Seoul vs Tokyo: K-pop + BBQ or sushi + bullet trains?
Seoul is K-pop, K-food, K-drama: a 24-hour culture, the best BBQ restaurants, Gangnam. Tokyo is tradition + futurism: temples next to neon Akihabara, sushi, kawaii.
Updated: 22 July 2026 · compiled by the CheapTrips editors
Choose Seoul for K-culture, palaces and street food. Choose Tokyo for neon, temples and the best food. Flights from the Netherlands take about 10 hours 30 to Seoul and about 11 hours 30 to Tokyo. On price, Seoul is a little cheaper. For a first visit most travellers pick Seoul.
Seoul
Seoul is K-pop, K-food, K-drama: old palaces next to neon neighbourhoods, a 24-hour culture, the best BBQ restaurants in the world. Flights from Schiphol from €600 return, 7 days from €1200 per person.
Flight from NL: €600 return
View Seoul →Tokyo
Tokyo is a meeting of tradition and futurism: serene Shinto temples next to neon-lit Akihabara, bullet trains, conveyor-belt sushi and the best ramen stalls.
Flight from NL: €700 return
View Tokyo →Seoul vs Tokyo at a glance
| Seoul | Tokyo | |
|---|---|---|
| Return flight from NL | €600 return | €700 return |
| Flight time from Schiphol | about 10 hours 30 | about 11 hours 30 |
| Coast / beach | No | No |
| Museums | Good | Good |
| Nightlife | Lively | Lively |
| Winter weather | Cold | Cool |
| Best months | April, May, September, October | March, April, October, November |
| Ideal length | 4 days | 5 days |
| Price level | €€ | €€€ |
Seoul and Tokyo are both popular for a trip from the Netherlands, but they feel quite different. Seoul is known for K-culture, palaces and street food, while Tokyo is about neon, temples and the best food. On price, Seoul is a little cheaper. Seoul ideally needs 4 days, while you can see Tokyo well in 5 days. The best months are April, May, September, October for Seoul and March, April, October, November for Tokyo. Want to combine them: A flight of about 2 hours 30 links Seoul and Tokyo, ideal for an Asia combo. All prices below are indicative and based on return flights from Schiphol or Eindhoven outside the school holidays.
Best time to visit compared
Seoul
April-June for cherry blossom and mild weather. September-November for autumn colours. Avoid July (rain + heat).
Tokyo
March to May for cherry blossom (10-20°C). October to November for autumn colours. Avoid July/August (hot, humid, rain) and Golden Week (first week of May, everything expensive).
Flights + transfer from the Netherlands
Seoul
Directly from Schiphol to Seoul (ICN) in 11 hours. KLM, Korean Air. AREX Express to Seoul Station €7.
Tokyo
Directly from Schiphol to Narita (NRT) in 11 hours. KLM. Narita Express to the centre €30 in 60 minutes. Locally: metro €2 per ride, a day ticket €5.
Costs compared
Seoul
Hostels from €20, hotels €60-130, vacation rentals €80/night. Food: bibimbap €6, BBQ €15, bar €8.
Tokyo
Hostels from €25, mid-range hotels €100 to 180 (capsule €40), vacation rentals €120 per night. Food: ramen €6, sushi-conveyor €15, kaiseki €60. JR Pass €280 for week.
Who is it for?
Choose Seoul if you are...
A K-pop fan, a BBQ lover, after a younger nightlife scene.
Choose Tokyo if you are...
An anime/kawaii fan, a sushi traditionalist, or someone who loves history (with Kyoto trips to add on).
Our verdict
Tokyo is more expensive but legendary. Seoul is cheaper and hipper. The flight between them is 2.5 hours, €100.
Plan your trip
Frequently asked: Seoul or Tokyo
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How long should you stay?
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Discover these destinations
See the individual travel guides with live prices from the Netherlands.