Flights from Milan (MXP) to Seoul (ICN)

About Seoul

Discover Seoul

Why visit Seoul?
Seoul is a dynamic city where cutting-edge design and digital culture sit alongside historic palaces and leafy hills. You can move from quiet backstreets lined with traditional houses to neon-lit avenues and riverside parks within minutes.

What to expect
Neighbourhoods such as Gangnam, Hongdae, and Myeongdong each have their own character, from fashion and nightlife to arts and street stalls. The city feels fast-paced yet orderly, with efficient transport, clear signage, and plenty of late-opening cafés and shops.

Plan your trip
Seoul is an ideal first stop in North-east Asia, with easy onward links to the rest of South Korea. High-speed trains and regional flights from the city connect you to coastal towns, mountain national parks, and other major hubs in the region.

Top sights in Seoul

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Walk through grand courtyards and restored halls at Seoul's most famous palace, framed by mountain views and wide ceremonial spaces.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Stroll narrow lanes lined with traditional wooden houses, small galleries, and viewpoints overlooking the modern city skyline.

Namsan Seoul Tower

Ride or hike up Namsan for panoramic views from the tower's observation decks and walking paths around the hill.

Myeongdong Shopping District

Explore a maze of pedestrian streets filled with fashion boutiques, beauty shops, and lively snack stalls.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Admire the futuristic architecture, design exhibitions, and night-time lighting of this major cultural and shopping hub.

Cheonggyecheon Stream

Follow this landscaped stream through the city centre, with paths, bridges, and art installations providing a calm break from traffic.

Han River Parks

Relax along the riverside with cycling paths, open lawns, and city views, especially atmospheric in the evening.

Hongdae Neighbourhood

Experience street performances, independent shops, and a youthful arts scene around this university district.

Experience Seoul's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Seoul's metro network is the easiest way to cover longer distances, with frequent trains and clear route maps in English. Buses fill in the gaps, and taxis are useful late at night. For shorter hops, enjoy walking between nearby neighbourhoods to discover side streets and local cafés.

Local life & culture
In areas like Ikseon-dong and Seochon, you will find renovated townhouses, design studios, and small galleries alongside long-time residents. University districts are filled with bookshops, music venues, and creative spaces. The city balances work and leisure, with many people gathering in parks or cafés after work well into the evening.

Where to unwind
Seoul offers many ways to slow down, from hillside trails around Bukhansan to riverside walks along the Han. City parks and urban forests provide shaded paths and quiet seating areas. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal times to enjoy cooler temperatures and softer light.

A taste of Seoul

Street food & local specialties
Busy streets in Myeongdong, Namdaemun, and Gwangjang Market are known for stalls serving savoury pancakes, filled dumplings, and other local favourites. You can easily sample several dishes in one visit, moving from stall to stall as you explore.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Trendy districts such as Hongdae and Garosu-gil offer bistros, cafés, and casual restaurants with a mix of Korean and international flavours. Food courts in major malls and underground complexes make it simple to try different options in one place, with portions that encourage sharing.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, choose restaurants overlooking the Han River, city rooftops in Itaewon, or venues within design and cultural complexes. Many places pair considered menus with wide city views, turning dinner into a relaxed way to enjoy Seoul's skyline after dark.

Retail therapy in Seoul

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres in areas like Jamsil and Gangnam bring together international brands, local designers, cinemas, and cultural spaces under one roof. These complexes are popular places to meet friends, browse, and dine in comfort whatever the weather.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets such as Namdaemun and Insadong, alongside neighbourhood streets in Ikseon-dong and Seochon, are good for crafts, textiles, and design-led souvenirs. Smaller boutiques showcase local labels, handmade accessories, and homeware that you can pack easily.

Evening retail scene
Shopping districts in Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, and Hongdae stay lively well into the night, with illuminated signs and extended opening hours. Many shops and street stalls operate late, so you can browse after dinner and still return easily using the metro or taxis.

Best time to visit Seoul

Spring (Bom)
From March to May, Seoul enjoys mild weather around 10–20°C (50–68°F), with clear skies and blossoming trees in parks and along rivers. This shoulder season is ideal for outdoor sightseeing and relaxed city walks.

Summer (Yeoreum)
June to August brings warm, humid days with temperatures often between 22–30°C (72–86°F). Brief showers are common, but long daylight hours make it easy to fit in museums, shopping, and evening riverside activities during this peak season.

Autumn and winter (Gaeul and Gyeoul)
September to November offers crisp air, 10–22°C (50–72°F), and colourful foliage in city parks, making it a popular shoulder season. December to February is cooler, often -5–5°C (23–41°F), but clear days and festive lights give the city a bright low season charm.

Frequently Asked Questions