A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saaremaa vs. Seoul for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Saaremaa or Seoul?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa or Seoul, 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.

Saaremaa

Saaremaa is a quiet, calm, and peaceful island. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The beauty of Saaremaa is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food and beaches. See Saaremaa travel costs.

Seoul

Seoul is a bustling, modern, and high energy city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music. See Seoul travel costs.

Saaremaa and Seoul: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saaremaa or Seoul?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Seoul. Although Saaremaa and Seoul are both popular with visitors, Seoul has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Seoul is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Saaremaa is known for its beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Seoul is more touristy than Saaremaa and is popular for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. It is also home to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Saaremaa is popular for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting.

How is Saaremaa different from Seoul?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Seoul and Saaremaa. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saaremaa or Seoul?

Seoul is great for its historical sights. However, Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Seoul can be an interesting and educational experience. The museums and landmarks are diverse, with notable sights including N Seoul Tower, the Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village, and the National Museum of Korea.

Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Saaremaa or Seoul? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Seoul is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Seoul is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Food is a cultural obsession here, and you'll find everything from world class street food to award winning restaurants. The dishes are so much more diverse than Korean barbecue and kimchi. Many dishes are very spicy, with popular local foods including gamjatang (pork and potato soup) and jeon (savory pancakes).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saaremaa makes for a great culinary experience. Like most things on the island, traditional local food is still the norm here. The island is known for its smoked fish, homemade bread, and locally brewed beers. Popular fishes include garfish, herring, and flatfish, which you can enjoy at a local restaurant or one of the pop-up cafes that are popular during the summer months. You'll find the highest concentration of restaurants in Kuressaare, but there are still many options further out. It's also fun to visit during September during the Saaremaa Food Festival.

Is Saaremaa or Seoul Better for Nightlife?

Seoul is great for its evening party scene. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Seoul for the nightlife scene. This is definitely a work hard/play hard city, with locals working long hours during the day and then partying hard late into the night. The nightlife scene is strong both during the week and on weekends. There are bars, clubs, and lounges that are frequented by locals and tourists alike.

People don't go to Saaremaa for the nightlife. The island is known for it's quiet, laid-back atmosphere, so you'll be hard pressed to find a party or active club, even during the more popular summer months.

Is Saaremaa or Seoul Better for Music?

Seoul is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Saaremaa is not a live music destination.

Seoul has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. K-pop has put the city on the map for music, but you'll actually find a wide range of genres here including rock music and electronic dance music.

Saaremaa is not a live music destination.

Is Saaremaa or Seoul Better for Beaches?

Saaremaa is very good for the beach. However, Seoul is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Saaremaa to enjoy the beach. The beaches are quiet and relaxed, even during the summer months. In town, the best beach is Kuressaare Beach. Outside of town you'll find other nice beaches such as the sandy beaches between Mändjala and Järve. The beaches in Tuhkana and Jõiste villages are also well known. For swimming, most people prefer to visit Lake Karujärv.

Seoul is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saaremaa or Seoul?

Seoul is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. However, Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many people travel to Seoul specifically to go shopping. This bustling city offers traditional local items as well as Korean cosmetics and trendy fashion. Although shopping malls are spread throughout the city, some of the most popular shopping areas are found around Myeong-dong and Dongdaemun.

Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saaremaa or Seoul More Beautiful?

Saaremaa is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Seoul is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Saaremaa is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The island has a classic beauty that feels frozen in time.

Seoul is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saaremaa or Seoul Better for Families?

Seoul is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Seoul. The city has a wide range of kid-friendly activities, ranging from the easy choices like amusement parks and children's museums, to the less obvious like kid-friendly cafes and markets. There are many entertainment options packed into a small space, so kids and adults alike will stay entertained.

Saaremaa is a family-friendly place to visit. While the island is known for its slow pace, there are still a number of fun activities where the kids can run and jump. There are several outdoor adventure parks and playgrounds that are great for young legs. Check out the playgrounds in Kuressaare or head out of town for more outdoor activities. When the weather's nice you can head to Kuressaare Beach or check out the ostrich farm in Muhu.

Is Saaremaa or Seoul Better for Couples?

Saaremaa and Seoul are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Saaremaa is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. The peace and quiet of the island make for a relaxing couple's getaway. You can enjoy the outdoors and feel like you've stepped back in time as you explore the laid back island in the Baltics.

