Comparison · Seoul vs Taipei · South Korea / Taiwan
Seoul vs Taipei
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 and Korean barbecue; choose Taipei for Taipei 101, Night markets and a milder winter. Taipei is generally less expensive, and the two are about 1,485 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 1,485 km
- Less expensive
- Taipei
- Best time for Seoul
- April–May and September–November
- Best time for Taipei
- March–April and October–December
Side by side
| Seoul | Taipei | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | South Korea | Taiwan |
| Known for | Gyeongbokgung Palace, Korean barbecue and K-pop and K-beauty | Taipei 101, Night markets and National Palace Museum |
| Best time to visit | April–May and September–November | March–April and October–December |
| Ideal stay | 5 days | 5 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $120–$230 | $100–$200 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | August, 30°C (86°F) | July, 34°C (93°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 2°C (36°F) | January, 19°C (66°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 11 | 9 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 7 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | ICN, GMP | TPE, TSA |
Which one is right for you?
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…
Choose Taipei for…
Taipei 101, Night markets and a milder winter. Taipei is Taiwan's capital, a compact city of about 2.5 million people in a basin ringed by green mountains. The 508-metre Taipei 101 dominates the Xinyi skyline, the National Palace Museum holds one of the world's largest collections of Chinese imperial…
Top sights compared
| # | Seoul | Taipei |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gyeongbokgung Palace | Taipei 101 Observatory |
| 2 | Changdeokgung and the Secret Garden | National Palace Museum |
| 3 | Bukchon Hanok Village | Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall |
| 4 | N Seoul Tower and Namsan | Longshan Temple |
| 5 | Gwangjang Market | Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) |
Food compared
| Seoul | Taipei |
|---|---|
| Korean barbecue | Beef noodle soup |
| Bibimbap | Xiaolongbao |
| Kimchi stew | Braised pork rice |
| Tteokbokki | Pepper bun |
Which is cheaper?
Taipei is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $100–$200 per person there, against $120–$230 in Seoul (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Taipei on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 1,485 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 11 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Seoul or Taipei cheaper?
Taipei is usually less expensive: about $100–$200 a day mid-range against $120–$230 (estimates).
+Is Seoul or Taipei better for a first trip?
Pick Seoul for Gyeongbokgung Palace and Korean barbecue, or Taipei for Taipei 101, Night markets and a milder winter.
+How far is Seoul from Taipei?
About 1,485 km in a straight line.