Which place is cheaper, Seoul or Yangshuo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Yangshuo or Seoul?
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 Yangshuo and Seoul can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Yangshuo or Seoul?
Yangshuo
A county of the city, Guilin, Yangshuo is located in a region famous for its karst topography. Surrounded by jagged mountain peaks and bordered on one side by the Li River, Yangshuo has become a popular home base for tourists looking to explore the region's natural wonders. Backpackers and tourists, both foreign and domestic, come to Yangshuo every year making it a city of many cultures. Most locals are even able to speak English, which is fairly uncommon for Chinese cities.
Seoul
With a population of more than 11 million, Seoul is easily the largest city in South Korea. It is also the financial, political, and cultural capital of the country and has much to offer open minded travelers. It is often overlooked by travelers who instead head to Tokyo or Shanghai, but Seoul has a wide range of cultural experiences, food options, and historical sights. Seoul is a city of contrasts with ancient traditions, flashy technology, religious temples and a modern youth culture. It is also more affordable than many of the other Asian metropolis' to which it is often compared. If you're looking for an interesting and different experience that is a little off the tourist trail, Seoul can definitely offer that opportunity.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to China, The Best Tours for Seniors to China, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, and The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayYangshuo $72Seoul $107
The average daily cost (per person) in Yangshuo is $72, while the average daily cost in Seoul is $107. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Yangshuo and Seoul in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personYangshuo $25Seoul $54
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomYangshuo $50Seoul $108
Compare Hotels in Yangshuo and Seoul
Looking for a hotel in Yangshuo or Seoul? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Seoul Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Yangshuo $42Seoul $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yangshuo
Also for Yangshuo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo(Xingping) Train Station to Yangshuo Hotel: $21
- Private Transfer from Xingping hotel to Yangshuo hotel: $21
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo hotel to Guilin hotel: $37
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo Train Station to Yangshuo Hotel: $48
- Private Departure Transfer: Yangshuo to Guilin Train Stations: $49
- Private Departure Transfer: Yangshuo to Guilin International Airport (KWL): $49
- Yangshuo Rock Climbing with Hotel Transfer (3 hours): $69
- Impression Liu Sanjie - Ticket Booking (including Round-trip Transfer): $75
- Private Impression Sanjie Liu Evening Show with Hotel Transfer: $88
- Private Transfer from Xingping hotel to Longsheng hotel: $107
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seoul
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:
-
Subway Card$3.62
-
Short Taxi Ride$5.07
-
Metro Ride$0.98
-
Seoul City Pass Plus$7.24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:
- Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Incheon Airport 1-12 pax: $204
- Private Airport Transfer: Gimpo Airport to Seoul City (1-12 pax): $167
- Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Gimpo Airport (1-12 pax): $167
- Private Airport Transfer - Incheon Airport ⇔ Seoul (Up to 7 or 11 people): $138
- Private Airport Transfer * Incheon Airport <-> Seoul (1-5 people): $100
- Private Transfer l Airport to/from Seoul: $100
- Private Transfer To/From Incheon Airport: $99
- Private Airport Transfer : Incheon airport to/from Seoul(~7 pax): $99
- Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Incheon Airport (1-5 pax): $98
- Incheon Airport Private Transfer between Seoul City: $98
- Private Gimpo Airport Transfer to Seoul and Vice Versa: $95
- Private Airport Transfer : Gimpo airport to/from Seoul (1~7pax): $95
Is it cheaper to fly into Yangshuo or Seoul?
Prices for flights to both Seoul and Yangshuo change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayYangshuo $19Seoul $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yangshuo
For Yangshuo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 3-Hour Yangshuo Cooking Class with Yangshuo Town Shopping: $138
- Yangshuo Full Day Tour: Cooking class, River boat, Light Show: $259
Typical Food Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:
-
Rice with Kimchi & Bacon$4.34
-
Waffle$0.72
-
Dippin' Dots$1.45
-
Chicken Fried Rice$3.98
-
Chicken Stick$1.45
-
Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew$1.38
-
Lunch Buffet$4.34
-
Donut$0.72
-
Mushroom Burger$3.76
-
Green Tea Ice Cream$2.39
-
Udon & Sushi$5.07
-
Fresh Burger$3.48
-
Soba Noodles Lunch$3.26
-
Bibimbap Lunch$3.62
-
Fried Rice$3.98
-
Vietnamese Dinner$6.88
-
Breakfast and Coffee for 2$6.88
-
Donut$1.81
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seoul.
