Seoul is one of the world's most vibrant and culturally significant cities. It is a modern city that has not forgotten its traditional roots. The dynamic city combines its modern, fresh architecture with classic temples and palaces to create one of the most unique cityscapes in the world. Here, we will show why you need to take a trip to Seoul, as well as the best places to eat and the most affordable flights to one of South Korea's greatest cities.
Seoul's origins date back to 1394, when King Taejo decided to settle his government in the valley of Hanyang. He then erected Gyeongbokgung, the Palace of Shining Happiness, at the bank of Bukaksan. That being said, the roots of Seoul stretch back even further than this, providing a strong historical foundation to the economic and cultural powerhouse South Korea's capital has become today.
In recent years, Seoul has made itself as one of the world's leading new cities. However, after the 'Korean-Wave' and the advance of Kpop popularity across the world, tourism to South Korea has boomed! The recent cultural exports from South Korea caused over ten million visitors to flock to Seoul in 2014, making Seoul the ninth most visited city in the world!
Seoul really is worth visiting, its combination of tradition and progression make it one of the most exciting cities to visit in our time.
Airlines flying to Seoul
Seoul is a very popular tourist destination, so most of the major airlines have frequent routes to Seoul from Australia.-
- Chinese Southern Airlines
- Qantas Airlines
- Malaysia Airlines
- Singapore Airlines
If you're looking for cheap flights to Seoul, the best month to fly is October, when the average return flight is around the $900 dollar range if you fly with Singapore Airlines. Taking a cheap flight to Seoul will allow you to spend more on the amazing food and culture on offer in South Korea.
Getting to and from the airport
The fastest and easiest way to arrive at and leave Seoul Airport is via the Airport Railroad Express (ARREX) Service. The trains depart every 5-10 minutes and it takes around forty minutes to reach the city. Not only is it the easiest and fastest way to reach Seoul from the Airport, it is also the cheapest way.
Getting to Seoul
Like most major cities around the world, Seoul has its own public transport card that will give users discounts when using public transport. Seoul's T-Money card is not an exception, giving users discounts on trains, busses, and even some taxis! This makes it incredibly easy to navigate around Seoul - simply pick up a T-Money card and you can use any convenient forms of public transportation that is nearby.
What to do in Seoul
As covered earlier, Seoul is a city that has combined its traditional and historical elements with its new and progressive ideas. Consequently, there is a huge array of different sites to see in Seoul. If you want to take in some of Seoul's historic past, you can visit one of its many UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as.-
- Hwaseong Fortress
- Changdeok Palace
- Jongmyo Shrine
- Namhansanseong
Another experience in Seoul is the Bukchon Hanok Village. This village, meaning North Village, is home to some of the most beautiful, traditional Korean homes. While the village is a busy tourist area, it is still worth visiting due to its traditional architecture and beautiful buildings.
If you're more interested in the new and modern, you can visit one of the several modern architectural marvels in Seoul, such as.-
- The Lotte World Tower
- The 63 Building
- The Dongdaemun Design Plaza
- Trade Tower
- Lotte World
- COEX
- The IFC Seoul
The N Seoul tower is a particularly popular tourist destination. The gigantic tower gives amazing panoramic views of Seoul, allowing you truly take in the breathtaking sights of Seoul. The tower has become a romantic destination, with railings covered in padlocks with lovers' names. In addition to an observation deck, there are also cable cars that run frequently to the tower.
In addition to amazing architecture, Seoul is also home to 115 museums, so you will have more than enough history and culture to absorb in Seoul.
What to eat in Seoul
As with any modern and vibrant city, Seoul has a fantastic and diverse range of places to eat and drink. One of the more necessary food journeys to make when you're in Seoul is to the Gwangjang Market. This food market is home to over 200 different food vendors. This wide variety allows you to take in all the sights and smells of Korean food, tasting all of the authentic dishes in a fantastic atmosphere.
If you're looking for a fancier night out, you should consider Ryunique. This restaurant brings a fusion of Korean, European, and Japanese dishes to a fine dining atmosphere. The restaurant is often described as adventurous and Ryunique always delivers an amazing experience!