In bloom
Japan doesn’t have a monopoly on cherry blossom season. South Korea is bathed in pink by late spring when hundreds of cherry trees come out of hibernation. Seoul even hosts an annual Flower Festival in honour of these impressive blooms. For photography enthusiasts, there’s no better time to visit.
Tradition
South Korean boasts a rich and storied history. Changdeokgung is a prime example. A must-see, this royal palace was used well into the 20th century. The palace has been around in one form or another since the 1400s, and all renovations have been carried out in the spirit of the original design. Admire the emblematic pagoda rooves and painted archways, the expansive courtyard and peaceful garden. There is no better place to get a sense of South Korea’s history than in this scenic location valued for its Feng Shui.
On piste
When the snow falls come December, it’s time to hit the slopes. Since South Korea is hosting the 2018 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, you know that winter sports are top of line in South Korea. Many ski resorts, such as Olympic host Alpensia, are within easy travelling distance from Seoul. So, if you don’t want to use your cheap flights to South Korea for a full-on skiing holiday, day trips departing from the capital are an excellent alternative.
When to go
South Korea’s high season runs from June to September. This high demand will make airfares more expensive, but booking in advance can turn up some excellent deals even at peak times. Be aware that July will bring heavy rains, so pack a sturdy rain jacket to protect against any downpours.
The best travel deals usually pop up in time for spring. And spring in East Asia means one thing: cherry blossoms. To see Seoul in all its pink glory, fly out in mid-April for the Flower Festival. Autumn is another excellent time to travel to South Korea as it offers the best hiking opportunities and the mountains comes alive in fiery hues.
To make the most of the South Korean ski season and winter festivals, fly out in late January or early February. Flight costs remain reasonable, especially if booked well in advance. Flying out at this time of year means you can combine skiing, the Taebaeksan Snow Festival and the Lunar New Year into one amazing, winter holiday.
Airports and airlines
Use Netflights to find and compare the best deals on South Korea flights across a wide range of airlines. With our calendar feature, you can compare prices on return flights for an entire month, so you don’t miss out on a great deal. When you search for airfares well in advance, you’re sure to find flights that fit your budget.
Direct return flights to South Korea are only available from London airports, primarily Heathrow with British Airways. Travel time is reduced, but the cost is considerably higher than routes that include a transfer. Transfers usually occur in Europe, Turkey or the Middle East. Carriers will include Alitalia, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airlines and Lufthansa.
While it is possible to depart from other United Kingdom airports like Manchester and Edinburgh, you will have more options and flexibility on departure and return dates if you choose to fly from London. Booking your flight to London separately from your flight to South Korea can sometimes help to bring travel costs more in line with a tight budget.
