Flights to Seoul (ICN), Book economy, business, first class

Stimulating Seoul

Book flights to Seoul, the South Korean capital and a vibrant, whirlwind of a city that interweaves modern life with ancient history.

By day, explore World Heritage sites, traditional hanok villages and grand palaces. At night, watch the neon city streets come alive with Korean pop beats and karaoke.

girls in traditional dress during cherry blossom season in seoul south korea

Sip tea and stroll along the enchanting alleyways of the Bukchon village while admiring the hanok houses of old, then tackle the stepping stones of Cheonggyecheon Stream in the city centre.

Take in the sumptuous Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces then visit the Jongmyo Shrine and award-winning modern development in the form of Dongdaemun Design Plaza.

Excellent public transport means day trips beyond the majestic city walls are not to be missed either. The demilitarised zone (DMZ) that divides South and North Korea is a compelling attraction. Or take a hike in the Bukhansan National Park to discover temples, forests and challenging granite peaks.

Fly to Seoul and discover all this wonderful city has to offer.

What’s the weather like in Seoul?

Average temperature Average rainfall

-4°C

2cm

-1°C

2cm

5°C

4cm

12°C

7cm

17°C

9cm

22°C

13cm

25°C

33cm

26°C

29cm

21°C

14cm

15°C

5cm

8°C

5cm

1°C

2cm

Seoul is a great destination to visit all year round. Book flights between March to May or September to November for reasonably dry weather and perfect temperatures for seeing the city on foot.

July is both the hottest and wettest month in Seoul, with August a close second. Temperatures are colder between December and February, averaging -2°C.

Reasons to visit Seoul

sunrise over bukchon hanok village in seoul south korea

Visit Bukchon Hanok Village

Immerse yourself in traditional Korean life in the Bukchon Hanok Village. The mass of authentic hanok houses in the ‘northern village’ sit above two Seoul landmarks: Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno – a bustling district.

The ornately tiled roofs contrast with the modern glass and engineered structures of today’s Seoul in the distance. A visit to the village is also a chance to enjoy a delicious cup of tea from a traditional tea house and learn about the fascinating history of Seoul.

men photographed in colourful traditional costume in seoul south korea

See Jongmyo Shrine

The oldest of the Confucian Royal shrines to be preserved, the 16^th-century Jongmyo Shrine holds UNESCO World Heritage status. It’s a memorial to members of the Korean Joseon Dynasty. Visit the treasured ritual space in the main hall (Jeongjeon) to see where the ceremonies are performed.

Jongmyo is a place of peace and reflection, away from the lively streets of central Seoul. Visit on the first Sunday of May each year to see the sacred Jongmyo Jerye ritual, with accompanying court music using traditional instruments and costumed dance performances.

dongdaemun design plaza at night in seoul south korea

Admire Dongdaemun Design Plaza

The futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza is one of the most iconic developments in Seoul’s architectural landscape. Designed by renowned and Pritzker Prize-winning architect Zaha Hadid, this truly unique building is formed of undulating aluminium and concrete.

The building is not just a photo opportunity, it sits at the heart of the design industry in South Korea. Fashion shows, exhibitions and conferences all take place at the DDP, as it is known.

Visitors can shop at any time in the Design Market, where shops are open 24 hours a day, or walk in the connected Dongdaemun History & Culture Park – which extends onto the roof of the DDP.

Things to know before you fly to Seoul

Cultural considerations

Shoes should be removed on entering a Korean home, guesthouse or traditional restaurant. It is rude to leave chopsticks or spoons sticking up in a bowl of rice.

Use both hands to pour drinks for others and when giving or receiving other objects, such as business cards. A quick, short bow is a polite greeting.

Accommodation

Myeong-dong and Jung-gu are central and popular areas of Seoul for visitors to stay in. There is a great cross section of accommodation – whatever your budget or style.

Hongdae is close to Hongik University and has a good nightlife. Gangnam and southern Seoul offer slightly more luxurious choices.

Local cuisine

The street food scene in Seoul is unmissable for foodies. Try bibimbap, a spicy rice dish usually served with beef and mixed vegetables and topped with a fried egg.

Crispy Korean fried chicken is a must eat too, with a side of kimchi – salted and fermented vegetables.

Local currency

The currency in Seoul is Korean Won (₩ / KRW). Notes are in denominations of 10,000, 5,000 and 1,000.

Major international credit and debit cards are widely accepted as payment in Seoul, but cash is the preferred method for some smaller businesses and at open markets.

Flying to Seoul: FAQs

Is English widely spoken in Seoul?

English is becoming a more commonly spoken language in Seoul. In tourist areas you’ll find a higher number of people who speak English, and signs in those areas will often include English translations. Younger Koreans are likely to have been taught English at school as well.

How many days do you need in Seoul?

You can get a good flavour of Seoul and see many of the most popular attractions in four to five days. A couple of extra days will allow you to include day trips to interesting nearby sites too, such as the demilitarized zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea.

What are the transfer options from Seoul airport?

Book your airport transfer online ahead of time with Etihad, and your driver will be waiting in arrivals.

Public transport in Seoul is also excellent. The Airport Railroad Express (AREX) is a popular choice – these are frequent and take less than an hour to get to the city centre. Korea Train Express offers connections to Seoul and elsewhere.

Why fly to Seoul with Etihad?

Fly to Seoul with Etihad and shape your experience to your travel taste, or budget. Choose how you check in, add extra baggage or upgrade your seat.

Book your flight tickets with us and check in online – avoiding the airport hustle and bustle. At most airports, First and Business guests get access to worldwide lounges. There you’ll find Wi-Fi, restaurants and even spa treatments in some airports. Flying Economy? You can pay to access certain lounges.

On board, sink into a reclining seat and select from a world of entertainment. Our inflight system has movies, TV and music options – something for everyone.

During your flight, every guest enjoys a complimentary meal, created with fresh ingredients. In Business, you decide when to eat, picking from the a la carte menu.

There’s a selection of seats too. In Economy, choose from upgrade options and opt for extra legroom or a neighbour-free seat, giving you additional privacy. In Business, on most long-haul flights you can turn your seat into a fully-flat bed – perfect for an overnight flight.

*Aircraft, cabins and services may vary by route and flight. You can check this when you search for your flight. This page was last updated Sept 2019.

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