Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Inspire me!
Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Inspire me!
Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
- Home
- Destinations South Korea
Flights to South Korea: Where to go and must-see sights
Are you thinking about a holiday to South Korea? Get ready for an epic adventure in Asia's most dynamic destination. From futuristic cities and ancient palaces to stunning mountains and beach escapes, South Korea has it all. Start in Seoul, where high-tech skyscrapers meet centuries-old palaces like Gyeongbokgung. Explore the neon-lit streets of Myeongdong, the trendy Hongdae or sip traditional tea in Insadong. Hike the breathtaking trails of Seoraksan National Park or relax on Jeju Island's volcanic beaches.
If you are ready to discover the beauty of South Korea, take advantage of the deals on flights to South Korea.
South Korea at a glance
Flight duration (from London): 12 hours 35 minutes
Main airport: Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Population: 51.6 million
Language: Korean
Currency: South Korean won
Time zone: Korean Standard Time (GMT+9)
Getting to South Korea from the UK
Get ready for an exciting journey to one of Asia's most vibrant destinations with South Korean flights from the UK. Catch a flight from London Heathrow to Seoul with airlines like Korean Air, Asiana Airlines and British Airways. The flight takes about 12 hours, so bring snacks and a good playlist. For budget travellers, indirect flights with airlines like Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines or Finnair can save you some cash.
You'll land at Incheon International Airport (ICN), which is 30 miles from central Seoul. Getting into the city is easy. Just hop on the Airport Railroad Express (AREX) for about 40 minutes, take a limousine bus or grab a taxi. Once you reach Seoul, the efficient subway system makes getting around easy.
When is the best time to visit South Korea?
Are you wondering when to visit South Korea? The good news is, there's no bad time. Each season has its own unique charm. Spring is the cherry blossom season with pleasant temperatures and festivals like the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival. It's the perfect time to stroll through Seoul's palaces, hike in Seoraksan National Park or enjoy a picnic by the Han River.
Autumn is all about crisp air, golden ginkgo trees and fiery red maple leaves. The weather is ideal for hiking adventures and exploring Jeju Island. You can get deals on flights and hotels for South Korean travel. The peak season in South Korea is summer, with high temperatures and monsoon rains, which are common in July.
South Korea gets cold, but if you love snow, skiing and festive vibes, winter is amazing. Head to Pyeongchang for skiing, sip hot Korean street food and enjoy the magical Seoul Christmas lights.
The best holiday destinations in South Korea
Seoul
Seoul is the heart and soul of South Korea. This dynamic city blends ancient traditions with futuristic vibes. Discover the Gyeongbokgung Palace, watch the changing of the guard and then hop over to Bukchon Hanok Village. If you love shopping, dive into the neon-lit streets of Myeongdong or explore the stylish boutiques in Hongdae and Gangnam. You can also party at Itaewon's rooftop bars or sing your heart out in Korean karaoke. If you're a nature lover, hike up Namsan Mountain to N Seoul Tower for city views.
Busan
Busan is where city life meets beach paradise. This coastal city has a laid-back vibe and stunning ocean views. Start your adventure at Haeundae Beach, where you can stroll the Dongbaek Island trail. For breathtaking views, hike up to Haedong Yonggungsa, a temple perched on a cliff. To experience Korean culture, explore the streets of Gamcheon Culture Village. Busan is also famous for fresh seafood, so head to Jagalchi Fish Market for sashimi straight from the ocean.
Gyeongju-si
Visiting Gyeongju-si is like stepping into a time machine to Korea's ancient past. This city is packed with historic treasures, stunning temples and beautiful landscapes. Discover Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece surrounded by serene gardens. You can hike up to the Seokguram Grotto, home to a breathtaking stone Buddha with a view over the East Sea. History buffs will love wandering through Tumuli Park, where you'll find ancient Silla dynasty tombs shaped like grassy hills. And don't leave without trying Gyeongju's famous Hwangnam bread, a sweet red bean pastry.
Jeju-do
Jeju-do is South Korea's ultimate island paradise. With volcanic landscapes, dreamy beaches and jaw-dropping waterfalls, Jeju-do is an exciting place for adventure seekers to visit. Start with a hike up Hallasan, South Korea's highest mountain. Make sure to explore the Manjanggul Lava Tube, one of the world's longest lava caves. For beach lovers, Hyeopjae and Jungmun Beaches are perfect for swimming and surfing.
Fun things to do in South Korea
Here are some fun things to do in South Korea:
Step back in time to Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul or Jeonju Hanok Village.
Dive into the flavours of South Korea at Gwangjang or Myeongdong Night Market.
Relax in a Korean jjimjilbang, a traditional bathhouse with hot baths, saunas and heated rooms.
Visit a strawberry farm and pick sweet, juicy Korean strawberries.
FAQs about South Korea holidays
Q: How many days in South Korea is enough?
A: Seven to ten days is perfect for a fun holiday in South Korea. Spend three to four days in Seoul exploring palaces, shopping and enjoying K-pop culture. Then, take two days in Busan for beaches and fresh seafood, followed by a day in Gyeongju for history. If you have extra time, Jeju Island or the DMZ are great add-ons.
Q: How much does a South Korea trip cost?
A: A week-long trip to South Korea can cost anywhere from £600 to £2,000 or more per person, depending on your travel style. If you're a budget traveller, you can spend around £50 to £80 per day, staying in hostels or guesthouses and eating at street food stalls. Mid-range travellers should budget £100 to £150 per day for hotels, restaurants and attractions. Luxury travellers can expect £200+ per day for 5-star hotels, fine dining and private tours.
Q: Is it safe to go to South Korea right now?
A: Yes, South Korea is generally safe for travellers. However, recent political events and subsequent protests have led to increased demonstrations, especially in Seoul. While daily life continues as usual, it's advisable to stay informed, avoid large gatherings and follow local authorities' guidance.
- Packing list for every type of breakPacking list for a city breakPacking list for a beach holidayPacking list for a winter holidayPacking list for a hiking trip
We value your privacy
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalised content, and analyse our traffic. By clicking "Accept All" you accept this and consent that we share this information with third parties and that your data may be processed in the USA. For more information, please read our .
You can adjust your preferences at any time. If you deny, we will use only the essential cookies and unfortunately, you will not receive any personalised content. To deny, .