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

Should you visit Seoul or Seattle?

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 Seattle 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. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Seattle

Seattle is a outdoorsy, laid-back, and bustling city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Seoul and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seoul or Seattle?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Seattle than Seoul. While Seoul is larger than Seattle, Seattle has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Seattle is more popular for its theatre productions, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Seoul is known for its food, music, shopping, and big city activities. Seattle is more touristy than Seoul and is known for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. It is also home to The Space Needle. Seoul is popular for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy.

How is Seoul different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Seoul and Seattle.

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 Seattle can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

Is Seoul or Seattle Better for Theater?

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

Seattle offers a number of shows and performances. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Seoul is not a theatre destination.

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

Seoul is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Seoul is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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 Seattle. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

Is Seoul or Seattle Better for Nightlife?

Both Seoul and Seattle are excellent 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.

Seattle has a large number of nightlife venues. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

Is Seoul or Seattle Better for Music?

Seoul is renowned for its music scene. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for live music.

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.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Seattle has diverse options. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Is Seoul or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Seattle is very good for the beache. However, Seoul is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Seattle to enjoy the beach. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Seoul is not a beach destination.

Is Seoul or Seattle Better for Hiking?

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

Seattle is a popular spot for hiking. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Seoul is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Seoul or Seattle?

Seoul is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city 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 Seattle. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Seoul or Seattle Better for Families?

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

Seoul is known to be 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.

Seattle is a family-friendly city. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Seoul or Seattle Better for Couples?

Seoul is notable for couples. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Is Seoul or Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Seoul and Seattle are good 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 Seattle. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Is Seoul or Seattle Better for Students?

Seoul and Seattle 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.

Seattle is a great city to visit as a student. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

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

Seoul is renowned for its public transit. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Seoul has a great public transit system. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.

Seattle has some public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

Is Seoul or Seattle a more walkable city?

Seoul and Seattle 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.

Seattle is a very walkable destination. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Seoul?

How long in Seoul or Seattle?

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

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

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 Seattle, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this outdoorsy big city 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 Seattle?

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 Seattle. 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 Seattle?

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.

Seattle is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Seattle. 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 Seattle?

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 shopping and museums around the bustling big city of Seattle. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

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

Which is Bigger, Seoul or Seattle?

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

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 Seattle in the Summer?

Both Seattle and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Seoul this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Seattle 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 Seattle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Seoul in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Seattle averages at about 67°F (19°C).

It's quite sunny in Seattle. Seoul usually receives less sunshine than Seattle during summer. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Seoul. In July, Seoul usually receives more rain than Seattle. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Seoul or Seattle in the Autumn?

Both Seattle and Seoul during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Seoul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Seattle 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 a little warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 15°C (59°F), and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Seoul. In the autumn, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun.

Seoul usually gets less rain in October than Seattle. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Seattle in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Seattle. Many visitors come to Seoul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Seattle 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 Seattle in the winter. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).

Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during winter. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.

Seattle receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Seoul usually receives less rain than Seattle. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Seoul or Seattle in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Seattle. Most visitors come to Seoul for the activities around the city during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Seattle because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Seoul is a little warmer than Seattle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Seoul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Seattle averages at about 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seattle. 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 Seattle. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun.

Seoul usually gets more rain in April than Seattle. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Seoul