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

Should you visit Seoul or Sendai?

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

Seoul

Seoul is a bustling, modern, and high energy city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Sendai

Sendai is a cosmopolitan, lively, and high energy city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Seoul and Sendai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seoul or Sendai?

You'll generally find more things to do in Seoul than Sendai. Seoul is bigger than Sendai, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Seoul is better known for its food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Sendai is more popular for its beaches. Sendai is more touristy than Seoul and is popular for the Tanabata Festival, which is the largest of its kind and held every August. Seoul is well known for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. Also, Seoul is famous for Gyeongbokgung Palace.

How is Seoul different from Sendai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Sendai can be an interesting and educational experience. The city grew up as a castle town, and today the castle ruins are a popular tourist destination. A park surrounds the area, Aobayama Park, and while only the stonewalls remain, you can visit the Sendai City Museum in the park as well. Zuihoden Temple is another landmark worth visiting, as is the AER observation terrace.

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

Seoul is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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).

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Sendai area. There are a number of local specialties in the area and if you're an adventurous eater, then this is your place. Many of the dishes are influenced by the city's proximity to the ocean. Make sure you try the harako-meshi (rice with fish eggs), sea squirts, and sashimi. Another local favorite is beef tongue.

Is Seoul or Sendai Better for Nightlife?

Both Seoul and Sendai 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.

Sendai has a large number of nightlife venues. Head to Kokubuncho for the best nightlife scene in the area. This downtown neighborhood is filled with bars, clubs, and karaoke that come alive in the evening. For live music, check out Rensa, which is one of the city's largest live music venues.

Is Seoul or Sendai Better for Music?

Seoul is renowned for its live music scene. However, Sendai is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Seoul. 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.

Sendai is not a live music destination.

Is Seoul or Sendai Better for Beaches?

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

Many people head to Sendai to enjoy the beach. There are a number of beaches in the area, but for the best options you'll want to head a bit out of town.

Seoul is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Seoul or Sendai?

Seoul is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Seoul draws large crowds to its 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Sendai. You'll find shopping arcades in the downtown area like Ichibancho, which is one of the most popular shopping districts in the city. If you head out of town towards the suburbs, you'll find malls and other outlet stores.

Is Seoul or Sendai Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Seoul or Sendai.

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 Sendai. The city has a number of green spaces that kids will enjoy including parks and playgrounds. There are also kid-focused museums like the Anpanman Children's Museum and the 3M Sendai City Science Museum. If the young ones really need a break from the history, you can check out Yagiyama Beny Land.

Is Seoul or Sendai Better for Couples?

Seoul is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Sendai is a good city for couples to visit. The city boasts beautiful temples as well as nice natural areas, parks, and gardens. If you have time to get out of town, Okama is a volcanic lake that is one of the most beautiful spots in the region, and well worth the excursion.

Is Seoul or Sendai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Seoul and Sendai are notable 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 Sendai. There are a couple of hostels around the town and many of the activities are free as they involve strolling through parks or wandering down shopping streets.

Is Seoul or Sendai Better for Students?

Seoul is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Sendai is not popular with students.

Seoul is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Sendai is not popular with students.

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

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

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

Sendai offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are two subway lines the north-south Namboku Line and the east-west Tozai Line. These lines cross at Sendai Station.

Is Seoul or Sendai a more walkable city?

Seoul and Sendai 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.

Sendai is a very walkable destination. There are many parts of the city that are walkable, especially around Sendai Station as well as in the Chuo-dori arcade and the the Kokubuncho neighborhood.

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

Should I spend more time in Sendai or Seoul?

How long in Seoul or Sendai?

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

Couples should spend more time in Seoul than Sendai. 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 Sendai 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 Sendai?

Seoul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Sendai, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant destination 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 Sendai?

Seoul is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Seoul. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Sendai is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Sendai. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Seoul or Sendai?

Seoul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant destination of Sendai. 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 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.

When comparing the travel costs between Seoul and Sendai, 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 Sendai Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Seoul or Sendai?

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

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 Sendai in the Summer?

Both Sendai and Seoul during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Seoul this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sendai for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Seoul is a little warmer than Sendai in the summer. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Sendai fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In the summer, Seoul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sendai. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 124 hours of full sun.

Sendai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually gets more rain in July than Sendai. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Sendai in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Sendai. Many travelers come to Seoul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sendai in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Seoul is around the same temperature as Sendai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Seoul in October average around 15°C (59°F), and Sendai averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during autumn. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sendai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Seoul usually receives less rain than Sendai. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Seoul or Sendai in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Sendai. Many visitors come to Seoul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Sendai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Sendai can be very cold during winter. Seoul can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Seoul is generally much colder than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around -3°C (27°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun.

Seoul usually gets less rain in January than Sendai. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Sendai in the Spring?

Both Sendai and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Seoul for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Sendai because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Seoul is a little warmer than Sendai in the spring. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Sendai fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during spring. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 188 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Seoul usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sendai. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sendai and Seoul