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

Should you visit Seoul or Sapporo?

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

Seoul

Seoul is a modern, high energy, and colorful 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 nightlife, live music, and food.

Sapporo

Sapporo is a park-filled, snowy, and vibrant city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and skiing.

Seoul and Sapporo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seoul or Sapporo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Seoul than Sapporo, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Seoul is more popular for its food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Sapporo is known for its skiing. Sapporo is more touristy than Seoul and is popular for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. 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 Sapporo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sapporo and Seoul. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Seoul or Sapporo Better for Skiing?

Sapporo is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Seoul is not a skiing destination.

People head to Sapporo specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. There are many great ski areas that are an easy day trip from the center of town. Very close by you'll find Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort and Sapporo Teine is where the 1972 Winter Olympics were held. It's divided into the family-friendly Olympia Zone and the more advanced Highland Zone.

Seoul is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Seoul or Sapporo?

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Seoul and Sapporo.

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 Sapporo can be an interesting and educational experience. There are a number of shrines and museums in the city. Make sure you check out Hokkaidō Shrine, Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo Clock Tower, and the Sapporo Science Center.

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

Seoul is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Sapporo makes for a great culinary experience. The local cuisine focuses on the world class fishing in the area as well as the great agriculture. Pork is a common meat ingredient and many dishes include ramen, vegetables, or grilled seafood.

Is Seoul or Sapporo Better for Nightlife?

Both Seoul and Sapporo are superb 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.

Sapporo has a large number of nightlife venues. The city's nightlife scene is laid back and mostly concentrated in the Susukino area. In particular, King Xmhu is famous for its party nights and wild decor.

Is Seoul or Sapporo Better for Music?

Seoul is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Sapporo is not a live music destination.

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.

Sapporo is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Seoul or Sapporo?

Seoul is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Seoul specifically to go shopping. 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.

Sapporo is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping malls are the most popular places to enjoy browsing the stores. This is particularly nice during the snowy winter months when you can escape into the heated malls.

Is Seoul or Sapporo Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Seoul or Sapporo.

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 Sapporo. The city has many activities for families, any time of year. There's skiing and winter sports in the winter and theme parks and camping in the summer. There's also a Puppet Theater and indoor play areas for when the weather is poor.

Is Seoul or Sapporo Better for Couples?

Both Seoul and Sapporo are superb 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.

Sapporo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy the parks, gardens, museums, and winter sports in the area. A highlight for everyone is a visit to the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, which features many ice sculptures.

Is Seoul or Sapporo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sapporo 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.

Sapporo is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town and many fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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 Sapporo Better for Students?

Seoul and Sapporo are both superb 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.

Sapporo is a great city to visit as a student. The city is welcoming to international students and many people enjoy studying at Sapporo International University.

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

Seoul is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Seoul can get you around easily. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Sapporo. Most visitors use the subway system to get around. There are three lines - the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, and Toho Line- all of which pass through Odori Station. The city also has a streetcar and buses.

Is Seoul or Sapporo a more walkable city?

Seoul and Sapporo 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.

Sapporo is a very walkable destination. The city center, where you'll find many of the attractions, is walkable. Susukino Station is about a 20 or 30 minute walk from JR Sapporo Station.

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

Should I spend more time in Sapporo or Seoul?

How long in Seoul or Sapporo?

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

Couples should spend more time in Seoul than Sapporo. 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 Sapporo 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 Sapporo.

One day in Seoul or Sapporo?

Because Seoul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Sapporo, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this snowy big city offers. 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 Sapporo?

Because Seoul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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

Seoul is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Seoul has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

A week in Seoul or Sapporo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Seoul. Because Seoul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

You'll find museums and skiing around the snowy big city of Sapporo. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Seoul and Sapporo, we can see that Seoul is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Seoul or Sapporo?

Seoul has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Sapporo. When comparing the sizes of Seoul and Sapporo, 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 Sapporo?

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 Sapporo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Sapporo. Many travelers come to Seoul for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Sapporo in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Seoul is a little warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Seoul in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Sapporo averages at about 21°C (69°F).

In the summer, Seoul often gets less sunshine than Sapporo. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 179 hours of full sun.

Seoul receives a lot of rain in the summer. Seoul usually gets more rain in July than Sapporo. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Sapporo in the Autumn?

Both Sapporo and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Sapporo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Seoul is generally a little warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 15°C (59°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during autumn. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 156 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sapporo. In October, Seoul usually receives less rain than Sapporo. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Seoul or Sapporo in the Winter?

Both Sapporo and Seoul during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Seoul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Sapporo because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Sapporo can be very cold. Seoul can be very cold during winter. Seoul is much warmer than Sapporo in the winter. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Sapporo fluctuates around -5°C (24°F).

In the winter, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Sapporo. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 99 hours of full sun.

Sapporo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Seoul usually gets less rain in January than Sapporo. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Sapporo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Sapporo. The spring months attract visitors to Seoul because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Sapporo this time of year.

In the spring, Seoul is much warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Seoul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Sapporo averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during spring. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Seoul usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sapporo and Seoul