Seoul is a city of contrasts, where ancient palaces meet futuristic skylines and mountain trails flow into buzzing city streets. And right now, the city is in full swing – a creative capital shaping global trends in K-pop, K-drama, art and fashion while staying true to tradition.
And getting there just got easier with direct, daily Virgin Atlantic flights between London and Seoul. Geonbae to that.
Start your South Korea holiday right
Book your holiday to Seoul and enjoy complimentary access to the No1 Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 3.
Better still, we’ll add your lounge access automatically to eligible bookings. No forms, no fuss – just more time to settle into holiday mode.
Valid for travel between 18 Aug '26 – 30 Jun '27. Book by 30 Sep '26.
Andaz Seoul Gangnam, by Hyatt
Seoul, Korea Republic of
Le Meridien Seoul, Myeongdong
Seoul, Korea Republic of
RYSE, Autograph Collection Seoul by Marriott
Seoul, Korea Republic of
Best Western Premier Gangnam
Seoul, Korea Republic of
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
Seoul, Korea Republic of
The Westin Josun Seoul
Seoul, Korea Republic of
Grand Hyatt Incheon
Seoul, Korea Republic of
JW Marriott Hotel Seoul
Seoul, Korea Republic of
Lotte Hotel Seoul
Seoul, Korea Republic of
We fly direct from London Heathrow to Incheon International Airport
11-12 hour flight time.
Please note: when flying with Virgin Atlantic, your outbound flight from London to Seoul will travel overnight, arriving in Seoul the following day.
Discover our most-loved holidays to Seoul
Step back in time at Gyeongbokgung Palace, find calm at Jogyesa Temple, or wander Bukchon Hanok Village. Shop sleek at Lotte World Tower, hike Bukhansan’s fortress walls, or picnic by the Han River. And don’t miss Seoul’s spicy, soulful cuisine – from market bites to Gangnam fine dining.
Seoul hits different - here's a taste of why
Sightseeing & culture
Food & drink
Pop culture & shopping
Events & festivals
Outdoors & adventure
Gyeongbokgung & Deoksugung
Step into Seoul’s royal past at the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace, or time your visit to Deoksugung to witness the colourful changing of the guard ceremony.
Seoul's living heritage
Wander through peaceful lanes lined with wooden hanok homes, where traditional craft studios and teahouses reveal authentic Korean artistry.
A Moment of Calm
At Jogyesa, warm lantern light and quiet rituals create a calm retreat in the centre of the city, watched over by its serene Buddha statues.
Sky-High Seoul
Rise to the top of Korea’s tallest building for far-reaching views, indulgent dining, and the glass-floored Sky Deck. It's a dazzling way to take in the city from above.
Above it all
Rise above the city at N Seoul Tower, where the city spreads out in every direction. Go at golden hour for glowing rooftops and mountain silhouettes.
Culture Meets Futurism
This Zaha Hadid landmark is home to design exhibitions, fashion events, and nighttime light displays that transform the space after dark.
Gwangjang & Myeongdong Markets
Taste Seoul at its most irresistible. Chewy tteokbokki, crisp mung bean pancakes, and hotteok oozing with molten sugar.
Korean cuisine with modern edge
Discover why Seoul is Asia’s rising culinary star, from Michelin-starred tasting menus to contemporary twists on hanjeongsik.
Slow Sips in Bukchon & Insadong
Find tranquillity in fragrant brews and handmade sweets served in Seoul’s most charming tea rooms.
After-Dark Flavours
Enjoy traditional bites at Namdaemun and Mangwon Market, where the grills sizzle long after sunset.
Where the Stories Begin
Visit iconic filming locations or explore entertainment districts where Seoul’s creative energy never switches off.
Live Music & Indie Spirit
Street performers, cool cafés, and art markets give Hongdae its magnetic, youthful buzz.
Seoul at its slickest
From luxury boutiques to trend-setting beauty houses, Gangnam showcases Seoul’s polished, fashion-forward side.
Handmade treasures to high-rise retail
Lose yourself in sprawling shopping hubs like COEX Mall, or browse artisanal goods at Tongin and Insadong’s boutique stalls.