- Gyeongbokgung Palace : Tour, dinner and coffee: $36
- Seoul Mangwon Market Social Night Food Tour: $44
- Namdaemun Market: the Largest Traditional Market Food Tour: $46
- Namdaemun Market Street Food Tour: $47
- Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals;Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $53
- Gwangjang Market Netflix Food Tour: $54
- Guided City Wall Sunset Hike with Korean Dinner: $57
- Sunset Walking Tour in Naksan Park with Dinner: $58
- Half Day Seoul Afternoon Food Tour and visit 3 landMarks of Seoul: $67
- Night Market Food Tour: $70
- Energizing Korean Cooking Class in a Local Home in Seoul: $71
- Night Market Food Tour: $72
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Yangshuo $23Seoul $26
Tours and Activities in Yangshuo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Yangshuo.
- Tour to learn Chinese cuisine in Yangshuo group: $37
- Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket: $45
- Yangshuo Impression Liusanjie Show Ticket: $45
- Yangshuo Impression Liusanjie Show Ticket: $47
- Yangshuo Ruyi peak & round way cable car ticket: $55
- Yangshuo Via Ferrata Ticket: $56
- Half/Full-Day Yangshuo Countryside Moderate Cycling and Sightseeing Private Tour: $60
- Gullin: Li River Cruise with Pickup and Yangshuo: $65
- Private Half-Day Bike and Bamboo Raft Tour in Yangshuo: $80
- 1 Day - Yangshuo Bike Tour: $80
- Xingping Parasailing Experience Ticket: $89
- Yangshuo Parasailing Experience Ticket: $89
Typical Entertainment Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:
-
Palace Tickets$5.79
-
Movie Ticket$5.79
-
Kimchi Museum$2.17
Tours and Activities in Seoul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:
- Full Day Tour Jeonju Hanok Village, Wansan Park and Gakwonsa: $72
- Private Tour Nami Island with Petite France 'and/or' The Garden of Morning Calm: $98
- 1 Day Private Full DMZ Tour in Seoul with Crystal Gondola: $220
- 2-Hour Makgeolli Tasting Experience in Seoul: $37
- 2-Hour Private Kayaking and Paddleboarding Experience in Hanriver: $30
- 2D 1N Phoenix Pyeongchang Reseot Stay + Trout Ice-Fishing Festival Tour: $144
- 3 Hour Walking Tour in Songpa Seoul: $48
- 3-Hour Self-guided Sokcho Tour with Private Transportation: $33
- 63 Aqua Planet and 63 Building Seoul Observatory Tickets: $14
- ARMY must visit BTS tour in Seoul: $55
- Activity - Mt. Bukhan Hiking Guided Tour: $150
- Afternoon Half Day Seoul City Tour, visit Queen's dorm: $67
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayYangshuo $33Seoul $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Seoul
Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Chunpoong Makgeolli Brewery Tour: $10
- The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $21
- Pub Crawl: $25
- The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $25
- Soju Tasting at Distillery - Story of Three Pigs: $42
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yangshuo and Seoul, we can see that Seoul is more expensive. And not only is Yangshuo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Yangshuo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yangshuo 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 Seoul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seoul than you might in Yangshuo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Yangshuo Expensive? and Is Seoul Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Yangshuo or Seoul?
Seoul has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Yangshuo. When comparing the sizes of Yangshuo and Seoul, 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 Yangshuo or Seoul?
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 Yangshuo or Seoul in the Summer?
Both Seoul and Yangshuo during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Seoul this time of year.
Yangshuo is a little warmer than Seoul in the summer. The daily temperature in Yangshuo averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Seoul fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
Seoul gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Yangshuo. Yangshuo usually gets less rain in July than Seoul. Yangshuo gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyYangshuo 30°C (86°F)Seoul 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Seoul in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Yangshuo and Seoul. Furthermore, many travelers come to Seoul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
In the autumn, Yangshuo is a little warmer than Seoul. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Yangshuo in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Seoul averages at about 15°C (59°F).
In October, Yangshuo usually receives more rain than Seoul. Yangshuo gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberYangshuo 23°C (73°F)Seoul 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Seoul in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Yangshuo as well as Seoul. Additionally, many visitors come to Seoul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Seoul can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Yangshuo is generally much warmer than Seoul. Daily temperatures in Yangshuo average around 10°C (49°F), and Seoul fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).
Yangshuo usually gets more rain in January than Seoul. Yangshuo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryYangshuo 10°C (49°F)Seoul -3°C (27°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Seoul in the Spring?
Both Seoul and Yangshuo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Seoul for the activities around the city during these months.
Yangshuo is much warmer than Seoul in the spring. The daily temperature in Yangshuo averages around 20°C (68°F) in April, and Seoul fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
It's quite rainy in Yangshuo. In April, Yangshuo usually receives more rain than Seoul. Yangshuo gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilYangshuo 20°C (68°F)Seoul 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Seoul and Yangshuo
| Yangshuo | Seoul | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 369 mm (14.5 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 294 mm (11.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 0°C (33°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.