Need to Know About Seoul
Seoul is the dynamic capital city of South Korea. Though it may be overlooked in favour of trips to other big-ticket cities throughout Asia, travellers in-the-know are already up with the appeal of this under-the-radar destination. Seoul is the go-to for those wanting to immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of South Korea, either by visiting the collection of palaces and museums or by paying respects at memorials commemorating the more recent Korean War. Whet your appetite by feasting on lip-smacking Korean barbecue and other local delicacies, including slow-cooked meats in broths and clay pots. Get your fix of retail therapy by hitting any of Seoul’s numerous shopping malls or boutique-lined strips, and night owls can kick-on by making the most of the city’s electric after-dark bars, clubs and restaurants. In short, Seoul has something for all travellers.
So no matter if you want to be the first of your friends to discover the city’s charms, or if you want a unique family holiday; look for cheap airfares to Seoul on Webjet and start your discovery of South Korea.
When is the Best Time Visit Seoul?
Seoul summers are hot and humid, and the winters can be the extreme opposite. One of the best times to visit Seoul is in October – with the exception of Chuseok, an autumn harvest festival celebrated nationally that is one of the most important events on the Korean calendar. April is another great time for booking return airfares to Seoul as you’ll beat the summer crowds but won’t need to rug up too heavily. Festive travellers who don’t mind the cold might consider travelling to Seoul in December, or devotees of K-beauty can find cheap flights for travel to coincide with brands’ big sales.
Travelling to Seoul Airports
Seoul is serviced by two international airports: Incheon International Airport (ICN) and Gimpo International Airport (GMP). ICN is the most commonly used airport for flights to Seoul from Australia. Airlines that offer cheap direct airfares to Seoul include Qantas, Malaysia Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Thai Airways.
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Incheon International Airport is South Korea’s largest airport and is where most international traffic to Seoul travels through. The airport is located about 32 kilometres from the centre of Seoul, and the most popular ways of reaching the city from ICN is taxi or public transport. The airport has two terminals and each has their own short term and long term parking options. Travellers on cheap flights to Seoul can get into the city by catching the Airport Railroad Express (AREX), a Limousine bus, Seoul Metropolitan Subway, or a taxi. The AREX runs directly to Seoul Station so is a great option for those with hotels nearby. The buses are a better alternative for those staying away from the centre of Seoul, or who want to be dropped off at certain attractions. Note that some trains are cash-only.
Gimpo International Airport (GMP)
Flights from Australia to Seoul, landing at Gimpo International Airport (GMP), can make their way into the city using a bus, taxi or subway. There are three bus options: Intercity, Intra-City and Airport Shuttle. The subway station for lines 5 and 9, plus the Airport Railroad Line, is located near the terminal for domestic flights. The bus journey from the airport into the city takes between 15 and 20 minutes. GMP is located 15 kilometres from Seoul.
What to do in Seoul
Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace
Watch the changing of the guard at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the former residence of rulers from the Joseon dynasty. Visitors wanting a happysnap to show friends and family back home can also don a traditional gatekeeper’s uniform (it’s free!). Make sure to explore the nearby Bukchon Hanok Village after spending time at the Palace.
Take in the view from Mount Namsan
Gain a birds-eye perspective over Seoul from atop Mount Namsan. Visitors can walk to the top of this peak, or those that prefer a more leisurely ascent can hop aboard a cable car. You can go even higher by heading to the observatory deck of the N Seoul Tower.
Go to the Trickeye Museum
Have a fun, if not slightly quirky, day out at Trickeye Museum. This is not your regular museum and rather, this gallery uses AR (Augmented Reality) effects and illusions to thrill its visitors. There is a app you can download onto your smartphone to help make the museum’s paintings and interactive installations come to life.
Walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream
The paths flanking Cheonggyecheon Stream come in at almost 11 kilometres long, and on warm Seoul days many locals flock to stream to dip their feet into the cool water. Stroll along the stream, either breaking the path into sections or tackling it all at once, and make detours to the attractions that are nearby.
