge. Seoul is popular for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy.

How is Seoul different from San Francisco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Francisco 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 San Francisco are among the most recognizable in the world. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum.

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 San Francisco Better for Theater?

San Francisco is very good for its theatre productions. However, Seoul is not a theatre destination.

San Francisco offers a number of shows and performances. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Seoul is not a theatre destination.

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

Both Seoul and San Francisco offer terrific local cuisine and restaurants.

Seoul has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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).

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, San Francisco is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

Is Seoul or San Francisco Better for Nightlife?

Seoul is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Seoul has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in San Francisco. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

Is Seoul or San Francisco Better for Music?

Seoul is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for live music.

Seoul has become a mecca for musicians from 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'll find some good live music in San Francisco. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Is Seoul or San Francisco Better for Beaches?

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

San Francisco is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Seoul is not a beach destination.

Is Seoul or San Francisco Better for Hiking?

San Francisco is very popular for the nearby hiking options. However, Seoul is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit San Francisco specifically for its hiking. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

Seoul is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Seoul or San Francisco?

Both Seoul and San Francisco are terrific shopping destinations.

The abundance of shops in Seoul make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many people travel to San Francisco specifically to go shopping. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods for shopping.

Is Seoul or San Francisco Better for Families?

San Francisco 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.

San Francisco is one of the most popular family destinations. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

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 San Francisco Better for Couples?

Both Seoul and San Francisco are excellent 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.

San Francisco makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

Is Seoul or San Francisco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Francisco 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.

San Francisco is a great coastal city to visit for backpackers. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

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 San Francisco Better for Students?

Seoul and San Francisco 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.

San Francisco is a great city to visit as a student. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

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

Both Seoul and San Francisco 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 San Francisco can get you around easily. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

Is Seoul or San Francisco a more walkable city?

Seoul and San Francisco 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.

San Francisco is a very walkable destination. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

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

Should I spend more time in San Francisco or Seoul?

How long in Seoul or San Francisco?

Both Seoul and San Francisco have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, San Francisco has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in San Francisco than Seoul. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in San Francisco than Seoul. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in San Francisco that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Francisco than Seoul 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 San Francisco.

One day in Seoul or San Francisco?

Seoul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In San Francisco, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this eccentric big city offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This coastal 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 San Francisco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Seoul. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Francisco. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Seoul or San Francisco?

Seoul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

San Francisco is a fun place to experience. In San Francisco, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this big city destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Seoul or San Francisco?

Seoul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In San Francisco, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this outdoorsy big city offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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 San Francisco, we can see that San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Francisco 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 San Francisco Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Seoul or San Francisco?

Seoul has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of San Francisco. When comparing the sizes of Seoul and San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?

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 San Francisco in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Seoul as well as San Francisco. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Seoul this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to San Francisco for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Seoul is a little warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the summer temperatures in Seoul in July average around 26°C (78°F), and San Francisco averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Seoul receives a lot of rain in the summer. Seoul usually gets more rain in July than San Francisco. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or San Francisco in the Autumn?

Both San Francisco and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Seoul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, many visitors come to San Francisco in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Seoul is generally cooler than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 15°C (59°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In October, Seoul usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Seoul or San Francisco in the Winter?

Both San Francisco and Seoul during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Seoul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to San Francisco for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Seoul can get quite cold in the winter. Seoul is much colder than San Francisco in the winter. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and San Francisco fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

Seoul usually gets less rain in January than San Francisco. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or San Francisco in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and San Francisco. Most visitors come to Seoul for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Seoul is cooler than San Francisco. Typically, the spring temperatures in Seoul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and San Francisco averages at about 58°F (14°C).

In April, Seoul usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Seoul