Flights from Phnom Penh (KTI) to Seoul (ICN)

About Seoul

Discover Seoul

Why visit Seoul?
Seoul is a dynamic capital where glass towers stand beside historic palaces and hillside villages. You will find lively streets, serene gardens, and a creative energy that runs from fashion and technology to art and design.

What to expect
The city stretches along the Han River, with distinct districts such as Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Gangnam offering their own character. Days move quickly here, with efficient transport, busy cafés, and a late-night culture that keeps many neighbourhoods active well into the evening.

Plan your trip
Seoul works well as both a city-break destination and a starting point for exploring South Korea. High-speed trains, regional buses, and organised tours link the capital with coastal cities, mountain national parks, and historic towns across the country.

Top sights in Seoul

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Walk through grand gates, sweeping courtyards, and ornate pavilions at this landmark palace framed by mountain scenery.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Stroll narrow lanes lined with traditional wooden houses and enjoy views back towards downtown Seoul.

N Seoul Tower on Namsan

Ride or hike up Namsan for panoramic views of the city skyline from the tower observation decks.

Myeongdong shopping streets

Explore busy pedestrian alleys packed with beauty shops, fashion boutiques, and casual snack stalls.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Visit this futuristic cultural complex for design exhibitions, installations, and striking night-time lighting.

Cheonggyecheon Stream

Follow this restored urban stream along walking paths, art pieces, and small bridges right in the city centre.

Hongdae district

Experience youthful street performances, independent shops, and creative spaces around this university neighbourhood.

Lotte World Tower & Mall

Head to this skyscraper complex for high-level observation decks, indoor entertainment, and extensive shopping.

Experience Seoul’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Seoul’s extensive metro system is the easiest way to move between districts, with clear signage and frequent trains. Buses fill in the gaps, while taxis can be convenient late at night. For short distances, walking lets you discover side streets and small cafés you might otherwise miss.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Seoul balances fast-paced work with a strong café culture, after-hours dining, and shared time in parks and plazas. Neighbourhoods such as Ikseon-dong and Seochon mix historic alleys with modern galleries and lifestyle shops, giving a sense of the city’s evolving identity.

Where to unwind
You can take a gentle walk along the Han River parks, with open lawns and cycle paths ideal in the late afternoon. Forested hills like Namsan offer short hikes and scenic viewpoints close to the centre. In the evening, riverside paths and illuminated bridges create a calm contrast to the city’s bright streets.

A taste of Seoul

Street food & local specialties
Seoul’s streetside food stalls serve favourites such as grilled skewers, stuffed pancakes, and spicy rice cakes. Markets and busy districts like Myeongdong and Namdaemun are good places to sample quick bites while you explore nearby shops and sights.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Across the city, you will find casual eateries in shopping centres and lively clusters such as Hongdae and Gangnam. Many venues offer sharing-style dishes, so you can try a range of flavours with friends or family in one relaxed sitting.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, look for restaurants overlooking the Han River or perched on hillside viewpoints. Some hotel and tower venues provide broad skyline views, allowing you to pair seasonal menus with city lights, especially at sunset or after dark.

Retail therapy in Seoul

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping complexes across Seoul combine international brands, homegrown labels, and entertainment venues. They are designed as all-day destinations, with cafés, cinemas, and family-friendly facilities that make it easy to take breaks between browsing.

Markets & local crafts
If you are looking for smaller shops and local designs, areas such as Insadong, Hongdae, and Euljiro offer studios, galleries, and independent boutiques. Traditional markets and side streets reveal ceramics, textiles, and paper goods that make meaningful keepsakes.

Evening retail scene
As evening falls, neon signs and LED façades light up key shopping streets, and some markets stay open late into the night. Night-time browsing is common in districts like Myeongdong and Dongdaemun, which are well connected by metro and bus services.

Best time to visit Seoul

Spring (Bom)
From March to May, Seoul enjoys mild weather, with average temperatures around 10–20°C (50–68°F). Blossoming trees and clear days make outdoor walks and riverfront visits appealing. This is a popular period for visitors, so it is considered peak season.

Summer (Yeoreum)
June to August brings warm, humid days, with temperatures typically between 22–30°C (72–86°F). Occasional showers refresh the air, and long daylight hours are ideal for exploring museums, cafés, and indoor attractions. This is generally shoulder season, with a lively city atmosphere.

Autumn and winter (Gaeul and Gyeoul)
September to November offers crisp, dry days and colourful foliage, with temperatures from 10–22°C (50–72°F). December to February turns colder, often between -5–5°C (23–41°F), with clear skies and a bright winter mood. Together they are considered low season, with a calm, scenic feel.

Frequently Asked Questions