Flights from Kathmandu (KTM) to Seoul (ICN)

About Seoul

Discover Seoul

Why visit Seoul?
Seoul blends cutting-edge technology, fashion, and design with historic palaces, traditional streets, and leafy mountainsides. You will find a city that feels energetic yet welcoming, with a strong café culture, music scene, and varied neighbourhoods to explore.

What to expect
The city is built along the Han River, with modern districts such as Gangnam and Yeouido contrasting with historic quarters like Bukchon and Ikseon-dong. Expect efficient transport, late-night dining, and a skyline lit by media façades, rooftop bars, and observation decks.

Plan your trip
Seoul works well for short breaks and longer journeys that include wider South Korea. Use it as a base to visit nearby cities, hot spring areas, and national parks, or connect onwards by high-speed train to cultural hubs such as Busan and Gyeongju.

Top sights in Seoul

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Walk through expansive courtyards, ornate gates, and restored halls that showcase the city’s royal architectural heritage.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Stroll narrow lanes lined with traditional wooden houses, many now home to small galleries, tea rooms, and craft studios.

N Seoul Tower on Namsan

Ride or hike up Namsan for panoramic views of the city, especially atmospheric at sunset and after dark.

Myeong-dong

Explore a lively district known for beauty boutiques, fashion shops, and street stalls offering quick bites on the go.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Admire futuristic architecture, design exhibitions, and an illuminated park that comes alive in the evening.

Hongdae

Experience youthful energy with live music, independent shops, themed cafés, and creative street performances.

Cheonggyecheon Stream

Follow a landscaped stream that cuts through downtown, offering a peaceful walking route beneath the city streets.

Lotte World Tower & Mall

Head to a soaring skyscraper with an observation deck, shopping, and leisure spaces overlooking the Han River.

Experience Seoul’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Seoul’s extensive metro network is the fastest way to move between key districts and attractions. Buses complement the system for shorter hops, while riverside cycle paths offer a scenic way to see the city. For your last mile, short taxi rides and walking-friendly streets make connections easy.

Local life & culture
Many locals spend their time in cafés, parks, and compact neighbourhoods such as Seongsu, Ikseon-dong, and Yeonnam-dong. You will notice an interest in fashion, design, and music, with pop culture and independent scenes existing side by side. Throughout the year, seasonal festivals and outdoor events bring people together.

Where to unwind
The Han River parks are ideal for relaxed picnics, cycling, or simply watching the skyline change colour at sunset. Forested hills such as Namsan and Bukhansan offer well-marked trails with rewarding city views. In cooler months, indoor wellness centres and urban parks provide calm spaces to slow down.

A taste of Seoul

Street food & local specialties
You can sample comforting dishes such as barbecued meats, stews, and savoury pancakes in neighbourhoods like Myeong-dong, Jongno, and Mapo. Covered markets and small alleys serve quick bites and hearty meals that fit easily into a busy day of sightseeing.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping districts and mixed-use complexes in areas such as Gangnam, Jamsil, and Yeouido gather many cafés and restaurants in one place. Menus often blend Korean flavours with international influences, and sharing plates make it simple to try several dishes with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For memorable views, consider restaurants around the Han River, at N Seoul Tower, or in skyscrapers overlooking the city. Some hotels and rooftop venues offer carefully presented tasting menus or grills, where you can watch the skyline light up while you dine.

Retail therapy in Seoul

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern malls in Jamsil, Gangnam, and Yeouido bring together international labels, local designers, cinemas, and cultural spaces. These complexes are designed as all-day destinations, with comfortable lounges, wide walkways, and plenty of spots to rest between browsing.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller markets and streets such as Namdaemun, Gwangjang, and Insadong are ideal for finding textiles, crafts, stationery, and design items. Independent stores in Seongsu and Hannam showcase local brands, giving you a sense of the city’s creative direction.

Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets around Myeong-dong, Hongdae, and Dongdaemun stay lively with illuminated façades and extended opening hours. Night markets and late-opening stores create a relaxed, social atmosphere, and efficient public transport makes these areas straightforward to reach in the evening.

Best time to visit Seoul

Spring (Bom)
From late March to May, temperatures range from around 7–22°C (45–72°F). This shoulder season brings clear days, blossoms, and fresh greenery along parks and palace grounds, making it pleasant for walking tours and riverfront strolls.

Summer (Yeoreum)
June to August is warm and humid, with typical temperatures between 20–30°C (68–86°F). This peak season suits longer evenings by the Han River, rooftop views, and indoor attractions such as museums, galleries, and shopping centres.

Autumn and winter (Gaeul and Gyeoul)
September to November offers crisp air and colourful foliage at 10–22°C (50–72°F), while December to February is colder at -5–7°C (23–45°F). These low season and shoulder season periods are ideal for clear-sky city views, mountain hikes, and cosy indoor experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions