Seoul is situated in the north-west of South Korea and is home to about half of the entire nation's population. This huge metropolis fuses neon lights with ancient traditions, and contains everything from exquisite parks and Buddhist temples to glamorous fashion districts and lively karaoke bars. Seoul city breaks really are unlike any others.
The fantastic Incheon International Airport is your gateway to Seoul, with regular flight options including from London and Manchester. No visa is needed for UK citizens visiting for under 90 days, while the time in the country is nine hours ahead of GMT. The national currency is the South Korean won and the official language is Korean. Seoul is an outward-looking, cosmopolitan city and English is increasingly taught in schools, so you’ll find you can get by without any knowledge of Korean when shopping and ordering in restaurants.
The weather isn’t very extreme in Seoul, with fairly mild winters and warm summers where temperatures sometimes slip into the 30s. For many travellers, spring and autumn are great options for Seoul package holidays, allowing them to beat the crowds and walk around in more comfort. Music, art and other cultural festivals take place throughout the year, including the Yeouido Spring Flower Festival in mid-April, when the city erupts with cherry blossoms, and the Seoul Christmas Festival in December. Yet Seoul flight and hotel deals really can be enjoyed at any time of year depending on your mood and preferred climate.
In a city so vast and culturally exciting, you'll find no end of things to discover:
The range of landmarks old and new will dazzle you on Seoul city breaks:
The range of gastronomic delights in Seoul is huge, and you could easily devote an entire Seoul weekend or longer just touring around some of the city's many fantastic restaurants. A popular meal format is barbecued meat cooked right in front of you on the table, served with a side of spicy pickled vegetable kimchi. Rich haejangguk stew is also delicious, as are the many varieties of stir fry. The elegant Gangnam District, notable for its mention in a world-famous K-pop song, is a great place to find high-end restaurants for an extra-special dining experience.
During Seoul package holidays, casual dining is a real treat too - stop at one of the many street stalls you come across when walking around the city. Small barbecue restaurants can be great and cost-efficient options when you want a bite to eat late at night, while the larger shopping centres all have food courts with many tasty options for the hungry traveller. If you just want somewhere to relax with a book for an hour or two, head to one of the many coffee shops that South Koreans love so much and try the uniquely-crafted brews on offer.
There's a seemingly endless amount of cool items you can bring back from the city, whether for loved ones or just as something to remind yourself of a brilliant Seoul weekend visit. Traditional gifts include Korean tea or a bottle of soju, which is a spirit much loved in the country. Kids and kids at heart will love the cute items you’ll find in the shops and markets all over Seoul, from animal-themed phone cases to beanie hats and colourful stationary.
Another brilliant option is to take advantage of the cheap prices on electronics, such as MP3 players or gaming devices from established brands. With your Seoul flight and hotel sorted, you can start making a wish list of all the goodies you’ll bring back from your South Korean adventure.
If a city break in Seoul doesn't quite convince you, why not explore other exciting cities? Check out our amazing flight and hotel packages for your next holiday adventure!