A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Seoul vs. Surfers Paradise for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Seoul or Surfers Paradise?

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 Surfers Paradise can help you decide which place is right for you.

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.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a ritzy, glamourous, and high energy city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Surfers Paradise travel costs.

Seoul and Surfers Paradise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seoul or Surfers Paradise?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Seoul. Although Seoul and Surfers Paradise are both popular with visitors, Seoul has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Seoul is more popular for its food, music, and big city activities, while Surfers Paradise is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Surfers Paradise is more touristy than Seoul and is popular for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. 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 Surfers Paradise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise?

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Seoul and Surfers Paradise.

Many visitors head to Seoul specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The museums and landmarks are diverse, with notable sights including N Seoul Tower, the Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village, and the National Museum of Korea.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Surfers Paradise can be an interesting and educational experience. For the best views of the coastline head to the SkyPoint Observation Deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa. It's in Australia's tallest residential tower. You can also visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Sea World Marine Park, as well as countless other amusement parks or entertainment centers.

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

Seoul is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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, Surfers Paradise makes for a great culinary experience. There's a trendy food scene with a number of award winning restaurants in the area. There are high end seafood restaurants, modern international eateries, and niche food bars that all cater to the tourist crowd.

Is Seoul or Surfers Paradise Better for Nightlife?

Surfers Paradise 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.

Surfers Paradise is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. This high energy area is filled with glitzy nightclubs and trendy cocktail bars. There are parties that last until the early morning hours and you'll find the most active nightlife scene along the famous Surfers Paradise glitter strip.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Music?

Seoul is terrific for its music scene. However, Surfers Paradise 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.

Surfers Paradise is not a live music destination.

Is Seoul or Surfers Paradise Better for Resorts?

Surfers Paradise is very popular for its resorts. However, Seoul is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Surfers Paradise is a perfect choice. The high-rise skyline is filled with luxury resorts and trendy hotels. Fancy pools and rooftop views make this is a glitzy and lively place to stay.

Seoul is not a resort destination.

Is Seoul or Surfers Paradise Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Surfers Paradise is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Seoul is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Surfers Paradise. There's no shortage of scuba diving and snorkeling excursions that leave from the area. You'll see a diversity of marine life and interesting undersea reefs.

Seoul is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Seoul or Surfers Paradise Better for Beaches?

Surfers Paradise is very popular for the beach. However, Seoul is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Surfers Paradise is a very popular vacation destination. It's at the heart of the Gold Coast, and you'll enjoy two kilometers of golden sand and beautiful surf. The beaches are lined with high rise buildings and there's plenty of energy and amenities for visitors. This is a popular tourist destination and there is no shortage of water sports and other activities along the beaches.

Seoul is not a beach destination.

Is Seoul or Surfers Paradise Better for Hiking?

Surfers Paradise is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Seoul is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Surfers Paradise. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.

Seoul is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Seoul or Surfers Paradise?

Both Seoul and Surfers Paradise are terrific shopping destinations.

The abundance of shops in Seoul make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many people travel to Surfers Paradise specifically to go shopping. Beachside markets sell local items. There are also large shopping malls that are filled with international fashion brands and boutique shops that sell unique items.

Is Seoul or Surfers Paradise Better for Families?

Surfers Paradise 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.

Surfers Paradise is one of the most popular family destinations. It's filled with activities that kids and adults will enjoy. There's everything from sandy beaches to amusement park rides and entertainment centers. Check out Infinity, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, or the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There's also countless minigolf places, kayaking, and other water sports.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Couples?

Both Seoul and Surfers Paradise are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Surfers Paradise makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Walk along the beach or take in the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There are also many fun-filled adventure activities as well as restaurants and a lively party scene.

Is Seoul or Surfers Paradise Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Surfers Paradise is very popular for backpackers. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Surfers Paradise. Backpackers who want fun entertainment, a lively beach scene, and water sports will find their place here. There are also hostels with reasonable rates and plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

It's common for backpackers to visit Seoul. 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 Seoul or Surfers Paradise Better for Students?

Seoul is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Surfers Paradise 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.

Surfers Paradise is not popular with students.

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

Seoul is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Seoul can take you anywhere. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.

You'll find some public transit in Surfers Paradise, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around.

Is Seoul or Surfers Paradise a more walkable city?

Seoul is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Surfers Paradise is somewhat walkable. There are walking and bike paths around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Surfers Paradise or Seoul?

How long in Seoul or Surfers Paradise?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Surfers Paradise than Seoul 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 Surfers Paradise.

One day in Seoul or Surfers Paradise?

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 Surfers Paradise, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this ritzy destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This city 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 Surfers Paradise?

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 Surfers Paradise. 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 Surfers Paradise?

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.

Surfers Paradise is a fun place to experience. In Surfers Paradise, many people enjoy the shopping and museums 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 Surfers Paradise?

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 Surfers Paradise, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this ritzy 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 Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Seoul and Surfers Paradise, we can see that Seoul is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Seoul is in Asia and Surfers Paradise is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Seoul or Surfers Paradise?

Seoul has a larger population, and is about 560 times larger than the population of Surfers Paradise. When comparing the sizes of Seoul and Surfers Paradise, 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 Surfers Paradise?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Surfers Paradise is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Seoul has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Seoul or Surfers Paradise in the Summer?

Both Surfers Paradise and Seoul during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Seoul this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Seoul is around the same temperature as Surfers Paradise. Typically, the summer temperatures in Seoul in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.

In Surfers Paradise, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Seoul often gets less sunshine than Surfers Paradisein January. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 256 hours of full sun.

Surfers Paradise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually gets more rain in July than Surfers Paradisein January. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Surfers Paradise in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Surfers Paradise. Many travelers come to Seoul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, many visitors come to Surfers Paradise in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Seoul is generally cooler than Surfers Paradisein April. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 15°C (59°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Surfers Paradise this time of the year. In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seoul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Surfers Paradise during autumn. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Surfers Paradise receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Seoul usually receives less rain than Surfers Paradisein April. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Seoul or Surfers Paradise in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Surfers Paradise. Many visitors come to Seoul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Surfers Paradise for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Seoul can get quite cold in the winter. Seoul is much colder than Surfers Paradise in the winter. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. In the winter, Seoul often gets less sunshine than Surfers Paradisein July. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 226 hours of full sun.

Seoul usually gets less rain in January than Surfers Paradisein July. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Surfers Paradise in the Spring?

Both Surfers Paradise and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Seoul for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Surfers Paradise because of the beaches.

In the spring, Seoul is much colder than Surfers Paradise. Typically, the spring temperatures in Seoul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 21°C (69°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Surfers Paradise. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually receives less sunshine than Surfers Paradise during spring. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. In April, Seoul usually receives less rain than Surfers Paradisein October. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Surfers Paradise and Seoul