Flights from Johannesburg (JNB) to Seoul (ICN)

About Seoul

Discover Seoul

Why visit Seoul?
Seoul blends cutting-edge technology with centuries of history, creating a city where glass towers stand beside traditional hanok houses. You can expect lively streets, dynamic nightlife, and a creative energy that runs from design studios to pop music stages.

What to expect
Neighbourhoods each have a distinct character, from the style-conscious streets of Gangnam to the small lanes of Ikseon-dong. Wide riverfront parks, efficient public transport, and welcoming cafés make it easy to explore at your own pace, day or night.

Plan your trip
Seoul works well as both a standalone city break and a gateway to the rest of South Korea. High-speed trains and regional links connect you to coastal towns, mountain landscapes, and historic cities, making it simple to build a wider itinerary around your stay.

Top sights in Seoul

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Explore this grand palace complex, known for its expansive courtyards, ornate gates, and striking mountain backdrop.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Wander narrow lanes lined with traditional wooden houses, offering scenic views over the modern city below.

N Seoul Tower

Ride or walk up Namsan for panoramic views of Seoul from the tower and its surrounding observation decks.

Myeong-dong

Experience one of Seoul's busiest districts, filled with beauty shops, fashion boutiques, and lively snack stalls.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Admire futuristic architecture, design exhibitions, and night-time light displays at this cultural landmark.

Hongdae

Discover a youthful neighbourhood known for street performances, independent shops, and late-night cafés and bars.

Han River Parks

Relax along the riverside paths, rent a bicycle, or enjoy a picnic with the city skyline as your backdrop.

Insadong

Stroll a main street and side alleys packed with galleries, teahouses, and shops selling art and traditional crafts.

Experience Seoul's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Seoul's metro network is the most efficient way to cross the city, with clear signage and frequent trains. Buses fill in the gaps for cross-town journeys, while taxis and ride-hailing apps are useful late at night. For short distances, walking often reveals hidden cafés and side streets.

Local life & culture
You will see daily life unfold in busy shopping streets, quiet residential alleys, and lively university districts. Independent galleries, live music venues, and design shops show the city’s creative side. Parks and riverside paths fill with walkers and cyclists, especially in the evenings and at weekends.

Where to unwind
Green spaces dot the city, from forested hills like Namsan to landscaped parks along the Han River. Early mornings are calm, ideal for relaxed walks or gentle cycling. In the evening, you can enjoy lit-up bridges, soft river breezes, and open lawns that invite you to pause between sightseeing days.

A taste of Seoul

Street food & local specialties
Food alleys and markets around areas such as Myeong-dong, Gwangjang Market, and Namdaemun serve classic local dishes and quick snacks. You can sample pancakes, dumplings, or skewers while watching vendors cook in front of you, making meals part of the city’s street life.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping districts and lifestyle complexes across Gangnam, Hongdae, and Yeouido offer convenient places to eat between activities. You will find everything from noodle houses to modern bistros, often with small portions that make it easy to try several plates with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For special occasions, riverside restaurants, hotel dining rooms, and high-floor venues provide city views with carefully prepared menus. Some spots around Namsan and along the Han River are especially appealing at sunset, when the skyline lights up and the atmosphere becomes more relaxed.

Retail therapy in Seoul

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping complexes in areas like Gangnam, Jamsil, and Yeouido combine international brands, local designers, cinemas, and dining. These multi-level spaces are popular meeting points, allowing you to browse, eat, and unwind in one place regardless of the weather.

Markets & local crafts
For a more local feel, explore traditional-style streets and markets around Insadong, Ikseon-dong, and Bukchon. Here you can look for handmade ceramics, stationery, textiles, and contemporary Korean brands that make thoughtful mementoes of your trip.

Evening retail scene
Seoul’s shopping districts stay active well into the night, with illuminated storefronts and late-opening stores in Myeong-dong, Dongdaemun, and Hongdae. Night markets and evening events add to the atmosphere, and the metro and buses make it straightforward to travel back to your accommodation afterwards.

Best time to visit Seoul

Spring (bom), March to May, brings mild days around 10–20°C (50–68°F) and clear skies, labelled as shoulder season. Flowering trees brighten parks and streets, and comfortable temperatures make it ideal for walking tours and riverfront strolls.

Summer (yeoreum), June to August, is warm and humid, typically 22–30°C (72–86°F), and is considered peak season. Long daylight hours and lively outdoor events create a vibrant atmosphere, with riverside parks and late-evening outings especially popular.

Autumn and winter (gaeul and gyeoul), September to February, range from cool to cold at about -5–20°C (23–68°F), and are generally low season. Autumn foliage colours hillsides and city parks, while crisp winter days offer clear views, quieter attractions, and a different, cosy side of café and market life.

Frequently Asked Questions