Seoul is a city of contrasts that somehow work perfectly together. Traditional hanok villages sit in the shadow of gleaming skyscrapers. Buddhist temples share streets with neon-lit nightclubs. And the food ranges from $2 street snacks to Michelin-starred temples of gastronomy. For travelers, Seoul offers incredible value. Street food is cheap and amazing, the Metro covers everywhere, and even nice hotels cost less than comparable Western cities. Flight deals to Seoul appear regularly, especially on Korean Air sales. Set those alerts and prepare for a sensory overload.
Best Time to Fly to Seoul
Peak Season
April brings cherry blossoms and massive crowds. October has stunning fall foliage but is equally busy. Summer (July to August) is hot, humid, and rainy.
Off Season (Best Deals)
November and March offer good value with manageable weather. Winter (December to February) is cold but sees the fewest tourists and lowest prices.
Spring (April to May) brings pleasant 55-70°F with cherry blossoms. Summer (June to August) is hot and humid at 80-90°F with monsoon rains in July. Fall (September to October) is ideal at 55-75°F with gorgeous foliage. Winter (December to February) is cold at 20-40°F but sunny.
💡Book 3-4 months ahead for cherry blossom season. Winter deals can appear just weeks before travel.
Cheapest Months to Fly to Seoul
Cheapest Months
January, February, November
Most Expensive
April, May, October
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Must-Try Foods in Seoul
Korean Fried Chicken
Double-fried for extra crunch and coated in either yangnyeom (sweet-spicy) or ganjang (soy garlic) sauce. Best enjoyed with beer (chimaek) at places like Kyochon or BBQ Chicken. Open late and perfect for post-soju cravings.
$12-20
Korean BBQ
Grill your own meat at the table with banchan (side dishes) and ssamjang. Samgyupsal (pork belly) is the classic choice. Mapo area has legendary spots, but neighborhood joints are just as good. Go with friends for the full experience.
$15-35
Bibimbap at Jeonju
Mixed rice with vegetables, meat, egg, and gochujang (chili paste) in a hot stone bowl. Jeonju-style is the most famous. Mix everything vigorously before eating. The crispy rice at the bottom (nurungji) is the best part.
$8-15
Top Attractions in Seoul
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Seoul's grandest palace offers royal guard ceremonies, stunning architecture, and hanbok rental for that perfect photo. Come early to avoid crowds. The changing of the guard happens at 10am and 2pm. Free entry if wearing hanbok.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Traditional Korean houses line hilly streets between palaces. Best explored early morning before crowds and selfie-seekers descend. The contrast with nearby skyscrapers is pure Seoul. Be respectful; people live here.
Hongdae Nightlife
Seoul's university district is ground zero for nightlife, street performances, shopping, and youth culture. Clubs stay open until dawn, street food vendors line the alleys, and K-indie bands play live. Come after 10pm when it really wakes up.
Daily Costs in Seoul
Seoul is excellent value for a major Asian capital. Street food is cheap and excellent, the Metro is fast and affordable, and even upscale experiences cost less than equivalent Western cities. Accommodation offers good bang for your buck.
Accommodation (per night, pick one)
Budget
$40-70
Mid-Range
$80-150
Airbnb
$60-120
Food (per day)
Street Meal
$4-8
Restaurant
$10-25
Coffee
$4-6
Transport
Local Transport
$1-2/ride
Comfortable Daily Budget
(excluding flights)
$70-120
Getting Around Seoul
From the Airport
AREX express train from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station takes 43 minutes for $9. Regular AREX is $4.50 and takes about an hour. Buses and taxis also available.
Getting Around
Seoul's Metro is one of the world's best: clean, safe, and with English signage everywhere. Get a T-Money card for seamless tap-in/out on trains and buses. Taxis are cheap and safe. Walking is pleasant in most neighborhoods.
Tips
- •Get a T-Money card at convenience stores. Works on all transit and even some shops.
- •Download KakaoMap or Naver Map. Google Maps is less reliable in Korea.
Where to Stay in Seoul
Myeongdong / Jung-gu
Shopping central with K-beauty stores, street food, and easy palace access. Touristy but convenient for first-timers. Namdaemun Market is nearby for traditional shopping. Excellent Metro connections to everywhere.
Hongdae / Itaewon
Hongdae has the young, hip crowd with clubs, bars, and street performances. Itaewon is more international with craft cocktail bars and diverse food. Both offer late-night action; Hongdae is cheaper, Itaewon more cosmopolitan.
Insadong / Bukchon
Traditional Korea lives here: antique shops, tea houses, hanok villages, and palace adjacent neighborhoods. Insadong's main street has tourist shops; the alleys hide authentic gems. Perfect for temple visits and traditional experiences.
Smart Travel Tips for Seoul
FAQs About Flights to Seoul
Seoul is quite affordable. Street food costs $3-8, meals $10-20, and the Metro is just $1-2 per ride. Hotels run $60-100 for nice options. You can travel comfortably on $80-100 per day. Clubbing and shopping add up fast though.
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