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

Should you visit Seoul or Tromso?

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 Tromso can help you decide which place is right for you.

Seoul

Seoul is a modern, high energy, and colorful 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 nightlife, live music, and food. See Seoul travel costs.

Tromso

Tromso is a remote, one-of-a-kind, and spectacular town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty in Tromso as well. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and nightlife. See Tromso travel costs.

Seoul and Tromso: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seoul or Tromso?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Seoul than Tromso, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Seoul is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Tromso is known for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Tromso is more touristy than Seoul and is popular for its stunning nature, beautiful Arctic landscape, and breathtaking fjords. 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 Tromso?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Seoul. The museums and landmarks are diverse, with notable sights including N Seoul Tower, the Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village, and the National Museum of Korea.

Tromso does not have museums and landmarks. You can learn about everything having to do with the Arctic at the museum, Polaria. There's also the the Polar Museum, the Arctic Cathedral, and Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum.

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

Seoul is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Seoul have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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, Tromso makes for a great culinary experience. Fish is the staple around town and you'll find local seasonal fish dishes. There are also modern restaurants that serve international cuisines or trendy options.

Is Seoul or Tromso Better for Nightlife?

Seoul is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

The nightlife in Seoul has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Tromso. There's a good nightlife scene with many bars and clubs that are popular with locals and tourists alike.

Is Seoul or Tromso Better for Music?

Seoul is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Tromso 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.

Tromso is not a live music destination.

Is Seoul or Tromso Better for Hiking?

Tromso is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Seoul is not a hiking destination.

Tromso is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside is filled with fjords, mountains, and pristine wilderness. There are hikes that cater to every level, and a trip to Tromso is not complete without heading into the rural areas.

Seoul is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Seoul or Tromso?

Seoul is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. However, Tromso is not known for shopping.

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.

Tromso is a good destination for shopping. There are shops sprinkled along the main street, as well as a shopping center or two around town.

Is Seoul or Tromso More Beautiful?

Tromso is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Seoul is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Tromso as well. It's surrounding Arctic landscape includes fjords and snow-topped mountains.

Seoul is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Seoul or Tromso Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Seoul or Tromso.

Seoul is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Tromso. Whether you visit during the summer or winter season, there are a number of indoor or outdoor activities around town. Many visitors come during the winter months to see the Northern Lights. There's also the Ice Hotel, Husky Sledding, and fjords cruises. Indoors, you'll find the Science Center, the Arctic University Museum, and the Troll Museum.

Is Seoul or Tromso Better for Couples?

Both Seoul and Tromso are superb 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.

Tromso makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For many couples, seeing the Northern Lights is an iconic romantic experience. The area also has an amazing outdoor setting with fjords and hiking. Indoors, there are art museums and more.

Is Seoul or Tromso Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Seoul and Tromso 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 Tromso. There are hostels as well as camping in the area that make this otherwise expensive area somewhat more affordable.

Is Seoul or Tromso Better for Students?

Seoul is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Seoul. 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.

Tromso is a good city to visit for students. Although it's a very small city, there are a large number of students and some big city amenities. There are plenty of entertainment options both in town and in the surrounding countryside.

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

Seoul is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Visitors in Seoul can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.

Tromso has a few public transit options. There's an efficient and reliable bus system in town.

Is Seoul or Tromso a more walkable city?

Seoul and Tromso both are superb when exploring on foot.

Seoul is a very walkable city. 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.

Tromso is a very walkable destination. The city is generally walkable but if you want to get into the countryside you'll need to travel by car or bus.

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

Should I spend more time in Tromso or Seoul?

How long in Seoul or Tromso?

Both Seoul and Tromso have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Seoul has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Seoul than Tromso. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Seoul, and 4-7 days is enough time in Tromso.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Seoul than Tromso 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 Tromso?

Seoul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Even though Tromso is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Tromso?

Seoul is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tromso. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Tromso?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Seoul. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Tromso is a fun place to experience. Tromso is a small town with plenty to do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Seoul or Tromso?

Seoul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Tromso might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Norway, and The Best Adventure Tours to Norway.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Seoul and Tromso, we can see that Seoul is more expensive. And not only is Tromso much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Seoul is in Asia and Tromso is in Europe, 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 Tromso would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tromso 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 Tromso.

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

Which is Bigger, Seoul or Tromso?

Seoul has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Tromso. When comparing the sizes of Seoul and Tromso, 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 Tromso?

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 Seoul or Tromso in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Tromso. Many travelers come to Seoul for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Tromso in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Seoul is much warmer than Tromso. Typically, the summer temperatures in Seoul in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Tromso averages at about 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tromso. In the summer, Seoul often gets less sunshine than Tromso. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 205 hours of full sun.

Seoul receives a lot of rain in the summer. Seoul usually gets more rain in July than Tromso. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Tromso in the Autumn?

Both Tromso and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Seoul in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, most visitors come to Tromso for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Tromso can be very cold during autumn. In October, Seoul is generally much warmer than Tromso. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 15°C (59°F), and Tromso fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during autumn. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 49 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tromso. In October, Seoul usually receives less rain than Tromso. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Seoul or Tromso in the Winter?

Both Tromso and Seoul during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Seoul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Tromso because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Tromso can be very cold. Seoul can be very cold during winter. Seoul is much warmer than Tromso in the winter. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Tromso fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 3 hours of full sun.

Seoul usually gets less rain in January than Tromso. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Tromso in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Tromso. The spring months attract visitors to Seoul because of the activities around the city. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Tromso this time of year.

It's quite cold in Tromso in the spring. In the spring, Seoul is much warmer than Tromso. Typically, the spring temperatures in Seoul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Tromso averages at about 1°C (33°F).

In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during spring. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 160 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Seoul usually receives more rain than Tromso. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Tromso and Seoul