A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Seoul vs. Playa del Carmen for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Seoul or Playa del Carmen?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Seoul and Playa del Carmen can help you decide which place is right for you.

Seoul

Seoul is a colorful, cultural, and bustling city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums. See Seoul travel costs.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a scenic, stunning, and vibrant town. The beauty of Playa del Carmen is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

Seoul and Playa del Carmen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seoul or Playa del Carmen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Seoul than Playa del Carmen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Seoul is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Playa del Carmen is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Seoul and is known for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. Seoul is popular for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. It is also home to Gyeongbokgung Palace.

How is Seoul different from Playa del Carmen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Seoul or Playa del Carmen?

Seoul is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Playa del Carmen is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Seoul offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The museums and landmarks are diverse, with notable sights including N Seoul Tower, the Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village, and the National Museum of Korea.

While most people don't head to Playa del Carmen specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. If you're willing to head out of town, there are world class Mayan ruins not far away, but if you want to hang out near town, then you'll likely spend most of your time enjoying outdoor water activities.

Is the Food Better in Seoul or Playa del Carmen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Seoul is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Seoul is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Playa del Carmen. You'll find a good number of overpriced tourist restaurants in the area, but if you do some research you'll also find amazing and authentic Mexican food as well. There is everything from food trucks to fine dining that offer ceviche, tacos, or burritos. There are also plenty of places to grab pizza or burgers.

Is Seoul or Playa del Carmen Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Playa del Carmen is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. It rivals some of the country's best nightlife and you'll find plenty of venues to choose from, ranging from dive bars to swanky cocktail lounges. Head to the main walking street for some of the most active venues.

Seoul has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Is Seoul or Playa del Carmen Better for Music?

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

In Seoul you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Playa del Carmen is not a live music destination.

Is Seoul or Playa del Carmen Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for its resorts. However, Seoul is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Playa del Carmen is a perfect choice. You'll find a huge number of luxury resorts in the area, particularly along the beach. There are fancy pools and beachfront properties that offer the perfect vacation retreat.

Seoul is not a resort destination.

Is Seoul or Playa del Carmen Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for its diving and snorkeling. However, Seoul is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Playa del Carmen is not to be missed. There's not a lot to see right off of the beach, but there are plenty of snorkeling excursions in the area that take you to beautiful reefs. The diving is world class as well and you'll find wonderful reefs, bull sharks, and hidden gems.

Seoul is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Seoul or Playa del Carmen Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for the beach. However, Seoul is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Playa del Carmen is a very popular vacation destination. The area is filled with world class beaches, long stretches of white sand, and beautiful blue water. You might even stumble across a sea turtle or two while you're swimming.

Seoul is not a beach destination.

Is Seoul or Playa del Carmen Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Seoul is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Playa del Carmen. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Seoul is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Seoul or Playa del Carmen?

Seoul is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Seoul is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Playa del Carmen. Much of the shopping is geared towards the tourists, but you'll find some local items, interesting galleries, and colorful markets to explore.

Is Seoul or Playa del Carmen More Beautiful?

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

The beauty of Playa del Carmen is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. From beautiful beaches to inland jungles, this is a truly stunning destination.

Seoul is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Seoul or Playa del Carmen Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Playa del Carmen is one of the most popular family destinations. From eco parks to kid-friendly snorkeling opportunities, there are many activities for kids of all ages. There are also adventure parks and playgrounds that are perfect for a fun afternoon.

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.

Is Seoul or Playa del Carmen Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Playa del Carmen has plenty to offer. Beautiful beaches and tropical jungles make this a paradise honeymoon destination. You'll find luxury resorts, fine dining restaurants, and countless opportunities to enjoy the stunning setting. Take a sunset cruise of explore one of the many natural wonders in the area.

Seoul makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Seoul or Playa del Carmen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Seoul and Playa del Carmen are good destinations for backpackers.

Seoul is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Playa del Carmen. It's filled with tourists staying at luxury resorts, but you'll also find a couple of hostels tucked away in town. If you're interesting in scuba diving, then it's well worth the trip.

Is Seoul or Playa del Carmen Better for Students?

Seoul is a great destination for students. However, Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

Seoul is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

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

Seoul is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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

While Playa del Carmen offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

Is Seoul or Playa del Carmen a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Playa del Carmen on foot. It's a compact and very walkable town. La Quinta is the main strip and it's pedestrian-only.

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.

For even more information, also check out Is Seoul Worth Visiting? and Is Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Playa del Carmen or Seoul?

How long in Seoul or Playa del Carmen?

Both Seoul and Playa del Carmen have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Playa del Carmen has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Playa del Carmen than Seoul. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Seoul than Playa del Carmen 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 Seoul or Playa del Carmen?

People visit Seoul because there is so much to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Playa del Carmen, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this stunning destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This town 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.

A weekend in Seoul or Playa del Carmen?

People visit Seoul because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Playa del Carmen. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Seoul or Playa del Carmen?

Seoul is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Playa del Carmen is a fun place to experience. In Playa del Carmen, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Seoul or Playa del Carmen?

Seoul is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

In Playa del Carmen, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this scenic destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Seoul and Playa del Carmen, we can see that Seoul is more expensive. And not only is Playa del Carmen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Seoul is in Asia and Playa del Carmen is in North America, 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 Playa del Carmen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Playa del Carmen 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 Seoul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seoul than you might in Playa del Carmen.

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

Which is Bigger, Seoul or Playa del Carmen?

Seoul has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Seoul and Playa del Carmen, 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 Seoul or Playa del Carmen?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Seoul or Playa del Carmen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Playa del Carmen. Most visitors come to Seoul for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Seoul is around the same temperature as Playa del Carmen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Seoul in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. Seoul usually receives less sunshine than Playa del Carmen during summer. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 223 hours of full sun in the summer.

Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Seoul gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Seoul usually receives more rain than Playa del Carmen. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Seoul or Playa del Carmen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Playa del Carmen. The autumn months attract visitors to Seoul because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year.

In October, Seoul is generally much colder than Playa del Carmen. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 15°C (59°F), and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seoul this time of the year. In the autumn, Seoul often gets less sunshine than Playa del Carmen. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 233 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. Seoul usually gets less rain in October than Playa del Carmen. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Seoul or Playa del Carmen in the Winter?

Both Playa del Carmen and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Seoul this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Seoul in the winter. Seoul is much colder than Playa del Carmen in the winter. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. Seoul usually receives less sunshine than Playa del Carmen during winter. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 224 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Seoul usually receives more rain than Playa del Carmen. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Seoul or Playa del Carmen in the Spring?

Both Playa del Carmen and Seoul during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Seoul for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Seoul is much colder than Playa del Carmen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Seoul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Seoul. In the spring, Seoul often gets less sunshine than Playa del Carmen. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 259 hours of full sun.

Seoul usually gets more rain in April than Playa del Carmen. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Typical Weather for Playa del Carmen and Seoul