Holiday in Seoul
City in South Korea — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇰🇷
Country
South Korea
Type
City
Best time to travel
March–May (cherry blossom), September–November (autumn foliage)
Budget/day
70–120 €
Getting there from Germany
Direct flights from Frankfurt to Incheon (ICN) in 10.5 hours. Airport Express AREX takes you to the city in 43 minutes.
Deals for Seoul:
What makes Seoul special as a destination?
Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a fascinating metropolis that combines 600-year-old palaces and ultra-modern technology, K-Pop glamour and the tranquility of Buddhist temples into a unique urban experience. The 10-million city pulses around the clock and sets global trends in technology, fashion, music, and gastronomy. The five grand Joseon palaces shape the cityscape: Gyeongbokgung with its daily changing of the guard in historical costumes, Changdeokgung with its Secret Garden (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the picturesque Deoksugung. The Bukchon Hanok Village with its hundreds of traditional Hanok houses between the palaces uniquely blends tradition and modernity. The N Seoul Tower on Namsan offers panoramic views over the endless city. Korea's culinary culture is a revelation: Korean BBQ, where you grill meat at your own table, Bibimbap, Tteokbokki, and of course Kimchi in countless variations are part of everyday life. The street food markets Gwangjang and Namdaemun offer culinary adventures. Gangnam represents modern, affluent Seoul with shopping and K-Pop cultural sites, while Hongdae hosts the creative indie scene with live music and street art. Spring (cherry blossom) and autumn (foliage) are the most beautiful seasons.
What are the top highlights in Seoul?
The top highlights in Seoul include Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Myeongdong & Namdaemun, N Seoul Tower (Namsan), Hongdae.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
The largest of the five royal palaces in Seoul with the changing of the guard, the Gyeonghöru Pavilion, and the National Museum – best experienced in a Hanbok (traditional attire, free entry!).
Bukchon Hanok Village
An entire neighborhood of traditional Korean wooden houses (Hanok), nestled between two palaces – like a time travel in the middle of the metropolis.
Myeongdong & Namdaemun
Seoul's shopping epicenter: K-Beauty, street food, and the largest department store in Asia. In the evening, the streets transform into a huge night market.
N Seoul Tower (Namsan)
The observation deck on Namsan Mountain offers a 360° view over the entire city – the love locks on the terrace are legendary.
Hongdae
The university and creative district is the heart of youth culture in Seoul: indie music, street art, noraebang (karaoke), and clubs until dawn.
Hotels in Seoul
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Reise-SIM für Seoul
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Seoul?
The best time to visit Seoul is March–May (cherry blossom), September–November (autumn foliage). Hot and humid, 28–35 °C, monsoon rains in July/August, then sunny In winter: Cold and dry, -10 to 3 °C, clear skies, occasional snow – ideal for hot springs
Recommended travel time
March–May (cherry blossom), September–November (autumn foliage)
Summer
Hot and humid, 28–35 °C, monsoon rains in July/August, then sunny
Winter
Cold and dry, -10 to 3 °C, clear skies, occasional snow – ideal for hot springs
How much does a holiday in Seoul cost?
Budget travellers: 35–55 €/day, mid-range: 70–120 €/day, luxury: 200–400 €/day.
Average costs per person per day
Budget
35–55 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
70–120 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
200–400 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
How do I get from Germany to Seoul?
Direct flights from Frankfurt to Incheon (ICN) in 10.5 hours. Airport Express AREX takes you to the city in 43 minutes.
Book a package holiday to Seoul
Compare thousands of package holidays to Seoul and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there for Seoul?
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Buy a T-Money card at the airport – it works on all subways, buses, and even in convenience stores.
Many palaces offer free entry if you wear a Hanbok – rental shops are available from 10,000 Won (€7) around Insadong.
The best Korean BBQ experience is not in tourist areas, but in Mapo-gu around Mangwon Station.
Seoul has free Wi-Fi almost everywhere – in subways, parks, public buildings. Look for 'Seoul WiFi'.
What should you eat in Seoul?
Typical specialities in Seoul: Korean BBQ (Samgyeopsal) — Grilled pork at the table, wrapped in lettuce leaves with garlic, Ssamjang, and Kimchi – a social experience., Bibimbap — Rice with vegetables, egg, and Gochujang (chili paste), served in a hot stone bowl – arguably the most famous Korean dish., Tteokbokki — Rice cakes in spicy red sauce – the most popular street food snack in Korea, found on every corner., Kimchi Jjigae — Hearty kimchi stew with tofu and pork – the ultimate comfort food for cold days., Bingsu — Finely shaved ice with milk, beans, fruits, and mochi – Korea's answer to ice cream, especially a must in summer..
These specialties you must try!
