Comparison · Busan vs Seoul · South Korea
Busan vs Seoul
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Brit in Seoul, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Busan for Haeundae Beach, Jagalchi Fish Market, beaches and a milder winter; choose Seoul for Gyeongbokgung Palace and Korean barbecue. Busan is generally less expensive, and the two are about 325 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 325 km
- Less expensive
- Busan
- Best time for Busan
- April–May and September–November
- Best time for Seoul
- April–May and September–November
Side by side
| Busan | Seoul | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | South Korea | South Korea |
| Known for | Haeundae Beach, Jagalchi Fish Market and Gamcheon Culture Village | Gyeongbokgung Palace, Korean barbecue and K-pop and K-beauty |
| Best time to visit | April–May and September–November | April–May and September–November |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 5 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $110–$200 | $120–$230 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | August, 30°C (86°F) | August, 30°C (86°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 8°C (46°F) | January, 2°C (36°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 11 | 11 |
| Day trips in our guide | 5 | 6 |
| Beaches | Haeundae Beach | — |
| Airports | PUS | ICN, GMP |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Busan for…
Haeundae Beach, Jagalchi Fish Market, beaches and a milder winter. Korea's second city and largest port wraps around a mountainous coastline on the country's southeastern tip, about 2.5 hours from Seoul by KTX. Visitors split their time between the beaches of Haeundae and Gwangalli, the markets and hillside villages of the…
Choose Seoul for…
Gyeongbokgung Palace and Korean barbecue. Seoul spreads along both banks of the Han River, with the Joseon-dynasty palaces, hanok lanes and markets of Jongno in the old city north of the river and the towers of Gangnam to the south. A fast, inexpensive subway connects everything, and the city's food…
Top sights compared
| # | Busan | Seoul |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Haeundae Beach | Gyeongbokgung Palace |
| 2 | Gamcheon Culture Village | Changdeokgung and the Secret Garden |
| 3 | Haedong Yonggungsa | Bukchon Hanok Village |
| 4 | Jagalchi Fish Market | N Seoul Tower and Namsan |
| 5 | Gwangalli Beach and Gwangan Bridge | Gwangjang Market |
Food compared
| Busan | Seoul |
|---|---|
| Pork and rice soup | Korean barbecue |
| Wheat cold noodles | Bibimbap |
| Fish cake | Kimchi stew |
| Seed-filled pancake | Tteokbokki |
Which is cheaper?
Busan is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $110–$200 per person there, against $120–$230 in Seoul (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Busan on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Busan and Seoul are about 325 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Busan and 5 in Seoul.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Busan or Seoul cheaper?
Busan is usually less expensive: about $110–$200 a day mid-range against $120–$230 (estimates).
+Is Busan or Seoul better for a first trip?
Pick Busan for Haeundae Beach, Jagalchi Fish Market, beaches and a milder winter, or Seoul for Gyeongbokgung Palace and Korean barbecue.
+How far is Busan from Seoul?
About 325 km in a straight line.