Which place is cheaper, Seoul or Ubud?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Ubud or Seoul?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Ubud and Seoul. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Ubud
Ubud is a cultural, breathtaking, and popular town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Ubud is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Ubud travel costs.
Seoul
Seoul is a high energy, colorful, and cultural 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 live music, food, and shopping. See Seoul travel costs.
Ubud and Seoul: Pros and Cons
Ubud
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Nice resorts
- Good for hiking
- Known for its beauty
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Public transit not as usable
Seoul
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
Is there more to do in Ubud or Seoul?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Seoul. Although Ubud and Seoul are both popular with visitors, Seoul has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Seoul is more popular for its nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Ubud is known for its resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Ubud is more touristy than Seoul and is known for its cultural and religious sites, dramatic rice paddies, and local handicrafts. Seoul is popular for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. It is also home to Gyeongbokgung Palace.
How is Ubud different from Seoul?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Seoul and Ubud. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ubud or Seoul?
Ubud
Seoul
For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Ubud or Seoul.
Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Ubud. The town is filled with temples and cultural sights such as the Ubud Monkey Forest, Goa Gajah (the Elephant Cave), the Ubud Royal Palace, and the Blanco Renaissance Museum.
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.
Is the Food Better in Ubud or Seoul? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Ubud
Seoul
Foodies will find both Ubud and Seoul both to be first-rate destinations.
Eat your way through Ubud, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. You'll find some of the best restaurants on Bali in this town. There is everything from family-owned eateries to award winning restaurants. Dishes range from vegan to meat-filled and you'll find both local favorites and western 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).
Is Ubud or Seoul Better for Nightlife?
Ubud
Seoul
Seoul is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.
The people in Seoul know how to have a good time. 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.
If you're looking for night time activities Ubud has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is mostly focused on cultural activities and live music. Many people head here to escape the party scene that is so popular elsewhere on the island.
Is Ubud or Seoul Better for Music?
Ubud
Seoul
Seoul is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Ubud 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.
Ubud is not a live music destination.
Is Ubud or Seoul Better for Resorts?
Ubud
Seoul
Ubud is very popular for its resorts. However, Seoul is not a resort destination.
If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Ubud is a perfect choice. You'll find beautiful luxury resorts with impressive pools and dramatic landscapes.
Seoul is not a resort destination.
Is Ubud or Seoul Better for Hiking?
Ubud
Seoul
Ubud is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Seoul is not a hiking destination.
Ubud is a popular spot for hiking. There are many stunning walks and hikes just outside of town. There are stunning views from Campuhan Ridge Walk, which is best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset. Jalan Subak Sok Wayah Walk will take you through the rice paddies and Kajeng Rice Field Walk is close to town but tucked away from the crowds. One of the biggest draws of the area is the Tegallalang Rice Terraces Walk.
Seoul is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Ubud or Seoul?
Ubud
Seoul
Seoul is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Ubud 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.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ubud. Head to the Ubud shopping street for boutiques, markets, and local items. The town has grown into a shopper's paradise with many Balinese handicrafts around.
Is Ubud or Seoul More Beautiful?
Ubud
Seoul
Ubud is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Seoul is not a destination known for its beauty.
Ubud is a beautiful place to visit, too. It's a stunning setting, which makes it appealing to tourists, but to truly enjoy the beauty you'll want to get a bit outside of town.
Seoul is not a destination known for its beauty.
Is Ubud or Seoul Better for Families?
Ubud
Seoul
Seoul is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
Seoul is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.
Ubud offers lots of family activities. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the jungles and rice paddies. There are also many great restaurants that are family-friend. Ubud is a bit cooler than the beach towns of Bali, so kids will enjoy an escape from the hotter temperatures.
Is Ubud or Seoul Better for Couples?
Ubud
Seoul
Ubud 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, Ubud has plenty to offer. Honeymooners flock to this small town for its stunning scenery and beautiful temples. There are luxury hotels, spas, massages, and poolside escapes that will make for the perfect honeymoon. You'll also find world class restaurants and breathtaking hikes 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 Ubud or Seoul Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Ubud
Seoul
Ubud is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Ubud is a great town to visit for backpackers. If you need a break from the party scene on Bali, then you'll enjoy the reprieve of this small town. There are still plenty of backpackers and hostels, but the town itself offers a more relaxed setting.
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 Ubud or Seoul Better for Students?
Ubud
Seoul
Seoul is a great destination for students. However, Ubud is not popular with students.
Many students visit 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.
Ubud is not popular with students.
Is Ubud or Seoul Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Ubud
Seoul
Seoul is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Ubud is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.
With a huge network, the transit system in Seoul can get you around easily. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.
Public transit is mostly limited in Ubud. Many people hire a vehicle or driver to explore the area. There are also tourist shuttles around with Perama Shuttle being one of the most established.
