Comparison · Hong Kong vs Seoul · China / South Korea
Hong Kong 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: Daniel Case, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Quick answer
Choose Hong Kong for Victoria Harbour skyline, Dim sum, beaches and a milder winter; choose Seoul for Gyeongbokgung Palace, Korean barbecue and lower day-to-day costs. Seoul is generally less expensive, and the two are about 2,096 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 2,096 km
- Less expensive
- Seoul
- Best time for Hong Kong
- October–December
- Best time for Seoul
- April–May and September–November
Side by side
| Hong Kong | Seoul | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | China | South Korea |
| Known for | Victoria Harbour skyline, Dim sum and Star Ferry | Gyeongbokgung Palace, Korean barbecue and K-pop and K-beauty |
| Best time to visit | October–December | April–May and September–November |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 5 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $160–$300 | $120–$230 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 32°C (90°F) | August, 30°C (86°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 19°C (66°F) | January, 2°C (36°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 11 | 11 |
| Day trips in our guide | 5 | 6 |
| Beaches | Repulse Bay | — |
| Airports | HKG | ICN, GMP |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Hong Kong for…
Victoria Harbour skyline, Dim sum, beaches and a milder winter. Hong Kong wraps one of the world's densest skylines around Victoria Harbour, with Hong Kong Island's Central and Wan Chai facing Kowloon's Tsim Sha Tsui across a ten-minute Star Ferry crossing. Behind the towers, about three-quarters of the territory is…
Choose Seoul for…
Gyeongbokgung Palace, Korean barbecue and lower day-to-day costs. 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
| # | Hong Kong | Seoul |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Victoria Peak and the Peak Tram | Gyeongbokgung Palace |
| 2 | Star Ferry | Changdeokgung and the Secret Garden |
| 3 | Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and Avenue of Stars | Bukchon Hanok Village |
| 4 | Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery | N Seoul Tower and Namsan |
| 5 | Hollywood Road and Man Mo Temple | Gwangjang Market |
Food compared
| Hong Kong | Seoul |
|---|---|
| Dim sum | Korean barbecue |
| Roast goose and char siu | Bibimbap |
| Wonton noodles | Kimchi stew |
| Egg tart | Tteokbokki |
Which is cheaper?
Seoul is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $120–$230 per person there, against $160–$300 in Hong Kong (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Seoul on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 2,096 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 10 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Hong Kong or Seoul cheaper?
Seoul is usually less expensive: about $120–$230 a day mid-range against $160–$300 (estimates).
+Is Hong Kong or Seoul better for a first trip?
Pick Hong Kong for Victoria Harbour skyline, Dim sum, beaches and a milder winter, or Seoul for Gyeongbokgung Palace, Korean barbecue and lower day-to-day costs.
+How far is Hong Kong from Seoul?
About 2,096 km in a straight line.