The best time to visit Seoul
There are four distinct seasons in Seoul, so visitors can have very different experiences during different times of the year. Summer and winter both have extreme weather, with summer being the high season and winter being the low season in Seoul. Summer (between June and August) gets hot and humid with daytime temperatures of about 29°C. It rains often in the summer, and the city can even experience monsoons. During summer, there are lots of tourists in Seoul and hotels increase their rates. Between the weather, crowds, and higher prices, you may consider booking your return flights from Auckland to Seoul for one of the other seasons.
On the other hand, winter in Seoul is not very busy, so you can find some great budget-friendly options on hotels between December and March. Winter in Seoul gets cold, with temperatures of about 4°C during the day, and chilly nighttime temperatures of -4°C. Snow is common during this time as well. While winter is chilly, it can be exciting to visit the city for the Lunar New Year, which falls somewhere between January and February each year. Lunar New Year is the first day of the Korean calendar and is a major holiday in Seoul. During the holiday, the city comes alive with festivals and celebrations. Lunar New Year gets busier than the rest of the winter season, so you may want to book your hotel in advance for the best rates.
In order to experience the best of South Korean weather along with great prices, plan your AKL to ICN flights for the shoulder seasons in the spring or autumn. Weather during these seasons is mild, with temperatures of about 20°C and little rain. Crowds are not too large during spring or autumn, meaning you can find some bargains on hotels within the city centre. During the spring, Seoul comes to life with colour during the city’s cherry blossom season. Then in autumn, Seoul bursts with shades of red and orange foliage.
Departing From Auckland
There is one airport in Auckland, which is the largest and busiest airport in New Zealand. Auckland Airport (AKL) is located about 20 kilometres (12 miles) south of the Auckland CBD.
Several major airlines offer cheap airfares from Auckland to Seoul, including Air New Zealand, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Korean Air, Cathay Pacific, and Air China. There are about 850 flights from Auckland to the two Seoul airports each week, getting you to South Korea in no time. There are some cheap flights from Auckland to Seoul that fly direct and can get you into South Korea in about 12 hours.
Getting to Auckland Airport
For a fast and affordable journey from Auckland to the airport, you can catch the Auckland SkyBus. The SkyBus operates 24 hours a day and departs from the CBD every 10 minutes during peak times. The bus originates at Customs Street East and also makes stops along Queen Street, Dominion Road, Symonds Street, and Mount Eden Road. Depending where you get on the bus, you will arrive to Auckland Airport in about 40 to 60 minutes. A one-way ticket on the SkyBus costs $18 NZD, while a return ticket costs $32 NZD.
For the quickest route to the airport, you can catch a taxi or an Uber from locations all over the Auckland region. A taxi from the CBD and inner suburbs will get you to Auckland Airport in less than 30 minutes for a fare of about $60 NZD.
Parking at Auckland Airport
Auckland Airport offers several car parks with easy access to the International Terminal. For the best rates for your trip to Seoul, book your parking space in advance.
Where to Park at Auckland Airport
• Car Park A is located a 3-minute walk from the International Terminal and offers the cheapest rates. Parks are uncovered and start at $75 NZD per week.
• Valet parking is available for the ultimate convenience. Pull right up to the terminal, and an attendant will park your car. Weekly rates in the valet car park start at $130 NZD for an uncovered spot and $139 NZD for a covered spot.
Arriving in Seoul
Seoul is home to two of the busiest airports in South Korea. Incheon Airport (ICN) is the city’s primary airport. It’s located 48 kilometres (30 miles) west of the city centre and is divided into two terminals. Gimpo Airport (GMP) is a smaller airport, but is located much closer to the city. It is 15 kilometres (9.3 miles) west of central Seoul. Whichever Seoul airport you fly into, there are plenty of quick and affordable ways to reach your hotel in the centre.
How to Get from Incheon Airport (ICN) to Your Seoul Hotel or Accommodation
The AREX train offers several routes between Incheon Airport (ICN) and Seoul. The Express train offers the quickest journey, getting you into Seoul Station in 45 minutes. You can catch the AREX Express train from both airport terminals, and tickets cost 8,000 won ($10.70 NZD). For a cheaper (but slightly longer) ride into Seoul, you can catch the AREX All Stop train. This train also travels to Seoul Station but includes some other stops along the way, including Gimpo Airport (GMP), Hongik University, and Gongdeok. Tickets to ride the All Stop train cost 4,750 won ($6.35 NZD). This option will get you into central Seoul in about an hour.
A couple of years ago, Incheon Airport (ICN) opened a magnetic levitation train, called the Maglev. It is a high-speed train that is free for all passengers from Incheon Airport (ICN). You can catch the Maglev every 15 minutes, and it will get you to Yongyu Station in about 12 minutes. From there, you can transfer to the Seoul Subway heading into the city. Subway fare in Seoul is calculated based on the distance you are travelling. The base fare is 1,250 won ($1.65 NZD) for the first 10 kilometres (6 miles) travelled. Then, 100 won (13 cents NZD) is added on for each additional 5 kilometres (3 miles) travelled.
