Flights from Riyadh (RUH) to Seoul (ICN)

About Seoul

Discover Seoul

Why visit Seoul?
Seoul is a dynamic city where glass towers rise beside historic palaces, and quiet lanes hide creative cafés and design studios. You will find a fast-paced destination that still makes room for green hills, riverside walks, and relaxed neighbourhoods.

What to expect
The city is built along the Han River and framed by low mountains, with distinct districts for fashion, technology, culture, and nightlife. Sleek shopping streets, lively university areas, and grand heritage sites sit within a modern, efficient urban landscape.

Plan your trip
Seoul works well for both short city breaks and longer journeys that include the rest of South Korea. High-speed rail and regional flights make it an easy gateway to coastal towns, mountain resorts, and historic cities across the country.

Top sights in Seoul

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Explore this grand historic complex, known for its wide courtyards, ornate gates, and changing architectural vistas through the seasons.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Wander narrow lanes lined with traditional wooden houses, with viewpoints that open onto modern city skylines.

Namsan Seoul Tower

Ride or walk up Namsan to reach this iconic tower, where viewing decks offer sweeping day and night panoramas of the city.

Myeong-dong

Stroll one of Seoul’s busiest shopping districts, filled with international brands, local skincare shops, and bright neon signage.

Hongdae district

Experience an energetic university neighbourhood known for street performances, small galleries, and late-night cafés.

Cheonggyecheon Stream

Follow this restored stream through central Seoul, passing under bridges and light installations in the heart of downtown.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Visit this futuristic cultural complex to see its flowing architecture, design exhibitions, and nearby late-opening retail streets.

Han River parks

Relax in riverside parks where locals cycle, picnic, and enjoy wide open views of Seoul’s bridges and skyline.

Experience Seoul’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Seoul’s extensive metro network is the easiest way to cross the city, with clear signage and frequent trains. Buses fill in the gaps above ground, while taxis are useful late at night. For short distances, walking often reveals small cafés, galleries, and local shops between major sights.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Seoul balances long working hours with a strong café and social culture, especially in neighbourhoods around universities and creative hubs. You will notice a focus on design, technology, and style in everything from small boutiques to public spaces, with many districts staying busy well into the evening.

Where to unwind
City parks such as Namsan and the trails around Seoul’s low mountains offer quick escapes into nature, with viewpoints overlooking the urban landscape. Along the Han River, wide lawns and cycling paths are popular at sunset. In cooler months, cosy teahouses and quiet book cafés provide calm indoor retreats.

A taste of Seoul

Street food & local specialties
Food streets and markets across Seoul serve everything from savoury pancakes and dumplings to grilled favourites and warming stews. Areas such as Myeong-dong, Gwangjang Market, and university districts are good places to sample quick bites between sightseeing stops.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping districts and office areas are filled with casual restaurants, where set meals and shared plates make it easy to try a variety of flavours. Many malls and underground centres have dedicated food floors, so you can combine dining with shopping in one convenient stop.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, seek out restaurants with views of the Han River, city bridges, or hillside skylines. Some venues near major landmarks and towers offer elevated outlooks over Seoul, turning a meal into a memorable part of your itinerary.

Retail therapy in Seoul

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping complexes in areas like Jamsil, Gangnam, and central Seoul bring together international brands, local labels, cinemas, and cafés. These multi-level centres are popular places to meet friends, browse, and take a break between sightseeing stops.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller markets and side streets showcase independent designers, accessories, and lifestyle goods. Neighbourhoods such as Insadong, Hongdae, and Ikseon-dong are known for small shops where you can find stationery, ceramics, and contemporary takes on traditional crafts.

Evening retail scene
After dark, neon-lit shopping streets stay lively, with late-opening stores in districts like Myeong-dong and Dongdaemun. The atmosphere becomes more energetic as music spills from shops and cafés, and public transport makes it straightforward to return to your hotel once you are finished exploring.

Best time to visit Seoul

Spring (Bom)
From March to May, Seoul enjoys mild weather and blooming trees, with average temperatures around 10–18°C (50–64°F). It is shoulder season, ideal for walking tours, riverside picnics, and exploring neighbourhoods before summer becomes warmer.

Summer (Yeoreum)
June to August is warm and humid, with temperatures typically between 22–29°C (72–84°F). This peak season is lively, with long days for evening walks by the Han River and indoor attractions such as museums and shopping centres offering comfortable breaks from the heat.

Autumn and winter (Gaeul & Gyeoul)
September to November brings clear skies, 10–20°C (50–68°F) days, and colourful foliage in parks and mountain trails, a popular shoulder season. December to February is low season, often near -2–5°C (28–41°F), creating crisp conditions for city views, cosy cafés, and indoor cultural attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions