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

Should you visit Seoul or Sydney?

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 Sydney 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. See Seoul travel costs.

Sydney

Sydney is a adventurous, glamorous , and diverse city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Sydney is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Sydney travel costs.

Seoul and Sydney: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seoul or Sydney?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Sydney than Seoul. While Seoul is larger than Sydney, Sydney has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Sydney is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Seoul is known for its food and music. Sydney is more touristy than Seoul and is known for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. It is also home to the Sydney Opera House. Seoul is popular for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy.

How is Seoul different from Sydney?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sydney 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 Sydney are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

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

Seoul is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Sydney is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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 Sydney. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

Is Seoul or Sydney Better for Nightlife?

Sydney is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Sydney is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

Seoul has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Is Seoul or Sydney Better for Music?

Seoul is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Sydney is not a live music destination.

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.

Sydney is not a live music destination.

Is Seoul or Sydney Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sydney is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Seoul is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Sydney. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Seoul is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Seoul or Sydney Better for Beaches?

Sydney is very popular for the beach. However, Seoul is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Sydney is a very popular vacation destination. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

Seoul is not a beach destination.

Is Seoul or Sydney Better for Hiking?

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

Sydney is a popular spot for hiking. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

Seoul is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Seoul or Sydney?

Both Seoul and Sydney 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 Sydney specifically to go shopping. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

Is Seoul or Sydney More Beautiful?

Sydney is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Seoul is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Sydney is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The waterfront setting and grand buildings make this a truly beautiful city. It also has a lot of natural beauty with impressive beaches and nice green spaces.

Seoul is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Seoul or Sydney Better for Families?

Sydney 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.

Sydney is one of the most popular family destinations. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

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 Sydney Better for Couples?

Sydney 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, Sydney has plenty to offer. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

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 Sydney Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sydney is very popular for backpackers. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Sydney. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

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 Sydney Better for Students?

Sydney is very popular for students. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit Sydney. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

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.

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

Both Seoul and Sydney 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 Sydney can get you around easily. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

Is Seoul or Sydney a more walkable city?

Seoul and Sydney 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.

Sydney is a very walkable destination. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Sydney or Seoul?

How long in Seoul or Sydney?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sydney 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 Sydney.

One day in Seoul or Sydney?

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 Sydney, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this adventurous big city offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Sydney?

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 Sydney. 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 Sydney?

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.

Sydney is a fun place to experience. In Sydney, many people enjoy the shopping and museums 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 Sydney?

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.

In Sydney, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this adventurous 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 Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Seoul or Sydney?

Seoul has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Sydney. When comparing the sizes of Seoul and Sydney, 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 Sydney?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sydney is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Seoul has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Seoul or Sydney in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Sydney. 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 Sydney for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Seoul is a little warmer than Sydney. Typically, the summer temperatures in Seoul in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Sydney averages at about 23°C (73°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sydney this time of the year. Seoul usually receives less sunshine than Sydney during summer. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Sydney receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

Sydney receives a lot of rain in the summer. Seoul gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Seoul usually receives more rain than Sydneyin January. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Seoul or Sydney in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Sydney. Many travelers come to Seoul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, many visitors come to Sydney in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Seoul is generally cooler than Sydneyin April. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 15°C (59°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seoul this time of the year. In the autumn, Seoul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sydneyin April. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sydney receives 195 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sydney. Seoul usually gets less rain in October than Sydneyin April. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Sydney in the Winter?

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

Seoul can get quite cold in the winter. Seoul is much colder than Sydney in the winter. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Sydney fluctuates around 12°C (53°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Sydney. Seoul usually receives less sunshine than Sydney during winter. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Sydney receives 208 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Seoul usually receives less rain than Sydneyin July. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Seoul or Sydney in the Spring?

Both Sydney and Seoul during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Seoul for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Sydney because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Seoul is cooler than Sydney. Typically, the spring temperatures in Seoul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Sydney averages at about 18°C (64°F)in October.

In Sydney, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Seoul. In the spring, Seoul often gets less sunshine than Sydneyin October. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sydney receives 240 hours of full sun.

Seoul usually gets more rain in April than Sydneyin October. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sydney and Seoul