A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Seoul vs. Stockholm for Food, Music, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Seoul or Stockholm?

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

Seoul

Seoul is a modern, high energy, and colorful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Stockholm

Stockholm is a expensive, beautiful, and clean city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Seoul and Stockholm: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seoul or Stockholm?

Both Stockholm and Seoul have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Seoul is better known for its food, shopping, and big city activities, while Stockholm is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Stockholm is more touristy than Seoul and is known for its many bridges and water culture, its open air museum, and its colorful old town. Seoul is well known for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy.

How is Seoul different from Stockholm?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Stockholm can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights and museums include the Vasa Museum, the Skansen Open-Air Museum, and the Royal Palace.

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

Seoul is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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).

Stockholm is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most famous for its Swedish meatballs, there is so much more to the food scene in this city. Although they're expensive, the restaurants often have a relaxed atmosphere with dishes that take advantage of local, fresh ingredients. Seafood is obviously popular as well.

Is Seoul or Stockholm Better for Nightlife?

Both Seoul and Stockholm 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.

Stockholm has a large number of nightlife venues. The city is a particularly fun place to visit during the summer months when clubs open outdoor areas and parties happen day and night.

Is Seoul or Stockholm Better for Music?

Both Seoul and Stockholm offer amazing live music venues.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone 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.

Stockholm has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city has an amazing music scene that includes international groups and DJs, local venues, and popular festivals.

Is Seoul or Stockholm Better for its Old Town?

Stockholm is very popular for its old town. However, Seoul does not have a historic old town.

Stockholm has a world-famous historical area. Right in the middle of the city is Gamla Stan. It's spread out over a hill and filled with character, cobblestone streets, cafes, and historical sights.

Seoul does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Seoul or Stockholm?

Seoul is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

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 visitors explore the shopping areas in Stockholm. Right by Gamla Stan, you'll find the city's main shopping street of Drottninggatan. The city has great jewelry and artisan crafts.

Is Seoul or Stockholm Better for Families?

Stockholm 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.

Stockholm is one of the most popular family destinations. As cities go, this is among the most child-friendly in Europe. There are many unique activities like Junibacken, which is a Pippi Longstocking themed kid's museum. There's also Tom Tits Experiment, which is a hands on science and technology museum, the swimming pools at Eriksdalsbadet, and the amusement park Gröna Lund.

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 Stockholm Better for Couples?

Stockholm is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Stockholm has plenty to offer. The city is filled with romance, from wandering around Gamla Stan to taking a dinner cruise or exploring a rose garden. During the winter months, the Christmas markets and festive atmosphere bring the city to life.

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.

Is Seoul or Stockholm Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Seoul and Stockholm 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 Stockholm. While the city has a lot to offer, many backpackers avoid the area because it is so expensive. There are some hostels, but in general food and entertainment are all going to cost a lot.

Is Seoul or Stockholm Better for Students?

Seoul is well known for students. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over to stay in Seoul. 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.

It's common for students to visit Stockholm. The cost of the city scares off many international students, but those that come here will find a clean, safe, and fun city with excellent academics.

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

Both Seoul and Stockholm offer amazing 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 Stockholm can get you around easily. The system is efficient with bus lines, metro, commuter rails, trams and ferries.

Is Seoul or Stockholm a more walkable city?

Stockholm is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Stockholm on foot. The city has actively worked to create a walkable environment that is safe and pleasant. There are restrictions on vehicles as well as pedestrian-only areas.

Seoul is a very walkable destination. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Stockholm or Seoul?

How long in Seoul or Stockholm?

Both Seoul and Stockholm have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Stockholm has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Stockholm than Seoul. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Seoul, and 2-7 days is enough time in Stockholm.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Seoul than Stockholm 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 Stockholm?

People visit Seoul because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Stockholm, many people enjoy the live music and food that this beautiful big city offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the live music. 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 Stockholm?

People visit Seoul because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stockholm. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Stockholm?

People visit Seoul because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Stockholm is a fun place to experience. In Stockholm, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this big city destination offers. Lots of people come for the live music. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Seoul or Stockholm?

Seoul is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Seoul, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Stockholm, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this expensive big city offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the live music. 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 Budget Tours to Sweden, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Sweden.

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

Which is Bigger, Seoul or Stockholm?

Seoul has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Stockholm. When comparing the sizes of Seoul and Stockholm, 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 Stockholm?

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 Stockholm in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Stockholm. Many travelers come to Seoul for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Stockholm in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Seoul is a little warmer than Stockholm in the summer. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Stockholm fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Stockholm this time of the year. Seoul usually receives less sunshine than Stockholm during summer. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Stockholm receives 260 hours of full sun in the summer.

Seoul gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Seoul usually receives more rain than Stockholm. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Seoul or Stockholm in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Stockholm. 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 Stockholm for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Seoul is much warmer than Stockholm. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Seoul in October average around 15°C (59°F), and Stockholm averages at about 8°C (46°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seoul this time of the year. In the autumn, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Stockholm. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stockholm receives 99 hours of full sun.

Seoul usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Stockholm. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Stockholm in the Winter?

Both Stockholm and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Seoul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Stockholm because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Stockholm can be very cold. Seoul can be very cold during winter. In January, Seoul is generally around the same temperature as Stockholm. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around -3°C (27°F), and Stockholm fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Stockholm during winter. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Stockholm receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Seoul usually receives less rain than Stockholm. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Seoul or Stockholm in the Spring?

Both Stockholm and Seoul during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Seoul because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Stockholm this time of year.

Seoul is much warmer than Stockholm in the spring. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Stockholm fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

It's quite sunny in Seoul. In the spring, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Stockholm. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stockholm receives 185 hours of full sun.

Seoul usually gets more rain in April than Stockholm. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Stockholm and Seoul