Comparison · Seoul vs Shanghai · South Korea / China
Seoul vs Shanghai
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Eunmi Park, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Seoul for Gyeongbokgung Palace, Korean barbecue and free sights; choose Shanghai for The Bund, Pudong skyline and a milder winter. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 866 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 866 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Seoul
- April–May and September–November
- Best time for Shanghai
- April–May and October–November
Side by side
| Seoul | Shanghai | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | South Korea | China |
| Known for | Gyeongbokgung Palace, Korean barbecue and K-pop and K-beauty | The Bund, Pudong skyline and Xiaolongbao |
| Best time to visit | April–May and September–November | April–May and October–November |
| Ideal stay | 5 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $120–$230 | $130–$250 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | August, 30°C (86°F) | July, 32°C (90°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 2°C (36°F) | January, 8°C (46°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 11 | 7 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 5 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | ICN, GMP | PVG, SHA |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Seoul for…
Gyeongbokgung Palace, Korean barbecue 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…
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Choose Shanghai for…
The Bund, Pudong skyline and a milder winter. Shanghai splits along the Huangpu River: on the west bank, the 1920s and 1930s banks and hotels of the Bund, the Old City around Yu Garden and the plane-tree streets of the former French Concession; on the east bank, the Lujiazui towers led by the 632-metre…
Top sights compared
| # | Seoul | Shanghai |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gyeongbokgung Palace | The Bund |
| 2 | Changdeokgung and the Secret Garden | Yu Garden |
| 3 | Bukchon Hanok Village | Shanghai Tower |
| 4 | N Seoul Tower and Namsan | Oriental Pearl Tower |
| 5 | Gwangjang Market | Shanghai Museum |
Food compared
| Seoul | Shanghai |
|---|---|
| Korean barbecue | Soup dumplings |
| Bibimbap | Pan-fried pork buns |
| Kimchi stew | Red-braised pork belly |
| Tteokbokki | Scallion oil noodles |
Which is cheaper?
Seoul and Shanghai cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $120–$230 in Seoul and $130–$250 in Shanghai (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Seoul on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 866 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 10 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Seoul or Shanghai cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $120–$230 in Seoul and $130–$250 in Shanghai (estimates).
+Is Seoul or Shanghai better for a first trip?
Pick Seoul for Gyeongbokgung Palace, Korean barbecue and free sights, or Shanghai for The Bund, Pudong skyline and a milder winter.
+How far is Seoul from Shanghai?
About 866 km in a straight line.