Is Ubud or Seoul a more walkable city?
Ubud
Seoul
Ubud and Seoul both are high quality when exploring on foot.
Ubud is a very walkable destination. The town is generally walkable and easy to explore on foot, but you'll need other transportation if you want to get outside of town.
Seoul is very walkable. 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 Ubud Worth Visiting? and Is Seoul Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Seoul or Ubud?
How long in Ubud or Seoul?
Both Ubud and Seoul have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Seoul has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Seoul than Ubud. In general, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Ubud, and 3-7 days is enough time in Seoul.
Families should spend more time in Seoul than Ubud. 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 Ubud than Seoul. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Ubud that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
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How many days in Ubud or Seoul? Ideal Length of StayUbud 4-7Seoul 3-7
One day in Ubud or Seoul?
In Ubud, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the food. 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.
Seoul is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.
A weekend in Ubud or Seoul?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ubud. 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.
Seoul is a fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Five days in Ubud or Seoul?
Ubud is a fun place to experience. In Ubud, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. 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.
Seoul is a modern big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.
A week in Ubud or Seoul?
In Ubud, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this famous 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. Lots of people come for the food. One week is often enough time to do most activities.
Seoul is a bustling city where you can fill many days. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Indonesia, The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, and The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea.
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Ubud Prices
Indonesia PricesSeoul Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayUbud $153Seoul $128
The average daily cost (per person) in Ubud is $153, while the average daily cost in Seoul is $128. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Ubud and Seoul in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personUbud $128Seoul $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomUbud $256Seoul $108
Compare Hotels in Ubud and Seoul
Looking for a hotel in Ubud or Seoul? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Ubud Hotel Prices and Seoul Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ubud $1.75Seoul $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ubud
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ubud:
- Private Bali Airport Transfer – Fast, Safe & Comfortable Ride: $6.73
- Eco Friendly Premium Electric Vehicle Airport Transfers : $6.76
- Ubud -Airport Private Transfer: $7.00
- Private Arrival Transfer: Bali Airport to Hotel: $7.40
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Bali Airport: $7.50
- Bali Airport (DPS) Private Transfer to Multiple Destinations: $8.02
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Denpasar APT-HTL(DPS) : $8.88
- Bali Private Airport Transfer Chauffeur Service: $9.00
- Bali Airport Transfer - Price per Car: $9.00
- Bali Airport - Bali Transfer to all area in Bali - Bali driver: $9.00
- Denpasar Airport (DPS) to Bali hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $9.56
- Bali Airport Transfer : $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seoul
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:
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Subway Card$3.58
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Short Taxi Ride$5.01
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Metro Ride$0.97
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Seoul City Pass Plus$7.16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:
- From Round-Trip Transfer to Dae Jang Geum Park: $55
- Incheon Airport (ICN) Transfer to Seoul/Suwon/Seongnam/Yongin: $68
- Incheon Airport transfer directly to Seoul city: $113
- Incheon International Airport (ICN): Private Seoul Transfer: $95
- Premium Seoul Airport Transfer: Affordable & Convenience: $106
- Private Airport Transfer * Incheon Airport <-> Seoul (1-5 people): $99
- Private Airport Transfer - Incheon Airport ⇔ Seoul (Up to 7 or 11 people): $130
- Private Airport Transfer : Gimpo airport to/from Seoul (1~7pax): $89
- Private Airport Transfer : Incheon to/from Seoul (up to 7 pax): $98
- Private Airport Transfer From Incheon Airport To Seoul(up to 12): $190
- Private Airport Transfer Gimpo Intl Airport (GMP) to Seoul City: $83
- Private Airport Transfer: Gimpo Airport to Seoul City (1-12 pax): $167
Is it cheaper to fly into Ubud or Seoul?
Prices for flights to both Seoul and Ubud change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayUbud $20Seoul $51
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ubud
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ubud.
- Ubud Mystic Dinner at Oracle of Spice Lemuria The Lost City: $17
- Uluwatu Sunset & Romantic Dinner: $20
- Cooking Class and Dinner in Traditional House by Food Lover Tour: $25
- Ubud Cooking Class by Lemon Grass Cooking Class: $26
- Afternoon Cooking Class & Making Bali Offering with Dinner: $29
- Uluwatu Sunset Trip with Kecak Dance Show and Jimbaran Dinner: $30
- Amazing Half-Day Uluwatu Sunset Tour with Jimbaran Seafood Dinner: $30
- Be a real Balinese with Traditional Balinese Cooking Class: $30
- Private Traditional Bali Cooking Class in Sidemen: $31
- Cultural Evening Dinner: $31
- Uluwatu Sunset Experience: Kecak Dance and Dinner at Jimbaran: $34
- Ubud Cooking : All Inclusive Cooking Class: $35
Typical Food Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:
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Rice with Kimchi & Bacon$4.30
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Waffle$0.72
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Dippin' Dots$1.43
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Chicken Fried Rice$3.94
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Chicken Stick$1.43
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Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew$1.36
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Lunch Buffet$4.30
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Donut$0.72
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Mushroom Burger$3.72
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Green Tea Ice Cream$2.36
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Udon & Sushi$5.01
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Fresh Burger$3.44
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Soba Noodles Lunch$3.22
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Bibimbap Lunch$3.58
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Fried Rice$3.94
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Vietnamese Dinner$6.80
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Breakfast and Coffee for 2$6.80
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Donut$1.79
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seoul.
