A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Busan (Pusan) vs. Shenyang for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Shenyang?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Busan (Pusan) or Shenyang, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Busan (Pusan) or Shenyang?

Busan (Pusan)

An important port city in South Korea, Busan is known for its beaches, mountains, and temples. With a thriving harbor, the city's main revenue comes from international shipping, although the area is quite popular with tourists from all over the globe, too. The place is bustling with sailors from around the world as well as tourists who come to enjoy the culture of this modern and dynamic city.

Shenyang

Shenyang, China is the capital, and largest, city in the Liaoning Province in northwest China which borders North Korea. Shenyang has a long, imperial, history and is the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty. The city has a blend of beautifully preserved architecture and modern buildings, creating a pleasant atmosphere for exploring!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Shenyang or Busan (Pusan)?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $104, while the average daily cost in Shenyang is $85. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Busan (Pusan) and Shenyang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Busan (Pusan) $39
    Shenyang $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Busan (Pusan) $78
    Shenyang $82
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Shenyang

Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Shenyang? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Busan (Pusan)


Hotels in Shenyang


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $20
    Shenyang $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):

  • Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $66
  • Private Transfer from Busan Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Cruise Port: $66
  • Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $66
  • Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Int Airport(PUS): $66
  • Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $66
  • Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
  • Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
  • Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Busan (Pusan) or Shenyang?

Prices for flights to both Shenyang and Busan (Pusan) change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Busan (Pusan) $44
    Shenyang $32
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)

Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:


  • McDonald's
    $4.43
  • Carp Bread
    $0.72

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Busan (Pusan)

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Busan (Pusan).

  • Busan history and market food tour with local chef: $53
  • Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $95
  • Busan seafood tour : Cod Auction and Clam Auction in Winter: $99
  • Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $100
  • Busan Local Food Cooking Class with Market Tour: $114

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $20
    Shenyang $7.81

Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:

  • "Walking Tour: Busan Foodie Experience + Live Like a Local": $73
  • 1-DAY Busan and INCLUDED night tour: $220
  • A well-rounded small group Busan tour with a certified guide: $58
  • Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $48
  • Busan 4hr Private Walking Tour with Certified Guide: $228
  • Busan 9 Highlights Tour: $40
  • Busan CLUBD OASIS Spa and Water Park Ticket: $15
  • Busan City Tour - Haedong Yonggung Temple And Shopping in Lotte Premium Outlet: $289
  • Busan City Tour Including Gamcheon Culture village and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: $282
  • Busan City Tour Including Haedong Yonggungsa Temple And APEC House: $290
  • Busan Comfortable Private Tour For 4hours: $196
  • Busan Comfortable Private Tour For 8hours: $251

Tours and Activities in Shenyang

For Shenyang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Shenyang to Dandong: China North-eastern Border Day Tour: $350

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Busan (Pusan) $12
    Shenyang $5.91


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Busan (Pusan) and Shenyang, we can see that Busan (Pusan) is more expensive. And not only is Shenyang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Shenyang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shenyang and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Busan (Pusan) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Busan (Pusan) than you might in Shenyang.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive? and Is Shenyang Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Shenyang?

Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of Shenyang. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Shenyang, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Busan (Pusan) or Shenyang?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Shenyang in the Summer?

Both Shenyang and Busan (Pusan) during the summer are popular places to visit.

Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Shenyang in the summer. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Shenyang fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Shenyang, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Busan (Pusan) often gets less sunshine than Shenyang. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenyang receives 214 hours of full sun.

Shenyang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in July than Shenyang. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F) 
    Shenyang 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Shenyang in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Shenyang.

In the autumn, Busan (Pusan) is much warmer than Shenyang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Shenyang averages at about 10°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shenyang this time of the year. In Busan (Pusan), it's very sunny this time of the year. Busan (Pusan) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Shenyang during autumn. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Shenyang receives 216 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Shenyang. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F) 
    Shenyang 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Shenyang in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Shenyang.

It's quite cold in Shenyang in the winter. The weather in Busan (Pusan) can be very cold. In January, Busan (Pusan) is generally much warmer than Shenyang. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 3°C (38°F), and Shenyang fluctuates around -11°C (13°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Busan (Pusan) this time of the year. In the winter, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Shenyang. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenyang receives 167 hours of full sun.

Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in January than Shenyang. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F) 
    Shenyang -11°C (13°F)

Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Shenyang in the Spring?

Both Shenyang and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

Busan (Pusan) is a little warmer than Shenyang in the spring. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Shenyang fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

It's quite sunny in Shenyang. Busan (Pusan) usually receives less sunshine than Shenyang during spring. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Shenyang receives 241 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). In April, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Shenyang. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F) 
    Shenyang 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Shenyang and Busan (Pusan)

Busan (Pusan) Shenyang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) -11°C (13°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) -7°C (19°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 1°C (34°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 257 mm (10.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 174 mm (6.9 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in) 24°C (75°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 1°C (34°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Dec 6°C (43°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) -7°C (19°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)