Flight Destinations
Flights to South Korea
Places in South Korea
Flights to Africa
Flights to Asia
Flights to Australia
Flights to Caribbean
Flights to Central America
Flights to Europe
Flights to Indian Ocean
Flights to Middle East
Flights to North America
Flights to Pacific Islands
Flights to South America
In stark contrast to its northern neighbour, South Korea has become a flourishing country, an international financial centre and one of the wealthiest countries in Asia. For tourists this means you will find an excellent tourism infrastructure and a destination which openly welcomes foreigners.
There are seven international airports in South Korea, though the largest airport and most common entry point for flights from the UK is to the airport nearest the capital city, Seoul, called Incheon International Airport (airport code: ICN). Flights to South Korea from the UK are available with numerous airlines and visitors can choose from direct flights, or flights with one or two connections.
Direct flights from the UK are with Asiana and Korean Air, so these are the best choice in terms of convenience. However, you may find more affordable flights with another carrier flying indirectly. Examples to choose from include Lufthansa, Emirates, Air China, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, All Nippon Air, Japan Air, Qantas, BMI, KLM, Air France, Virgin Atlantic and more.
The capital and largest city of South Korea is Seoul. With a population of over 10 million people this is a busy and bustling city, but it has a combination of both modern and historical places of interest.
There are a number of beautifully ornate palaces such as Gyeongbok-gung, where you’ll also find the Korean Folk Museum and the Joseon Palace Museum. The palace of Changdeok-gung has been impressively restored, earning it a UNESCO World Heritage Site listing. Other palaces include Geyonghui-gung which originally dates from the 17th century, Changgyeong-gung dating from the 12th century, and the somewhat different Deoksu-gung.
A great many other attractions could keep you busy in Seoul for a week or more. There are many parks, temples, shrines and other sites to see here.
Other Cities
South Korea has a great many other attractive, historic and important cities around the country where you can experience more of the South Korean culture. Examples include Jeonju where you will find many museums, historical monuments and ancient Buddhist temples, and Chuncheon for visitors who prefer a smaller city, surrounded by mountains and rivers.
South Korean Islands
South Korea has a number of islands off the shore of the mainland which are known for their scenic beauty.
Jeju Island is one of South Korea’s most popular tourist destinations with its waterfalls, cliffs, caves and beaches. In addition to the natural scenery there are a number of interesting museums here too. Another island, Ulleungdo also has some great scenery, whilst the island of Somaemuldo has wonderful aquamarine waters surrounding it.
Other Destinations
Seoraksan National Park makes for a memorable visit – the mountains are very popular for hiking, and there are many species of plants and wildlife here too.
For a completely different experience you can visit the DMZ – the Demilitarised Zone which is in the area of the border between North and South Korea. Previously you were able to take a tour into North Korea, but because the situation in North Korea is getting worse, it’s likely that the border will be completely closed, so don’t bank on being able to go across. Still, you can visit a couple of sites on the South Korean side without needing special clearance – this includes the Imjingak, a museum which has an observatory from where you can see the North Korean side, and also the Second and Third Tunnels, which are tunnels that were secretly dug by the North Koreans.
Summer can get unbearably hot and humid, so is not good for sightseeing, but winter can be enjoyable if you like skiing!
There are seven international airports in South Korea, though the largest airport and most common entry point for flights from the UK is to the airport nearest the capital city, Seoul, called Incheon International Airport (airport code: ICN). Flights to South Korea from the UK are available with numerous airlines and visitors can choose from direct flights, or flights with one or two connections.
Direct flights from the UK are with Asiana and Korean Air, so these are the best choice in terms of convenience. However, you may find more affordable flights with another carrier flying indirectly. Examples to choose from include Lufthansa, Emirates, Air China, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, All Nippon Air, Japan Air, Qantas, BMI, KLM, Air France, Virgin Atlantic and more.
The Tourist Attractions of South Korea
SeoulThe capital and largest city of South Korea is Seoul. With a population of over 10 million people this is a busy and bustling city, but it has a combination of both modern and historical places of interest.
There are a number of beautifully ornate palaces such as Gyeongbok-gung, where you’ll also find the Korean Folk Museum and the Joseon Palace Museum. The palace of Changdeok-gung has been impressively restored, earning it a UNESCO World Heritage Site listing. Other palaces include Geyonghui-gung which originally dates from the 17th century, Changgyeong-gung dating from the 12th century, and the somewhat different Deoksu-gung.
A great many other attractions could keep you busy in Seoul for a week or more. There are many parks, temples, shrines and other sites to see here.
Other Cities
South Korea has a great many other attractive, historic and important cities around the country where you can experience more of the South Korean culture. Examples include Jeonju where you will find many museums, historical monuments and ancient Buddhist temples, and Chuncheon for visitors who prefer a smaller city, surrounded by mountains and rivers.
South Korean Islands
South Korea has a number of islands off the shore of the mainland which are known for their scenic beauty.
Jeju Island is one of South Korea’s most popular tourist destinations with its waterfalls, cliffs, caves and beaches. In addition to the natural scenery there are a number of interesting museums here too. Another island, Ulleungdo also has some great scenery, whilst the island of Somaemuldo has wonderful aquamarine waters surrounding it.
Other Destinations
Seoraksan National Park makes for a memorable visit – the mountains are very popular for hiking, and there are many species of plants and wildlife here too.
For a completely different experience you can visit the DMZ – the Demilitarised Zone which is in the area of the border between North and South Korea. Previously you were able to take a tour into North Korea, but because the situation in North Korea is getting worse, it’s likely that the border will be completely closed, so don’t bank on being able to go across. Still, you can visit a couple of sites on the South Korean side without needing special clearance – this includes the Imjingak, a museum which has an observatory from where you can see the North Korean side, and also the Second and Third Tunnels, which are tunnels that were secretly dug by the North Koreans.
When Should You Visit South Korea?
Autumn and Spring are reputedly the best times of year to visit South Korea is you’re heading here with sightseeing in mind rather than relaxing on a beach. Temperatures during these times are pleasant and rain is minimal.Summer can get unbearably hot and humid, so is not good for sightseeing, but winter can be enjoyable if you like skiing!