- Guided Street Food Tour at Namdaemun Market: $45
- Seoul Night Run for Local-Favorite Korean BBQ Dinner: $50
- [Wine & K-BBQ] A Perfect Pairing Dinner in Sinchon: $52
- Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals; Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $53
- Wine & K-BBQ: A Perfect Pairing Dinner: $53
- Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals;Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $57
- Gwangjang Market Netflix Food Tour: $58
- Kimchi Dishes Cooking Class with Wine Pairing: $61
- Seoul by Night: Palaces, Market & Street Food Tour (Vegan Option): $65
- Namdaemun Market Food Tour: $65
- Guided City Wall Sunset Hike with Korean Dinner: $67
- Cooking Class in Seoul with Korean Grandma: $68
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ubud $9.84Seoul $26
Tours and Activities in Ubud
Here are a few actual costs in Ubud for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Mangrove Tour at Nusa Lembongan : Kayak, Paddle and Boat: $8.00
- Batur Natural Hot Springs Entrance Ticket - Swim: $8.81
- One Way Ticket Fast Boat from Sanur Bali and Nusa Penida : $8.92
- Bali Tour Customized with Private Tour Driver: $9.00
- Hike and Heal Mount Batur Sunrise Tour with Hot Springs Add On: $9.18
- ATV Adventure with Private Tracks and Guide in Ubud: $9.18
- Full-Day Private North Bali Tour with Free WiFi: $9.32
- Self-Guided Tour in Bali's Pura Ulun Danu Beratan Temple Complex: $9.99
- Sea to Summit Trekking Adventure on Mount Agung: $10
- 1 Hour Mangrove Tour From Lembongan with Kayak, Paddle, or Boat: $11
- Bali Blue Lagoon Snorkeling with optional Tours and Activity: $12
- Trans Studio Bali Admission Ticket: $12
Typical Entertainment Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:
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Palace Tickets$5.73
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Movie Ticket$5.73
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Kimchi Museum$2.15
Tours and Activities in Seoul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:
- K-Culture Adventure in Seoul Self-Guided Walking Tour : $3.58
- Gyeongbokgung Palace Hanbok Rental Experience in Seoul: $7.00
- Seoul Changdeokgung Palace Hanbok Experience Hanboknam (내국인불가): $7.10
- Alternative A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Korean Society and Local Mindset Gwanghwamun Tour: $8.00
- [Seoul] Football Faentasium Admission Ticket (내국인 불가): $10
- Street Hustle Adventure in Seoul: $11
- Gwanghwamun Tour about Korean Society and Local Mindset: $11
- SPAREX Jjimjilbang Sauna Dongmyo branch Admission Ticket(내국인불가): $11
- Skip the Line: Figure Museum W Ticket (내국인 불가): $11
- Dynamic Maze Discount Ticket Insa-dong(내국인불가): $12
- Seoul Job Experience Theme Park Ticket for Kid (내국인 불가): $13
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayUbud $6.62Seoul $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Seoul
Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl: $25
- The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $26
- LGBTQ+ Pub Crawl and Drag Show with Local Drag Queen: $29
- Rice Wine Tasting with Sommelier - Finest Makgeolli (& Soju): $42
- Rice Wine Tasting with Sommelier - Finest Makgeolli (& Soju): $47
- Soju Tasting at Distillery: $51
- Premium Pub Crawl with Open Bottles: $57
- Chunpoong Makgeolli Brewery Tour: $59
- Korean Craft Makgeolli Brewery Tour & Tasting Experience: $60
- Craft Makgeolli Brewery Tour & Tasting Experience: $67
- Itaewon Premium Pub Crawl with Open Bottles: $73
- Learn and Craft Makgeolli in a Traditional Brewery: $79
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ubud and Seoul, we can see that Ubud is more expensive. And not only is Seoul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Ubud would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ubud 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 Ubud Expensive? and Is Seoul Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ubud or Seoul?
Seoul has a larger population, and is about 360 times larger than the population of Ubud. When comparing the sizes of Ubud 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.