Flights from Rome (FCO) to Seoul (ICN)

About Seoul

Seoul, where tradition meets cutting-edge city life

Seoul is a dynamic city where glass towers rise beside historic palaces, and leafy mountains frame busy riverfront districts. It is a place of constant movement, yet you can still find quiet streets, elegant teahouses, and peaceful parks just a few steps away from major avenues.

From stylish neighbourhoods full of design shops and galleries to lively food streets and night markets, Seoul offers something at every hour of the day. Whether you are here for business, shopping, or a short city break, you will find a welcoming, well-organised metropolis that is easy to explore and rewarding to return to.

Top sights in Seoul

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Walk through grand courtyards, ornate gates, and tranquil gardens at this historic palace set against a mountain backdrop.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Stroll narrow lanes lined with traditional wooden houses and discover small craft shops, cafés, and viewpoints over the city.

Myeongdong shopping streets

Explore bright streets packed with fashion boutiques, beauty stores, and food stalls serving favourite local snacks.

Namsan Seoul Tower

Take a cable car or hike up Namsan for wide views of the skyline by day and a sea of lights after dark.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Visit this landmark building for design exhibitions, night-time light installations, and nearby late-opening shops.

Experience the culture of Seoul

You can experience Seoul through its neighbourhoods, each with a distinct character. Wander through Insadong to browse calligraphy shops, ceramics, and local galleries, or head to Hongdae for live music venues, street performances, and creative studios. Along the restored Cheonggyecheon Stream, walkways and small parks offer a calm route through the heart of downtown.

For a different view of the city, follow one of the many short hiking trails on the surrounding hills, where you can look over the Han River and the high-rise districts that line it. Museum-lovers can spend hours at the National Museum of Korea or the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, which present everything from ancient artefacts to contemporary installations.

In the evening, you might explore the brightly lit streets of Gangnam, known for its modern office towers, shopping centres, and restaurants. Riverfront parks are also popular, where you can rent a bicycle, join locals relaxing on the lawns, or watch seasonal festivals and light shows.

A taste of Seoul

Seoul is known for shared dining tables, sizzling grills, and richly flavoured stews. Around every corner you will find casual eateries serving rice dishes, noodles, grilled meats, and a wide array of vegetable side dishes, creating a colourful and varied meal. Many restaurants specialise in a single dish, perfected over years.

Street food is a highlight, especially around markets such as Gwangjang Market and in busy districts like Myeongdong. Here you can snack on filled pancakes, skewers, and crispy treats while you walk, or sit at simple counters for comforting bowls of soup and dumplings.

For a different experience, try one of Seoul’s modern cafés or dessert shops, known for carefully crafted drinks, patisserie-style cakes, and seasonal creations. The city also offers an increasing number of contemporary restaurants that reinterpret classic flavours in elegant dining rooms with skyline or river views.

Retail therapy in Seoul

Shopping in Seoul ranges from large multi-storey department stores to compact boutiques on quiet backstreets. Myeongdong, Gangnam, and Apgujeong are popular for international brands, fashion labels, and extensive beauty counters, many of which offer new product lines and limited collections.

If you enjoy markets, explore Namdaemun Market or Dongdaemun Market, where narrow alleys are filled with stalls selling clothing, textiles, homeware, and accessories. Late into the night, the Dongdaemun area stays active with wholesale malls and street vendors, making it a good stop for after-dinner browsing.

Seoul is also a strong destination for design-focused items. In areas like Sinsa-dong and around the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, you will find independent shops showcasing stationery, home décor, and lifestyle brands, often created by local designers. These make distinctive gifts and personal souvenirs to bring home.

Best time to visit Seoul

Spring in Seoul (March to May, shoulder season) brings mild weather, with average temperatures around 10–18°C (50–64°F). Flowers and trees start to bloom in the city’s parks and along the river, creating pleasant conditions for walking tours and outdoor cafés.

Summer (June to August, peak season) is warm and humid, with typical temperatures of 22–29°C (72–84°F). This is a lively time to visit, with long evenings, outdoor events, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy riverfront parks, rooftop terraces, and air-conditioned shopping centres.

Autumn and winter (September to February, low season) range from crisp, clear autumn days of about 10–20°C (50–68°F) to colder winter months around -2–6°C (28–43°F). Clear skies are common, city views can be especially sharp, and seasonal lights and markets add atmosphere across the city.

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