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

Should you visit Seoul or Wollongong?

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 Wollongong 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. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Seoul travel costs.

Wollongong

Wollongong is a vibrant, student-friendly, and trendy coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Wollongong travel costs.

Seoul and Wollongong: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seoul or Wollongong?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Seoul than Wollongong, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Seoul is more popular for its food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Wollongong is known for its beaches and hiking. Seoul is popular for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. It is also home to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Wollongong is popular for its surrounding nature and urban beaches.

How is Seoul different from Wollongong?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Seoul and Wollongong.

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 Wollongong can be an interesting and educational experience. There are several museums like the Wollongong Science Centre and Wollongong Planetarium and the railway museum Trainworks. There's also the Illawarra Museum, which is housed in the former post and telegraph office.

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

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

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).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Wollongong makes for a great culinary experience. In recent years a younger crowd of entrepreneurs and self-starters has moved into the city, and with them has come a growing food scene. You'll find local cafes, fine dining restaurants, and many great beachfront restaurants where you can dine.

Is Seoul or Wollongong Better for Nightlife?

Both Seoul and Wollongong are great when it comes to partying.

Seoul offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Wollongong has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene has seen a revitalization in recent years, and in addition to the standard bars and pubs, you'll find local venues that range from quirky to lively.

Is Seoul or Wollongong Better for Music?

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

Wollongong is not a live music destination.

Is Seoul or Wollongong Better for Beaches?

Wollongong is a well-known place for the beach. However, Seoul is not a beach destination.

Wollongong is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are urban beaches, as well as more hidden coastal areas that attract locals and visitors alike. In the heart of the city you'll find North Wollongong Beach and Wollongong City Beach, both of which have picnic areas and are popular with locals.

Seoul is not a beach destination.

Is Seoul or Wollongong Better for Hiking?

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

Many people include a hike when visiting Wollongong. The surrounding area has many great hikes that can be done as a day trip or even a half day trip. There are waterfalls, city views, and forest walks. Some of the most popular trails include Brokers Nose and Clover Hill Trail.

Seoul is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Seoul or Wollongong?

Seoul is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city 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.

Wollongong is a great destination for shopping. The most popular shopping area is Wollongong Central Shopping Centre, which has international brands and all of the big fashion names.

Is Seoul or Wollongong Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Seoul or Wollongong.

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 Wollongong. The beaches, nearby nature, and ubiquitous bike trails make this a fun coastal city to explore with kids. There are also interactive museums such as Discovery Space and plenty of playgrounds. Kid-friendly surf lessons as well as the Nan Tien Temple make this a fun and fascinating family destination.

Is Seoul or Wollongong Better for Couples?

Both Seoul and Wollongong are great 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.

Wollongong makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The scenic natural areas, including the Grand Pacific Drive or the many bush walks, make this a wonderful couples retreat. There are water sports like surfing as well as horseback riding and even helicopter rides. In the evening, enjoy a nice meal and a sunset view.

Is Seoul or Wollongong Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Seoul and Wollongong 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 Wollongong. There are a couple of hostels as well as many outdoor areas to explore, so backpackers who want to escape the traditional backpacker scene will appreciate some time here.

Is Seoul or Wollongong Better for Students?

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

Wollongong is a good city to visit for students. It's not too far from Sydney and has a smaller, more laid back coastal vibe that appeals to many students.

Is Seoul or Wollongong 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, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city 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.

Public transit in Wollongong is fairly effecient and thorough. There's a free Gong shuttle bus that travels around the city center. It runs a loop from Wollongong Station to Wollongong University in both directions. There are also other bus services in town.

Is Seoul or Wollongong a more walkable city?

Seoul and Wollongong both are great 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.

Wollongong is a very walkable destination. There are walking paths in the city center so it's possible to walk to many tourist destinations.

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

Should I spend more time in Wollongong or Seoul?

How long in Seoul or Wollongong?

It's fun to spend time in either Seoul or Wollongong. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Seoul due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Seoul, and 2-4 days is enough time in Wollongong.

Couples should spend more time in Seoul than Wollongong. 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 Wollongong 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 Wollongong?

When visiting Seoul, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Wollongong, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This coastal 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 Wollongong?

When visiting Seoul, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wollongong. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Five days in Seoul or Wollongong?

Seoul, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Wollongong is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Wollongong. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Seoul or Wollongong?

Seoul is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the trendy destination of Wollongong. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 Australia, and The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Seoul and Wollongong, we can see that Wollongong 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 Wollongong 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 Wollongong Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Seoul or Wollongong?

Seoul has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Wollongong. When comparing the sizes of Seoul and Wollongong, 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 Wollongong?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Wollongong 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 Wollongong in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Wollongong. Most visitors come to Seoul for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Wollongong because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Seoul is around the same temperature as Wollongong. Typically, the summer temperatures in Seoul in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Wollongong averages at about 23°C (74°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wollongong. In the summer, Seoul often gets less sunshine than Wollongongin January. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 236 hours of full sun.

Seoul receives a lot of rain in the summer. Seoul usually gets more rain in July than Wollongongin January. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Wollongong in the Autumn?

Both Wollongong and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Seoul because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Wollongong this time of year.

In October, Seoul is generally cooler than Wollongongin April. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 15°C (59°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Wollongong during autumn. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Seoul usually receives less rain than Wollongongin April. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Seoul or Wollongong in the Winter?

Both Wollongong and Seoul during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Seoul this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Wollongong for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Seoul in the winter. Seoul is much colder than Wollongong in the winter. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Wollongong fluctuates around 10°C (50°F)in July.

In Wollongong, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Seoul often gets less sunshine than Wollongongin July. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 208 hours of full sun.

Seoul usually gets less rain in January than Wollongongin July. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Wollongong in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Wollongong. Many travelers come to Seoul for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Wollongong in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Seoul is cooler than Wollongong. Typically, the spring temperatures in Seoul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Wollongong averages at about 17°C (63°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wollongong this time of the year. In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seoul usually receives less sunshine than Wollongong during spring. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Seoul usually receives more rain than Wollongongin October. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Wollongong and Seoul