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

Should you visit Seoul or Wellington?

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

Seoul

Seoul is a colorful, cultural, and bustling city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Wellington

Wellington is a compact, laid-back, and funky city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Seoul and Wellington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seoul or Wellington?

You'll generally find more things to do in Seoul than Wellington. Seoul is bigger than Wellington, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Seoul is better known for its museums, food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Wellington is more popular for its beaches and hiking. Wellington is more touristy than Seoul and is popular for its waterfront promenade, quirky cafe culture, and relaxing beaches. 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 Wellington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Seoul is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Seoul offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The museums and landmarks are diverse, with notable sights including N Seoul Tower, the Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village, and the National Museum of Korea.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Wellington. As the capital city, you'll find a number of museums and sights around town. Check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Beehive, the Wellington Museum, and the City Gallery.

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

Seoul is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Seoul is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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).

Dining out in Wellington is an experience not to be missed. There are waterfront restaurants and a vibrant cafe scene around town. You'll also find local markets and many diverse eateries that you can explore.

Is Seoul or Wellington Better for Nightlife?

Both Seoul and Wellington are great 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.

Wellington has a large number of nightlife venues. The best nightlife scene is found along Courtenay Place. There you'll find nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail bars. Cuba Street is another fun area with a bit more of a local vibe, and the waterfront is another great nightlife district in the city.

Is Seoul or Wellington Better for Music?

Seoul is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Wellington 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.

Wellington is not a live music destination.

Is Seoul or Wellington Better for Beaches?

Wellington is a well-known place for the beache. However, Seoul is not a beach destination.

Wellington is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are nice beaches within walking distance of the city center. There are also beaches that are well worth the drive if you're looking to get a bit out of town. In the summer months, there are swimming beaches, and year around they have nice views and a good atmosphere.

Seoul is not a beach destination.

Is Seoul or Wellington Better for Hiking?

Wellington is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Seoul is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Wellington. The area has rolling hills and beautiful coastlines that are filled with walking trails and scenic views. Some of the more popular trails in the area are the Red Rocks walk and the City-to-Sea walk.

Seoul is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Seoul or Wellington?

Seoul is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Wellington 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 Wellington. For the city's best shopping, head to the "Golden Mile". This is the area defined by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place. There are boutique designers and high end fashion outlets throughout the area. The city also has many great markets and local shopping areas.

Is Seoul or Wellington Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Seoul or Wellington.

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 Wellington. There's the Wellington Zoo as well as Island Bay Marine Education Centre, both of which are great for animal-lovers. Waitangi Park is a nice park where kids can run around and play, and if you're looking for something indoors, head to the Space Place at Carter Observatory. If everyone needs some down time, there's always the beach with is fun to hang out at.

Is Seoul or Wellington Better for Couples?

Seoul is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Wellington 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.

Wellington is a good city for couples to visit. The botanical gardens are beautiful to explore, and there is also a bird sanctuary in the area as well. Couple's will also enjoy the many nice restaurants and beautiful outdoor space around town.

Is Seoul or Wellington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Wellington 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.

Wellington is a great city to visit for backpackers. Located on the south side of the North Island, many backpackers use this city as a gateway to the South Island. There are many hostels around town and other fellow 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 Wellington Better for Students?

Seoul is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Seoul is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Wellington is popular with students. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is a nice setting for students.

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

Seoul is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Seoul has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.

The public transit in Wellington can get you to most places easily. There are city buses, trains, and ferries that are popular with tourists and locals alike.

Is Seoul or Wellington a more walkable city?

Seoul and Wellington both are great 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.

Wellington is a very walkable destination. This is one of New Zealand's most walkable cities and it has a compact city center.

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

Should I spend more time in Wellington or Seoul?

How long in Seoul or Wellington?

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

Families should spend more time in Seoul than Wellington. 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 Wellington. 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.

One day in Seoul or Wellington?

When visiting Seoul, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Wellington, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this compact destination 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 Wellington?

When visiting Seoul, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wellington. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Wellington?

Seoul, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Wellington is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Wellington. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Seoul or Wellington?

Seoul is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the funky destination of Wellington. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Seoul and Wellington, 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. Even though Seoul is in Asia and Wellington is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Seoul or Wellington?

Seoul has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Wellington. When comparing the sizes of Seoul and Wellington, 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 Wellington?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Wellington 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 Wellington in the Summer?

Both Wellington and Seoul during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Seoul for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Wellington because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Wellington, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Seoul often gets less sunshine than Wellingtonin January. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 242 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually gets more rain in July than Wellingtonin January. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Wellington in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Wellington. The autumn months attract visitors to Seoul because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Wellington this time of year.

In the autumn, Seoul is around the same temperature as Wellington. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Seoul in October average around 15°C (59°F), and Wellington averages at about 15°C (58°F)in April.

In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Wellington during autumn. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 163 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Seoul usually receives less rain than Wellingtonin April. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Seoul or Wellington in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Wellington. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Seoul this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Wellington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Seoul in the winter. In January, Seoul is generally much colder than Wellingtonin July. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around -3°C (27°F), and Wellington fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the winter, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Wellingtonin July. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 122 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Wellington. Seoul usually gets less rain in January than Wellingtonin July. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Wellington in the Spring?

Both Wellington and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Seoul for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Wellington in the spring for the beaches.

Seoul is around the same temperature as Wellington in the spring. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Wellington fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Wellington during spring. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Seoul usually receives around the same amount of rain as Wellingtonin October. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Wellington and Seoul