Comparison · Jeju vs Seoul · South Korea
Jeju 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: Robert Simmon, using Landsat data provided by the United States Geological Survey., Public domain
Quick answer
Choose Jeju for Hallasan, Volcanic landscapes, beaches and a milder winter; choose Seoul for Gyeongbokgung Palace, Korean barbecue, nightlife and free sights. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 454 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 454 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Jeju
- April–May and October–November
- Best time for Seoul
- April–May and September–November
Side by side
| Jeju | Seoul | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | South Korea | South Korea |
| Known for | Hallasan, Volcanic landscapes and Haenyeo women divers | Gyeongbokgung Palace, Korean barbecue and K-pop and K-beauty |
| Best time to visit | April–May and October–November | April–May and September–November |
| Ideal stay | 5 days | 5 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $120–$230 | $120–$230 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | August, 30°C (86°F) | August, 30°C (86°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 9°C (48°F) | January, 2°C (36°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 7 | 11 |
| Day trips in our guide | 5 | 6 |
| Beaches | Hyeopjae Beach | — |
| Airports | CJU | ICN, GMP |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Jeju for…
Hallasan, Volcanic landscapes, beaches and a milder winter. Jeju is a volcanic island off the southern tip of the Korean peninsula, roughly 73 km from east to west, with Hallasan (1,947 m), South Korea's highest mountain, rising in the middle. Most visitors fly into Jeju International Airport on the north coast and…
Choose Seoul for…
Gyeongbokgung Palace, Korean barbecue, nightlife and free sights. 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
| # | Jeju | Seoul |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hallasan National Park | Gyeongbokgung Palace |
| 2 | Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) | Changdeokgung and the Secret Garden |
| 3 | Manjanggul Lava Tube | Bukchon Hanok Village |
| 4 | Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff | N Seoul Tower and Namsan |
| 5 | Cheonjiyeon Waterfall | Gwangjang Market |
Food compared
| Jeju | Seoul |
|---|---|
| Jeju black pork | Korean barbecue |
| Cold raw-fish soup | Bibimbap |
| Abalone porridge | Kimchi stew |
| Braised hairtail | Tteokbokki |
Which is cheaper?
Jeju and Seoul cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $120–$230 in Jeju and $120–$230 in Seoul (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Jeju on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Jeju and Seoul are about 454 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 5 days in Jeju and 5 in Seoul.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Jeju or Seoul cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $120–$230 in Jeju and $120–$230 in Seoul (estimates).
+Is Jeju or Seoul better for a first trip?
Pick Jeju for Hallasan, Volcanic landscapes, beaches and a milder winter, or Seoul for Gyeongbokgung Palace, Korean barbecue, nightlife and free sights.
+How far is Jeju from Seoul?
About 454 km in a straight line.