Seoul is the mesmerising capital of South Korea and home to over 11 million people. It is one of the most modern and technologically advanced cities in the world and has an endless array of beautiful parks, palaces, museums, restaurants and markets. Surrounded by the stunning mountainous scenery, there are opportunities to reconnect with nature when all that sightseeing, shopping and eating gets a little too much. Book a flight to Seoul and explore this magnetic Asian metropolis for yourself.
City breaks to Seoul begin at Incheon International Airport, South Korea's primary transit hub for all fights. The best way of reaching the city is via the AREX airport express – you can connect to the metro system at several interchange stops. The local currency in South Korea is the Korean Won and the country is 9 hours ahead of the UK (GMT+9).
The prime periods for package holidays in Seoul are between March and May as well as between September and November. During these times the weather is mild and temperate and the city isn't too crowded. Winter is the off season for a weekend in Seoul and if you can brace the plummeting temperatures, which hover around the freezing mark, then you'll be rewarded with the opportunity of seeing the city without the normal influx of visitors with a flight from Dublin to Seoul.
Seoul is bursting with activities to enjoy 24/7, with many of the most popular malls and markets staying open until midnight. There are numerous amusement parks located near the city including Lotte World, Everland and Seoul Land – ideal for families. For some more adult fun, Seoul Racetrack has weekly races and the Seven Luck Casino as two locations in town where you can try your luck on the roulette wheel. Saunas and public baths are popular in South Korea and a few Seoul favourites to visit when you book a flight from Cork to Seoul are the Dragon Hill Spa and the wellness facility affiliated with the Grand Hyatt Hotel. Namdaemunis is a popular, centrally located market, complete with food vendors where you can stop for a bite to eat mid-shop.
As the former seat of South Korean royalty, there are palaces aplenty to see on package holidays in Seoul. Gyeongbok-gung is an impressive Joseon Dynasty structure which also houses the Korean Folk Museum. Changdeok-gung is the second most important royal structure and was built in 1405. The most impressive building of the palace is the blue-roofed Seonjeongjeon. There are no less than eight parks in Seoul which all exude their own character and charm. A couple that you shouldn't miss on city breaks in Seoul are the Yangjae Citizen's Forest and Namsan Park. Temples and shrines are also abundant across the city. Exploring some of them will give you a unique insight into Korean culture. A few of the most popular local shrines are:
When you book a flight and hotel in Seoul, you simply cannot return without sampling Korea's national dish, kimchi. Kimchi is a legendary form of fermented vegetables flavoured with a range of spices. In addition to being delicious, the dish also holds a high cultural value in South Korea. Bibimbap is a mixed rice dish often served with beef and flavoured with soy and chilli for a delicious one-pot meal. Tuck into a marinated beef BBQ, known as Bulgogi, and don't forget to sample the spicy rice cakes and Hoeddeok (sweet syrupy pancakes).
Traditional gifts and trinkets are a fantastic way to remember your trip when you book a flight and hotel in Seoul. Korean cosmetics are much admired around the world and are the perfect practical gift for yourself or your friends. Myeongdong is a great place to pick them up. Traditional tea can be purchased incredibly cheaply from many markets and shops and can be bought in many delicious flavours including citrus flower and plum fruit.