Flights from Kolkata (CCU) to Seoul (ICN)

About Seoul

Discover Seoul

Why visit Seoul?
Seoul is a dynamic metropolis where gleaming towers rise beside historic palaces and traditional villages. You will find a city that blends design, technology, and heritage, with lively streets, tranquil parks, and a creative energy that is easy to feel as you explore.

What to expect
You can move from bustling shopping districts to quiet hanok neighbourhoods within minutes, with the Han River and low green hills framing the skyline. Expect efficient transport, late-night dining, and distinct areas such as Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Gangnam, each with its own character.

Plan your trip
Seoul is an excellent base for discovering the wider region, with fast rail links and domestic flights to coastal towns and mountain areas. Whether you are planning a short city break or combining Seoul with other parts of South Korea, the city offers a convenient and engaging starting point.

Top sights in Seoul

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Walk through grand courtyards, colourful gates, and elegant pavilions that showcase Seoul's royal architectural heritage.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Stroll narrow lanes lined with traditional wooden houses and enjoy far-reaching views towards modern downtown Seoul.

Namsan Seoul Tower

Take a cable car or hike up Namsan for panoramic views of the city, especially striking at sunset and after dark.

Myeongdong Shopping District

Explore a maze of streets filled with fashion boutiques, beauty stores, and lively snack stalls from day into night.

Hongdae Arts and Nightlife

Experience street performances, galleries, and a youthful nightlife scene in this university neighbourhood.

COEX and Starfield Library

Discover a vast underground mall, an eye-catching open library, and nearby cultural attractions beneath Gangnam.

Cheonggyecheon Stream

Follow a restored stream through central Seoul, where walking paths, bridges, and light installations create a calm urban escape.

Lotte World Tower Observatory

Ride high-speed lifts to an observation deck with floor-to-ceiling windows and glass-floored sections above the city.

Experience Seoul's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Seoul's extensive metro system is the fastest way to cross the city, with clear signage and frequent trains. For shorter hops, buses and taxis connect easily to areas not directly on the subway, while riverside cycling paths offer a scenic way to explore at a slower pace.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Seoul unfolds in busy cafés, design-focused lifestyle stores, and compact backstreets filled with independent businesses. University districts buzz with live music and performance, while older neighbourhoods reveal a slower rhythm, with traditional architecture and small local workshops.

Where to unwind
The banks of the Han River provide long stretches of open space for walking, cycling, or simply watching the skyline as the light changes. Urban parks on low hills, such as Namsan, offer shaded trails and city views, especially comfortable in the early morning and evening.

A taste of Seoul

Street food & local specialties
You will find street stalls and casual eateries serving sizzling barbecued meats, warming stews, savoury pancakes, and late-night snacks across the city. Areas around markets and university districts are especially known for small outlets where you can sample a variety of local flavours in one walk.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Large malls and contemporary districts such as Gangnam, Hongdae, and Yeouido offer food courts, cafés, and stylish restaurants in one place. Menus often mix traditional dishes with modern takes, and generous sharing portions make it easy to try several plates with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, look for restaurants with views over the Han River, hillside outlooks, or dining rooms high above the city in tower complexes. These venues pair refined menus with a strong sense of place, turning a lunch or dinner into a highlight of your time in Seoul.

Retail therapy in Seoul

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Seoul's major shopping centres bring together global brands, local designers, cinemas, and dining in one location. Districts such as Gangnam and Jamsil feature large complexes that function as social spaces where you can shop, meet friends, and spend a full day indoors.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and creative neighbourhoods are ideal for discovering local products, homeware, and design pieces. Explore areas like Insadong, Hongdae, and Ikseon-dong for small shops, galleries, and studios that showcase stationery, textiles, accessories, and other thoughtfully made items.

Evening retail scene
After dark, central shopping streets remain bright and active, with illuminated signs and extended opening hours. Some markets and districts come most alive in the evening, when cooler temperatures invite leisurely browsing, and reliable public transport makes it easy to return to your hotel.

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). Trees and parks come into bloom, streets feel fresh, and outdoor cafés and river walks become especially pleasant, making this a popular shoulder season for relaxed sightseeing.

Summer (Yeoreum)
June to August is warm and humid, with temperatures typically between 22–30°C (72–86°F). This peak season suits travellers who enjoy long daylight hours, lively evening streets, and indoor attractions such as museums and shopping centres when you prefer a break from the heat.

Autumn and winter (Gaeul and Gyeoul)
September to November brings crisp, clear days and colourful foliage, with 10–22°C (50–72°F) marking a comfortable shoulder season. December to February is a low season with colder weather around -5–5°C (23–41°F), rewarding you with clear views, a festive atmosphere, and quieter major sights.

Frequently Asked Questions