South Korea or Taiwan: Which Destination Is Right for You?

Choosing between South Korea and Taiwan is a common dilemma for travelers who can only pick one destination for their upcoming trip. While South Korea captivates with its dynamic lifestyle, entertainment culture, and distinct four-season scenery, Taiwan offers a closer, gentler, and more accessible experience. So, which one is the right choice for you?

South Korea or Taiwan: What if you can only pick one?

If you can only choose one destination for your next trip abroad, many travelers struggle with deciding between South Korea and Taiwan. Both countries are appealing, yet they offer very different experiences in terms of pace of life and travel costs.

Before deciding whether to travel to South Korea or Taiwan, you need to identify what type of traveler you are. This will make the choice much easier.

Who should choose Taiwan

Compared to South Korea, self-guided travel in Taiwan is often rated higher by many travelers. Reasonable living costs, a slower pace of life, and cultural similarities with Vietnam make it easy to adapt. Additionally, factors such as public transportation, cuisine, and daily habits in Taiwan are simple and convenient.

Taiwanese cuisine is especially praised. Each meal is affordable yet rich in flavor. This variety and familiarity make Taiwan an ideal destination for a relaxed and comfortable cultural experience.

Who should choose South Korea

On the other hand, if you belong to Gen Z and are curious about Hallyu culture, South Korea is the right destination. Famous streets from movies and dramas like Hongdae or Gangnam are not only for taking photos but also allow you to feel the youthful, dynamic rhythm of the country. Moreover, South Korea’s unique festivals and nighttime events in Seoul or Busan ensure there is never a dull moment during your trip.

In short, choosing South Korea or Taiwan largely depends on your trip goals. Some people prefer a calm and easily adaptable journey, while others want to experience a vibrant atmosphere and distinctly different culture. Once you know what you want from your trip, you can clearly answer whether to travel to South Korea or Taiwan.

Comparing travel costs in South Korea and Taiwan

When comparing travel costs between South Korea and Taiwan, many Vietnamese travelers often wonder which destination fits their budget better. In reality, the total cost of a trip depends not only on airfare and hotels but also on meals, transportation, attraction tickets, and whether you choose guided tours or self-guided travel.

Basic costs for trip in South Korea and Taiwan

For a 4-5 day trip, you can see a clear difference in costs. Generally, travel expenses in Taiwan are about 30-40% lower than in South Korea. Here’s an estimated breakdown for reference:

Category	South Korea (Seoul)	Taiwan (Taipei)
Round-trip airfare	6-9 million VND	4-6 million VND
Hotel	2.5-3.5 million VND	1.8-2.8 million VND
Meals per day	400,000-600,000 VND	250,000-400,000 VND
Transportation	300,000-500,000 VND	200,000-350,000 VND
Attraction tickets	500,000-800,000 VND	300,000-600,000 VND
Estimated total	13-17 million VND	9-12 million VND

From this, Taiwan suits travelers with a budget under 12 million VND, while South Korea is more suitable for young people who enjoy entertainment and shopping, willing to spend 15 million VND or more for a complete trip.

Choose a tour or self-guided travel?

Once you have an idea of your budget, the next question is whether to choose a package tour or travel independently. The answer depends on your budget, travel experience, and willingness to navigate on your own.

Package tour

With a budget of 10-15 million VND, a package tour is usually a safer choice, especially in South Korea. Tours save time on visa preparation, hotels, and transportation arrangements. This option is ideal for families with elderly members, busy travelers, or first-time travelers abroad. However, it may feel restrictive and less flexible for personal preferences.

Solo trip

If your travel budget is around 15-18 million VND, self-guided travel in Taiwan is considered the most reasonable option. Taiwan’s living costs are quite affordable compared to other Northeast Asian destinations. With this budget, you can fully enjoy Taiwan easily, including meals, public transport, hotels, and homestays with various price ranges.

The main concern for self-guided travelers is often the visa application process. However, this can be easily managed with proper support. Instead of figuring out paperwork on your own, you can contact iVISA for complete assistance from A to Z for your Taiwan tourist visa. This saves time, reduces risks, and allows you to focus on planning your trip.

Travel experiences in South Korea and Taiwan

When comparing travel experiences between South Korea and Taiwan, the main difference is not in the number of attractions but in the overall feel of the trip. Each country suits different types of travelers, travel rhythms, and expectations.