Seoul in Bloom (March–April)
Talk about an idyllic stroll. Picture-perfect blushing canopies can be found across the country.
Rhythm in the city (May)
Enjoy percussion performances from Korean and international artists, held in parks and outdoor venues across the city. Vibrant, high-energy, and very Seoul.
Riverside Glow (November)
The Cheonggyecheon Stream lights up with vivid lanterns depicting folklore, art, and stories of the city.
Seasonal Sparkle (Dec–Jan)
Festive lights along Cheonggyecheon Stream, markets in neighbourhood squares, and ice rinks by City Hall. Seoul feels bright, atmospheric, and full of winter charm.
Bukhansan National Park
Climb tree-lined trails to panoramic city views, or trek ancient fortress walls that wrap around the mountains.
Skyline Walks
Gentle paths lead to the N Seoul Tower terraces, where sweeping views meet railings dotted with colourful lovelocks left by visitors.
Pedal, Paddle, Picnic
Cycle the riverbanks, rent a paddleboard, or join locals picnicking at Yeouido’s riverside parks.
An Urban Oasis
Set along the Han River, this spacious riverside park is perfect for a relaxing afternoon. It's ideal for picnics, cycling, and enjoying Seoul’s skyline views.
A suggested Seoul itinerary
This stay blends culture, wellness and style in equal measure. Join a local running crew along the Han River, hike forest trails with temple views, or slip into a hidden tea house that feels like your secret.
Start your story
From Gangnam’s polished confidence to Bukchon’s gentle cultural calm, we’ve pulled together the areas that make Seoul feel both endlessly exciting and instantly familiar.
Seoul is a city that shines all year round. Spring and autumn are the most popular, with cherry blossoms or golden leaves setting the scene for sightseeing. Summer brings vibrant festivals and rooftop nightlife, while winter means crisp days ideal for markets and palace tours. Whenever you travel, Seoul serves up something unforgettable.
If you’re travelling on a British Citizen passport, you can visit South Korea for up to 90 days without a visa. All you need is a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation), which you apply for online before your trip. It’s quick, easy, and your gateway to exploring Seoul.
Find out more about Travel Visas here »
Seoul is a city where tradition meets cutting-edge modern life. Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village for a taste of history, shop till you drop in Myeongdong, and dive into K-culture in Gangnam or Hongdae. Don’t miss the futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza and the tranquil Cheonggyecheon Stream, a perfect mix of old and new.
Seoul is one of Asia’s most dynamic capitals, blending futuristic skyscrapers with centuries-old palaces. The city is safe, efficient, and incredibly well-connected by public transport. Locals are friendly, tipping isn’t expected, and contactless payment is the norm. Pack comfortable shoes - you’ll want to explore every corner.
Incheon International Airport is about one hour from downtown Seoul. The AREX express train is the fastest option, while airport buses and taxis are convenient for direct transfers.
The official language is Korean, but English is widely used in hotels, shops, and major attractions. Transport signs are usually bilingual, and translation apps make it easy to get around. Learning a few Korean phrases is always appreciated (and adds to the experience).
South Korea is warm and welcoming, but a little cultural know-how goes a long way. A few tips to keep in mind:
A light bow is a polite greeting, and when giving or receiving something (like change or a gift), it’s respectful to use both hands.
Modest dress is appreciated, especially in temples or formal settings. Avoid low-cut tops or overly revealing outfits.
Public bins are rare, so carry a small bag for your rubbish until you find a disposal point.
Smoking is banned on many streets, with fines in place. Always look for designated smoking areas.
Our seats have been designed to help you fly in comfort, no matter what cabin you're in. See how our Upper Class, Premium and Economy seats measure up.
Browse 1,000+ hours of content made up of the hottest Hollywood films, latest chart toppers, and a selection of hidden gems. Enjoy with complimentary drinks and snacks, and a choice of tasty meal options.
We offer lots of little extras to help you start your holiday in style. From premium airport lounge options, to meet-and-greet parking and Duty Free pre-orders, we're here to deliver a truly personal flying experience. Extra charges may apply.