The Korea Train Express (KTX) is another transport option once you have arrived to Incheon Airport (ICN). KTX is South Korea’s high-speed bullet train system. Trains between the airport and the city are only available every couple of hours. Once you know what time your flight will arrive into Incheon Airport (ICN), you can check to see if your arrival time coincides with any of the KTX trains. The KTX train costs 12,500 won ($16.70 NZD) and will have you to Seoul Station in about 30 minutes.
Taxis and Ubers are available from both terminals at Incheon Airport (ICN). While Uber is often the more affordable option, you will actually get a better price catching a taxi from the airport. A taxi will get you into the centre of Seoul in about an hour for a fare between 55,000 and 75,000 won ($73.40 and $100 NZD).
How to Get from Gimpo Airport (GMP) to Your Seoul Hotel or Accommodation
If your flight to Seoul arrives at Gimpo Airport (GMP), you can reach the city on the AREX All Stop train. Once you board the train, you are only four stops from the city’s main train station. Stops between Gimpo Airport (GMP) and the city include Digital Media City, Hongik University, Gongdeok, and Seoul Station. The AREX will get you to the centre in about 20 minutes for a ticket price of 1,450 won ($1.95 NZD).
Another transport option from Gimpo Airport (GMP) is the Seoul Subway. Subway line 5 passes through the airport and travels into the city centre in no time. Throughout the journey, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to change to a different subway line in order to reach your hotel. If your hotel is near Seoul Station, you can get there by transferring to subway line A at Gongdeok, then travelling for one more stop. The Seoul Subway calculates ticket fare by the distance between stations. Tickets start at 1,250 won ($1.65 NZD) for the first 10 kilometres (6 miles) travelled. For each additional 5 kilometres (3 miles) travelled, 100 won (13 cents NZD) is added on.
Due to the proximity of Gimpo Airport (GMP) to the city centre, a taxi is a great option. A taxi will get you to your hotel in the city centre in about 20 minutes. Taxi fare between the airport and city costs approximately 13,500 to 20,100 won ($18 to $26.80 NZD).
Things to do in Seoul
Gyeongbokgung Palace
This traditional palace was the main residence of Korea’s Joseon Dynasty, which ruled the country from 1392 to 1897. Of the dynasty’s five palaces, Gyeongbokgung is the largest and is widely considered to be the most beautiful. Nobody has lived in the palace for decades, but you can still witness traditional guard ceremonies that are performed in the same way they were during the Joseon years. At 10am and 2pm, you can watch this Changing of the Guard ceremony. At 11am and 1pm, you can see another traditional event, the Gwanghwamun Gate Guard on Duty Ceremony. To see Gatekeeper Military Training, pay a visit to the palace at 9:30am or 1:30pm. These ceremonies are held every day of the week apart from Tuesdays.
Gangnam
After Korean pop star Psy released his song Gangnam Style in 2012, this Seoul neighbourhood became famous around the world. Gangnam is the entertainment hub of Seoul and is a popular neighbourhood among K-Pop stars and Korean celebrities. Many of South Korea’s major entertainment companies also have their offices located here. Throughout Gangnam, there is some great shopping, and the neighbourhood is widely known as the hottest nightlife spot in Seoul. You’ll also find lots of restaurants in Gangnam where you can try some traditional Korean dishes, such as bibimbap, bulgogi, and Korean barbecue.
Jogyesa Temple
This temple was built in the 14th century and is known as the centre of Korean Buddhism. Throughout the year, the temple holds traditional rituals and ceremonies, including a lantern festival celebrating Buddha’s birthday in May. Surrounding the Jogyesa Temple, you’ll find trees that also hold some interesting history as they are almost as old as the temple itself. Visitors to Seoul can tour the Jogyesa Temple for free. It’s a great place to go in order to experience the spiritual side to Seoul.
Bukchon Hanok Village
While much of Seoul is modern and constantly changing, this neighbourhood in the centre has been preserved to showcase the history of the city. While walking through the Bukchon Hanok Village, you’ll feel as if you have been transported back in time to another era. Along the narrow streets and laneways, you’ll find houses that were built in the traditional style of Korea’s Joseon Dynasty. While some of the houses are still lived in, many have been converted into guest houses or tea rooms. Visiting the Bukchon Hanok Village is the perfect way to immerse yourself in Korean history.
Mount Namsan
Mount Namsan is located right in the heart of Seoul and offers the greatest views over the city. There is a hiking trail to the top of Mount Namsan, or you could opt to take a cable cable up the mountain. Once you’ve reached the summit, you can head even further up by going to the top of the Namsan Seoul Tower. Located on top of the mountain, this tower sits 480 metres above sea level, offering panoramic views over Seoul and the surrounding region.
