Flights from Zurich (ZRH) to Seoul (ICN)

About Seoul

Seoul, where modern energy meets timeless tradition

Seoul is a city of contrasts, where sleek glass towers rise beside historic palaces and quiet alleyways. It is a place that moves quickly yet still makes room for green parks, winding streams, and neighbourhood markets. As you explore, you will find each district has its own character, from creative hubs to stylish shopping streets.

The city is known for its design, technology, and vibrant street life. Neon-lit avenues, contemporary galleries, and the buzz of cafés and late-night eateries give Seoul a distinct energy. At the same time, tranquil gardens, hillside viewpoints, and riverside paths invite you to slow down and see another side of the South Korean capital.

Whether you are visiting for culture, food, or business, Seoul offers a compelling blend of efficiency and warmth. Excellent public transport, clear signage, and well-organised districts make it easy to get around, so you can spend more of your time discovering what makes the city unique.

Top sights in Seoul

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Explore this grand royal complex, known for its striking gates, spacious courtyards, and scenic mountain backdrop.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Walk through narrow lanes lined with traditional wooden houses and enjoy views over the modern city skyline.

N Seoul Tower

Ride or hike up Namsan for panoramic views of Seoul from the tower observation decks, especially impressive after dark.

Myeongdong shopping streets

Stroll through lively pedestrian lanes filled with beauty shops, fashion boutiques, and street food stalls.

Cheonggyecheon Stream

Follow this restored urban stream through central Seoul, with pathways, art installations, and relaxing rest spots.

Experience Seoul up close

Discover Seoul on foot by exploring its distinct neighbourhoods. Wander the creative streets of Hongdae, where independent shops, small galleries, and live music venues cluster around a major university. In contrast, the business district in Gangnam offers polished avenues, contemporary architecture, and stylish cafés, giving you a sense of the city’s modern rhythm.

For outdoor time, head to the Han River, where riverside parks offer walking and cycling paths, picnic areas, and seasonal events. You can rent a bicycle, join locals for a leisurely stroll, or simply sit and watch the city lights reflect on the water in the evening. Hiking is also popular, with accessible trails on nearby mountains such as Bukhansan, offering fresh air and wide city views.

If you enjoy guided experiences, consider a food-focused walking tour or a design and architecture route that covers both historic streets and new cultural spaces. Night markets, performance venues, and rooftop viewpoints round out a full day, giving you multiple ways to experience Seoul’s culture at your own pace.

A taste of Seoul

Seoul’s dining scene ranges from busy markets to refined contemporary restaurants, making it easy to find a meal that suits your taste and schedule. Traditional eateries specialise in dishes cooked at the table, hearty stews, and sizzling grilled options, often served with a generous selection of side dishes that add colour and variety to your meal.

Street food is a highlight, especially in popular areas such as Myeongdong and around university districts. You can try freshly made snacks, savoury pancakes, and comforting rice cakes, all prepared in front of you. Markets such as Gwangjang are ideal for sampling different flavours in one place, with long counters where you can sit and eat while watching the bustle around you.

For a different atmosphere, explore the city’s café culture and dessert shops, many of which are known for creative interiors and seasonal menus. Modern restaurants often blend local ingredients with international techniques, offering tasting menus or sharing plates in stylish spaces. Wherever you choose to dine, you will find that eating out is an important and enjoyable part of daily life in Seoul.

Retail therapy in the city

Seoul is a renowned shopping destination, with everything from flagship department stores to independent boutiques. In Gangnam and around major downtown avenues, large malls and underground shopping centres offer international brands, lifestyle stores, and convenient food courts, often staying open late into the evening.

Beauty and skincare fans will find an especially wide choice, with dedicated shops and multi-brand stores clustered in areas like Myeongdong and Hongdae. Staff are used to helping visitors discover new products, and many shops feature seasonal collections, limited-edition items, and gift sets that make it easy to bring something home.

If you are looking for something more local, browse markets and smaller streets for textiles, accessories, stationery, and design-focused souvenirs. Certain neighbourhoods specialise in vintage clothing, crafts, or homeware, so you can combine a walk through a new district with a bit of browsing. With clear signage and reliable public transport, planning a shopping-focused day in Seoul is straightforward.

Best time to visit Seoul

Spring cherry season (March to May, around 5–20°C / 41–68°F, shoulder season) brings mild days and cool evenings, with blossoms lining parks and streets across the city. It is a pleasant time for walking tours and riverside strolls, and light layers are usually enough for most days.

Summer festival season (June to August, around 20–30°C / 68–86°F, peak season) is warm and often humid, with longer daylight hours that suit evening markets and open-air events. Occasional rain showers help cool the air, and many indoor attractions offer welcome breaks from the heat.

Autumn and winter contrast (September to February, around -5–20°C / 23–68°F, low season) range from bright, colourful foliage in October to crisp, cold days in mid-winter. Clear skies are common, making city views especially striking, and cooler temperatures create a cosy atmosphere in cafés, markets, and indoor cultural venues.

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