Cheap Flights to Seoul from $456

About Seoul

Seoul, an alpha world city, is the capital of South Korea. Also, known as Seoul Special City is the 4^th largest metropolitan economy in the world. It is the most populous city in the state with 9,962,000 as per the 2019 census. Arcadis in 2015 rated Seoul to be 2^nd highest livable city in Asia. Being an economic hub, Seoul is known for its fast life, the standard of living and quality city life.

Home of major technology hubs, Seoul is home to 15 Fortune Global 500 companies like Samsung, LG, and Hyundai to name a few. Being ranked seventh in Global Power City Index and Global Financial Centres Index the place is one of the hosts of global conferences. Not leaving the sports behind, Seoul has hosted the 1986 Asian Games, 1988 Summer Olympics, and the 2002 FIFA World cup.

The settlement of Seoul began around 4000 BC on the Han River area. The city has grown leaps and bounds from the time when it was surrounded by a circular stone wall built to protect them from wild animals. After being in isolation for long, Seoul opened its doors to foreigners. Much of the development was due to trade relations with France and the United States. Though Seoul was damaged during the Korean war, over the years it has grown with time becoming one of the cleanest, highest and interesting cities.

Today, Seoul is a major economic hub, educational hub and a place where your career can take you places. The place has a piece for everyone. If you are looking for personal growth in career or academics you are spoilt with choices. If you are a tourist interested in remnant past, the place has hidden riches from centuries to explore. Just feel like taking a stroll, then there are numerous parks. For adventure lovers, you have enough sports to keep you going. Seoul received a record high of 3.03 million foreign tourists in the first quarter of 2019 with revenue generation of 222.79 billion USD.

Tip: Seoul is a safe city to explore. Crime rates are lower than in US cities. 

Getting to Seoul

Seoul Incheon International Airport located to the west of Incheon city is the largest airport in South Korea. It is 30 miles from Seoul. Along with international air traffic, the airport also handles cargo traffic in East Asia. The Incheon airport is the 8^th busiest airport in Asia for its international traffic. Being an economic hub there are many direct flights to Seoul from various global metros. Asian Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Korean Air, Air France, Lufthansa, and British Airways offer flights to Seoul. There are one-stop flights by China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines with stops at Beijing or Shanghai or Shenyang. 

Tip: Avail T-money card at the Incheon airport. You can use the card in the subway system as well as on buses.

Things to do in Seoul

Seoul has many places to feast your eyes. With modern skyscrapers, bustling markets, places with historical significance and pop culture, the city has enough to fill your vacation platter. Below are a few of the major attractions which you should visit when you are in Seoul.

Historical Places

Gyeongbokgung Palace is the royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty situated in northern Seoul. A perfect study of Korean architecture is located on an artificial island of a lake. 

Bukchon Hanok Village is perfect to experience Korean culture. The village has preserved a 600-year-old urban settlement taking you to the Joseon Dynasty tradition. Situated north of Cheonggye Stream, the village is abode to the Bukhchon traditional cultural center and has houses with Korean style architecture.

Bongeunsa Temple

The temple complex offers a temple stay program allowing the tourists to know the Buddhist customs, take part in intellectual discussions with monks and participate in the tea ceremony. The temple is known for its Jeongdaebulsa, held in September every year. The monks recite Beopseongge from inscribed scriptures.

Tip: In a free walking tour in Hanok village you get to collect stamps in every destination and a key chain in the end.

Food

The Bibimbap is a must-taste. It is warm white rice with a variety of sautéed and seasoned vegetables. You can order for sliced meat, typically beef added to it. Perfectly grilled with your order of veggies and meats will leave you lip-smacking. 

Bingsu a popular ice dessert with sweet red beans. It has existed since the Joseon dynasty. There are bingsu shops everywhere catering to modern versions of it. 

Chimaek which is Korean Fried Chicken with beer is crunchier in taste with not so greasy skin.
Tip: Dongdaemun grilled fish street and pre-dinner street food are must to be explored.

Markets

The best way to explore a place is from a market. You can experience the local Korean lifestyle, mingle with friendly locals, browse a wide range of goods and pick souvenirs.

Namdaemun Market, Dongdaemun Market, Gwangjang market open up Korean life for you. Food stalls and restaurants are offering authentic Korean dishes. Dongdaemun market is known for its Korean street food, festivities, music, and dance performances. Namdaemun is the night market from 11 pm to 4 am every day with handicrafts for sale at wholesale prices.

Tip: You can buy leather goods, shoes, toys and electronics at wholesale rates at the Dongdaemun market.

Adventure activities 

Apart from pop culture and mouthwatering cuisine, there is enough to try in the adventure too. Bungee jumping, Zipline to Nami island, climbing up Mount Bukhasan and more will let you take a peek to the scenic beauty of Seoul. You can try a couple of trail rides, paragliding and theme ride at Everland. 

Tip: Avail shuttle bus from various locations in Seoul. Pick-up locations will be mentioned when you book for the activity.

Landmarks

N Seoul Tower is a point to gaze wherein you enjoy the night time cityscape onto the Hongkong river. The tower gives you a 360-degree view from the top.

G Tower opens the world below of surrounding Songdo city and Central Park from the 33^rd floor which is open to the public.

Lotte World Tower & Mall has cafes, restaurants, galleries and a concert hall. Along with these, you have an observation deck, skywalk, and a luxury hotel.

Tip: You can avail the Seoul city tour bus to hop between interesting spots in Seoul.

While planning a vacation to Seoul, make Trip.com your travel buddy. The website has details with wide options for cheap flights to Seoul and hotel reservations. Take advantage of the easy booking process with secure payment gateways. Trip.com values its customers so that you can have a memorable vacation.