Best: April–May (cherry blossoms) or September–October (autumn foliage). Fly into ICN (45 min to Seoul by AREX train). Get a T-money card. Most travelers spend 4–6 days.
At a Glance
| Country | South Korea |
|---|---|
| Main airport | ICN |
| Currency | Korean Won (KRW) |
| Language | Korean (limited English) |
| Best time to visit | April–May (spring), September–October (autumn) |
| Visa for US citizens | US citizens get a 90-day visa-free stay but need K-ETA (online, ~$10). |
Top Things to Do in Seoul
- Gyeongbokgung Palace (free hanbok rental nearby)
- Bukchon Hanok Village
- Insadong traditional crafts street
- N Seoul Tower (cable car up Namsan)
- Myeongdong shopping + street food
- Hongdae youth district nightlife
- DMZ tour (book ahead)
- Jjimjilbang (Korean bathhouse) experience
- Han River bike rental + chicken+beer picnic
- Day trip to Suwon Hwaseong Fortress
Best Neighborhoods to Stay In
- Myeongdong — main shopping, hotels
- Hongdae — university youth, nightlife
- Gangnam — upscale, K-pop
- Itaewon — international, foreigner-friendly
- Bukchon — traditional hanok houses
- Jongno — palaces, historic core
Our recommendation: Myeongdong (central, walkable), Hongdae (young), Gangnam (upscale), Itaewon (foreigner-friendly).
What to Eat
- Korean BBQ (galbi, samgyeopsal)
- Bibimbap
- Kimchi (everywhere)
- Korean fried chicken + beer (chimaek)
- Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes)
- Bingsu (shaved ice dessert)
- Soju and makgeolli (rice wine)
- Convenience store ramyeon
How to Get Around
Seoul Metro is world-class — 23 lines, clean, AC, English signage. Buses cover the rest. Kakao Taxi (Korean Uber) for door-to-door. AREX train from ICN airport.
How to Get There from the USA
The main airport is ICN. Direct US flights are available from major gateways including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and others depending on the season.
👉 See our Los Angeles flight page or Los Angeles To Seoul route page for typical pricing.
👉 Call +1 (833) 546-3547 for live agent quotes and bundle with hotels.
Visa & Entry Requirements (US Citizens)
US citizens get a 90-day visa-free stay but need K-ETA (online, ~$10).
Always verify current requirements at the U.S. State Department travel advisory page before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time of year to visit Seoul?
April–May (spring), September–October (autumn).
Do US citizens need a visa for South Korea?
US citizens get a 90-day visa-free stay but need K-ETA (online, ~$10).
Where should I stay in Seoul?
Myeongdong (central, walkable), Hongdae (young), Gangnam (upscale), Itaewon (foreigner-friendly).
How do I book cheap flights to Seoul?
Call +1 (833) 546-3547 24/7. Our US-based agents quote live fares to ICN including unpublished consolidator rates not on public OTAs.
Can you bundle the flight with a hotel?
Yes — we are a full-service travel agency. View our hotel booking page.