Seoul is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples enjoy the beautiful viewpoints, outdoor parks, and diverse restaurants. There are also many beautiful luxury hotels where couples can enjoy a romantic getaway.

Is Saaremaa or Seoul Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Saaremaa and Seoul are good places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Saaremaa. While prices are cheap, transportation isn't great so you'll likely want to rent a car if you want to really explore the island. There are a number of rooms available for rent at an affordable price, particularly in the shoulder season, but you'll you'll only find a handful of hostels on the island.

Seoul is a good island to visit for backpackers. The city isn't the most popular among backpackers, but those who visit will enjoy exploring a fascinating culture and delicious cuisine. Because it's a large city, you'll find a diversity of accommodation options including some budget-friendly hostels and hotels.

Is Saaremaa or Seoul Better for Students?

Seoul is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Saaremaa is not popular with students.

Seoul is a great city to visit as a student. Many international students head to Seoul National University, which has an excellent academic reputation. The city is also fun and energetic, so everyone will be entertained.

Saaremaa is not popular with students.

Is Saaremaa or Seoul Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Seoul is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit in Seoul is top-notch. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Saaremaa. Most people arrive on the island by ferry. There are buses on the island but they cater mostly to locals. To really explore, you'll want to have access to a car.

Is Saaremaa or Seoul a more walkable city?

Seoul is great for its ease of walking around. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its walkability.

Seoul is a very walkable destination. Many neighborhoods are fun to explore on foot but do take note that parts of the city are very hilly and the weather can be bitter cold during the winter months.

Saaremaa is not a walkable island. While their are some walking trails, you really need a car to explore the island in depth.

For even more information, also check out Is Saaremaa Worth Visiting? and Is Seoul Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Seoul or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or Seoul?

Both Saaremaa and Seoul have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Seoul than in Saaremaa. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saaremaa, and 3-7 days is enough time in Seoul.

Families should spend more time in Seoul than Saaremaa. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Seoul, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Seoul than Saaremaa. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Seoul that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Seoul than Saaremaa if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Seoul.

One day in Saaremaa or Seoul?

Even though Saaremaa is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Seoul is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Saaremaa or Seoul?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saaremaa. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Seoul is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Saaremaa or Seoul?

Saaremaa is a fun place to experience. Saaremaa is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Seoul is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Seoul, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Saaremaa or Seoul?

Saaremaa is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Seoul is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Seoul has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, and The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saaremaa and Seoul, we can see that Saaremaa is more expensive. And not only is Seoul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saaremaa is in Europe and Seoul is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Seoul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Seoul 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 Saaremaa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saaremaa than you might in Seoul.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Saaremaa Expensive? and Is Seoul Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Seoul?

Seoul has a larger population, and is about 690 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa and Seoul, 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 Saaremaa or Seoul?

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 Saaremaa or Seoul in the Summer?

Both Seoul and Saaremaa during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saaremaa for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Seoul because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saaremaa is generally much colder than Seoul. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 17°C (62°F), and Seoul fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Saaremaa. In the summer, Saaremaa often gets more sunshine than Seoul. Saaremaa gets 302 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seoul receives 121 hours of full sun.

Seoul gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saaremaa usually gets less rain in July than Seoul. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Seoul in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and Seoul. The autumn months attract visitors to Saaremaa because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Seoul this time of year.

Saaremaa is much colder than Seoul in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 8°C (47°F) in October, and Seoul fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seoul this time of the year. Saaremaa usually receives less sunshine than Seoul during autumn. Saaremaa gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Seoul receives 204 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saaremaa usually receives more rain than Seoul. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Seoul in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saaremaa as well as Seoul. The cuisine are the main draw to Saaremaa this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Seoul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Seoul. It's quite cold in Saaremaa in the winter. In the winter, Saaremaa is around the same temperature as Seoul. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saaremaa in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Seoul averages at about -3°C (27°F).

In the winter, Saaremaa often gets less sunshine than Seoul. Saaremaa gets 33 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seoul receives 163 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets more rain in January than Seoul. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Seoul in the Spring?

Both Seoul and Saaremaa are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saaremaa for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Seoul in the spring for the activities around the city.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saaremaa. In April, Saaremaa is generally much colder than Seoul. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 4°C (38°F), and Seoul fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Seoul. Saaremaa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Seoul during spring. Saaremaa gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Seoul receives 205 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Seoul. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Seoul and Saaremaa