Highlights of South Korea for Vietnamese travelers

Self-guided travel in South Korea feels both familiar and refreshing. Walking in Seoul, you might recognize scenes from popular K-dramas or K-pop videos. Ancient palaces blend with modern skyscrapers, Namsan Tower overlooks the city lights at night, and youthful neighborhoods are always bustling, giving South Korea a unique, fast-paced yet captivating rhythm.

Must-visit spots in South Korea include:

• Seoul: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Namsan Tower, Hongdae, Myeongdong
• Nami Island
• Haeundae Beach, Busan
• Jeju Island

Taiwan: A different pace

While South Korea is vibrant and modern, Taiwan offers a slower, more comfortable, and familiar pace. The quieter streets and local eateries provide an immersive cultural experience, blending tradition with modernity. Many Vietnamese travelers find Taiwan’s rhythm easier to adapt to.

Must-visit spots in Taiwan include:

• Taipei 101
• Jiufen – Shifen
• Sun Moon Lake

Food: South Korea or Taiwan?

When it comes to cuisine, both countries are appealing in their own way and cater to different types of travelers.

South Korean cuisine suits young travelers, especially those who enjoy spicy, flavorful, and energizing dishes. BBQ, fried chicken, tteokbokki, and hot soups are staples, especially in fall or winter. Meals in Seoul usually cost around 200,000-400,000 VND, commonly in areas like Myeongdong, Hongdae, or near universities.

In contrast, Taiwanese cuisine is mild, affordable, and family-friendly. Beef noodles, braised pork rice, fried buns, eggs, and classic milk tea are easy to enjoy. Night markets such as Shilin, Raohe, or Ningxia offer small dishes ranging from 50,000-120,000 VND each. This familiarity makes Taiwan instantly appealing to many travelers.

When to travel to South Korea or Taiwan

Weather significantly affects the travel experience, especially for first-time international travelers. Both countries have four seasons, but the weather and ease of travel differ.

South Korea: Best seasons to visit

South Korea has four distinct seasons. Spring and autumn are ideal, with average temperatures of 15-22°C, dry and comfortable weather.

• Spring: Cherry blossoms bloom, international tourist numbers rise 20-30% compared to winter.
• Autumn (Sept-Nov): Cool weather, beautiful autumn foliage, reasonable costs.
• Summer: Hot and humid, temperatures often exceed 30°C.
• Winter: Below 0°C in December, suitable for snow lovers and holiday festivities, though more expensive.

For first-time travelers, spring or autumn is the safest and most comfortable choice.

Taiwan: Most comfortable season

Taiwan has a subtropical climate, similar to Vietnam, making it easier to adapt. Average temperatures range from 18-28°C. The best time to visit is October-March, with December being especially pleasant (16-22°C, little rain). Summer (June-August) can be hot and rainy, occasionally with typhoons.

This mild climate makes Taiwan ideal for first-time travelers, especially families with children or elderly members.

December: South Korea or Taiwan?

• South Korea in December: Winter weather (-5 to 5°C), snow, Christmas atmosphere, end-of-year festivals.
• Taiwan in December: Mild weather (15-22°C), little rain, convenient for walking and street food exploration.

If you dislike the cold, Taiwan is more comfortable. If you want a full winter experience and a unique end-of-year trip, South Korea is a great choice.

FAQs: South Korea vs Taiwan

Is it harder to get a South Korean visa than a Taiwanese one?

Yes, South Korea requires proof of finances, employment, and travel history. Taiwan is easier with an e-Visa option, saving time and reducing risks, especially for first-time travelers.

Which country requires more English for self-guided travel?

In South Korea, central areas and major attractions have English signs, but basic Korean is useful in smaller streets. In Taiwan, menus are often illustrated or bilingual, making communication easier. Translation apps are helpful in both cases, but Taiwan is generally more comfortable.

Which visa is easier for Vietnamese travelers?

Taiwan is easier for a hassle-free trip with online e-Visa processing in 3-5 days. South Korea requires more documentation and longer processing times. If you plan to visit both countries, iVISA can assist with South Korean visa and Taiwanese visa from A-Z, making the process smooth and stress-free.

After reading this article, are you still unsure whether to travel to South Korea or Taiwan? Base your choice on your interests and budget. If you’re still undecided, iVISA will accompany you every step of the way-from destination advice to fast visa support-so all you need to do is pack your bags and go!

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