Flights from Hanoi (HAN) to Seoul (ICN)

About Seoul

Discover Seoul

Why visit Seoul?
Seoul is a dynamic metropolis where heritage palaces, design-forward districts, and peaceful mountainsides sit side by side. You can move from quiet hanok lanes to neon-lit shopping streets within minutes, making every day feel varied and full of discovery.

What to expect
The city is defined by the Han River, modern clusters like Gangnam and Songpa, and historic quarters such as Jongno and Bukchon. Efficient transport, late-opening shops, and a strong café culture give Seoul an energetic yet organised feel, with plenty of green spaces offering balance.

Plan your trip
Seoul works well for first-time visitors to the region and for repeat travellers who enjoy exploring neighbourhoods in depth. It is also a convenient base for day trips to surrounding mountains, coastal towns, and cultural sites thanks to its extensive rail and coach connections.

Top sights in Seoul

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Explore grand courtyards, ornate pavilions, and landscaped grounds that showcase the city’s royal architectural heritage.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Wander narrow lanes lined with traditional wooden houses, many with small galleries, cafés, and viewpoints over the city.

Namsan Seoul Tower

Take a cable car or walk up Namsan Park for panoramic views of Seoul’s skyline, especially striking at sunset and after dark.

Myeongdong Shopping District

Browse busy streets filled with beauty shops, fashion boutiques, and casual street-side snack stalls between purchases.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Admire futuristic architecture, rotating exhibitions, and surrounding night markets that keep the area lively late into the evening.

Hongdae Neighbourhood

Experience youthful energy with live performances, independent shops, and creative studios clustered around the university area.

Han River Parks

Relax by the riverside with cycling paths, picnic lawns, and boat cruises that offer a different perspective on the city skyline.

Lotte World Tower & Mall

Head up to an observation deck for far-reaching views, then explore the vast mall, aquarium, and entertainment complex below.

Experience Seoul’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Seoul’s extensive metro network is the fastest way to cross the city, with clear signage and frequent trains. Buses fill in the gaps between stations, while riverside cycle paths and short taxi rides are helpful for the final stretch to your hotel or evening venue.

Local life & culture
Neighbourhoods such as Ikseon-dong, Seochon, and Yeonnam-dong showcase everyday Seoul life, from design-focused cafés to small galleries and studios. You will notice a strong appreciation for style and detail, reflected in everything from minimalist interiors to carefully curated stationery and homeware shops.

Where to unwind
For a slower pace, follow walking trails on Namsan, Inwangsan, or along the city’s restored streams. The Han River parks are ideal for evening strolls, while urban parks in districts like Songdo and Seongsu provide calm green corners to pause between sightseeing.

A taste of Seoul

Street food & local specialties
Throughout central districts such as Myeongdong and Namdaemun, you will find stalls serving grilled skewers, savoury pancakes, and warming stews. Traditional markets and small eateries often focus on one or two signature dishes, making it easy to order and enjoy something new.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Areas like Hongdae, Gangnam, and Seongsu offer dense clusters of modern restaurants and cafés where you can try everything from hearty local comfort food to contemporary fusion menus. Portions are often ideal for sharing, so you can sample several dishes with your travel companions.

Signature & scenic dining
For city views with your meal, look to restaurants in high-rise towers along the Han River or in landmark buildings such as those around Jamsil. Riverfront venues and rooftop terraces are particularly atmospheric in the evening, when the bridges and skyline are beautifully lit.

Retail therapy in Seoul

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Seoul’s major shopping centres, such as COEX Mall and Lotte World Mall, bring together international brands, cinemas, and cultural spaces under one roof. These complexes double as social hubs, where you can shop, dine, and relax without needing to move far.

Markets & local crafts
For smaller labels and handmade pieces, explore streets in Insadong, Ikseon-dong, and Seochon. Here you can browse ceramics, stationery, textiles, and design items that reflect both traditional craftsmanship and contemporary Seoul aesthetics.

Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping districts like Myeongdong and Dongdaemun stay lively, with illuminated storefronts and late-opening stalls. Some areas feel almost like open-air malls at night, and the metro and buses make it straightforward to get back to your hotel even after an extended shopping trip.

Best time to visit Seoul

Spring (bom)
From March to May, Seoul enjoys mild days around 10–20°C (50–68°F) with clear skies and blossoming trees. As a shoulder season, it offers comfortable sightseeing weather and colourful parks without the intensity of summer heat.

Summer (yeoreum)
June to August is warm and humid, with temperatures typically between 22–30°C (72–86°F). Brief showers are common, but long days and lively festivals create a peak season atmosphere, especially along the Han River and in evening markets.

Autumn and winter (gaeul and gyeoul)
September to November brings crisp, dry days of about 10–22°C (50–72°F), with vivid foliage in city parks, making it a popular peak season for outdoor walks. December to February is a low season with cold, often sub-zero temperatures, but clear air, quieter attractions, and a bright winter cityscape.

Frequently Asked Questions