Flights from New York (NYC) to Seoul (ICN)

About Seoul

Discover Seoul

Why visit Seoul?
Seoul blends cutting-edge technology, fashion, and design with centuries of history, riverside parks, and atmospheric old quarters. You can move from gleaming skyscrapers to traditional hanok lanes and buzzing late-night streets in a single day.

What to expect
The city is fast-paced yet welcoming, with efficient transport, sleek cafés, and lively neighbourhoods that each have a distinct feel. From the shopping streets of Myeong-dong and the galleries of Samcheong-dong to the nightlife of Hongdae, Seoul offers a dynamic urban experience at every turn.

Plan your trip
Seoul is a rewarding standalone destination and a natural gateway to explore the rest of South Korea, from coastal cities to volcanic landscapes. With well-developed transport links, you can easily build day trips or longer journeys around your time in the capital.

Top sights in Seoul

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Explore the sprawling palace grounds, grand gates, and tranquil courtyards framed by mountain views in the heart of the city.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Wander narrow lanes lined with traditional wooden houses and enjoy views over modern Seoul from quiet hilltop streets.

N Seoul Tower on Namsan

Take a cable car or hike up Namsan for panoramic views from the tower, especially atmospheric at sunset and after dark.

Myeong-dong Shopping Street

Stroll through neon-lit streets packed with beauty stores, fashion boutiques, and lively snack stalls into the evening.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Admire the futuristic architecture, browse design shops, and catch exhibitions or night-time light displays at this creative hub.

Cheonggyecheon Stream

Follow this restored stream as it winds through downtown, offering pleasant walking paths, art installations, and cooling spots to rest.

Hongdae District

Experience youthful energy with live music, street performances, independent shops, and a vibrant evening atmosphere near the university area.

Lotte World Tower & Seokchon Lake

Ride up one of the world’s tallest towers for sky-high views, then unwind with a lakeside walk below.

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, while riverside cycle paths offer a scenic way to explore. For shorter hops, taxis and walking work well in compact districts.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Seoul blends work-focused weekdays with relaxed evenings in cafés, parks, and neighbourhood bars. Design-forward shops, music venues, and galleries show the city’s creative side, while seasonal festivals and performances bring colour to plazas and riverside spaces.

Where to unwind
You can slow down in the city’s many green areas, from wooded hills with walking trails to riverside lawns popular for picnics. Rooftop terraces, urban parks, and landscaped lakes are especially pleasant in the early evening when the skyline begins to light up.

A taste of Seoul

Street food & local specialties
Seoul’s street stalls and casual eateries are ideal for trying sizzling barbecued meats, bubbling stews, and flavourful grilled dishes. Areas like Myeong-dong, Insadong, and traditional markets are filled with small counters and shops serving comforting classics.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Trendy districts offer contemporary restaurants, brunch spots, and dessert cafés where you can share small plates and sample different flavours. Department stores and large malls group many options together, making it easy to combine meals with sightseeing or shopping.

Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, look for restaurants with skyline views, riverside terraces, or hilltop settings overlooking the city. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or relaxing after a day of exploring, these venues pair creative menus with striking urban panoramas.

Retail therapy in Seoul

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Seoul’s major malls and lifestyle complexes gather international labels, local designers, cinemas, and dining in one place. These centres are popular meeting spots, where you can browse fashion, beauty, and lifestyle goods between café stops.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller markets and speciality streets are ideal for finding local crafts, stationery, accessories, and homeware. Neighbourhoods such as Insadong, Hongdae, and Samcheong-dong showcase independent makers alongside galleries and cosy shops.

Evening retail scene
Many shopping districts stay lively well into the night, with bright signage and late-opening stores creating a distinctive atmosphere. Night markets and illuminated streets invite relaxed browsing after dinner, and reliable public transport makes these areas easy to reach.

Best time to visit Seoul

Spring (Bom)
From March to May, Seoul warms from around 5–20°C (41–68°F) as trees and city parks come into bloom. It is a shoulder season, with comfortable temperatures, clear days, and a pleasant atmosphere for walking tours, riverside strolls, and outdoor viewpoints.

Summer (Yeoreum)
June to August is summer, with temperatures typically between 20–30°C (68–86°F) and higher humidity. This is peak season, bringing long daylight hours, lively evenings, and cool indoor attractions, from galleries to shopping centres, when you want a break from the heat.

Autumn and winter (Gaeul & Gyeoul)
September to November offers crisp, dry days of about 10–22°C (50–72°F) and colourful foliage, making it a shoulder season popular for parks and hill walks. December to February is low season, with colder weather around -5–5°C (23–41°F) and clear winter skies that suit city lights, indoor culture, and cosy cafés.

Frequently Asked Questions