Thanks to its status as a major international air hub and a destination brimming with vibrant culture, Seoul makes a perfect stopover on the way to other Asian countries.
The city seamlessly weaves ancient traditions with modern dynamism, offering a rich backdrop for exploration. Wander through historic palaces and temples, admire the futuristic skyline and savour the flavours of Korean cuisine.
Though geographically close to countries like Japan, Vietnam and Thailand, Seoul stands in contrast, providing a unique blend of landscapes, cultures and histories.
‘After a decade of sharing Korea’s wonders, Seoul still captures my heart with its dynamic spirit’, Lea Moreau, EXO Korea Product Manager explains. ‘From its historic temples to its vibrant neighborhoods, every corner tells a story’.
A stopover in Seoul adds depth and variety to any journey, and with EXO’s network of in-country experts, travellers can enjoy seamless, consistent service while exploring two destinations in one trip.
Seoul stopover: What to do
Seoul has plenty to explore, so EXO recommends at least three nights for a stopover.
Start with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace and the traditional Namsangol Hanok Village for an introduction to Korea’s royal history and rich cultural heritage. For deeper insight, the National Folk Museum, located near Gyeongbokgung Palace, provides an excellent overview of the country’s past.
Having gained a bit of history, switch gears and explore the marvelous urban landscape. Head to N Seoul Tower or the Lotte World Tower Sky Seoul for panoramic views over the city. Alternatively, take in a street-level perspective with a pedicab tour along Cheonggyecheon Stream.
As the sun sets, an evening street food tour is fun way to taste the variety of flavours used in traditional Korean cuisine, or opt for a gourmet meal at one of Seoul’s Michelin-starred restaurants.
With an additional day, consider a trip to the DMZ for a better understanding of Korea’s history or, for art enthusiasts, spend a day exploring Seoul’s impressive galleries and museums.
A different side of Seoul: Unique experiences
EXO customises each Seoul stopover, selecting experiences and hotels to match personal interests. Whether a luxury traveller with a passion for art or a family looking for hands-on activities, EXO can design the perfect Seoul stopover. Here’s a sample of what’s available:
Baseball thrills: Sports-lovers may wish to check out a baseball game, a unique Korean culture experience that is about far more than the game
Hantan River Trekking: Travel north of the city for a soft adventure, with a two-hour trek among gorges and other lava formations followed by a boat trip along the scenic Hantangang River.
K-culture: For fans of K-pop or Korean dramas, a guided tour to some of the famous K-culture sites is a memorable experience.
Paper Making and markets: Ideal for families and creative travellers, this hands-on experience presents a unique opportunity to be immersed in the vibrant energy and rich heritage of the capital city.
Planning a Seoul stopover
When to go: Seoul experiences four distinct seasons, each bringing its own charm to the landscape and offering opportunities for exploration throughout the year. In spring, visitors are treated to vibrant cherry blossoms and while summer offers warm temperatures for outside exploration. As autumn arrives, the landscapes transform into a canvas of golds and reds and winter brings snow and colder temperatures but few crowds.
Stopover connections: Seoul’s Incheon Airport is one of the busiest in the world, with direct flights from Europe, the Americas and most destinations in the Asia pacific region. A few of our favourite combinations are:
- Seoul plus Vietnam: Vietnam’s popularity continues to soar and pairing it with Seoul creates a captivating contrast. Each destination weaves the past and future in its own distinctive way.
- Seoul plus Japan: Despite their geographic proximity, these countries are distinctly different.
- Seoul plus Thailand: Seoul and Bangkok are arguably Asia’s most fascinating capitals. Combining the two promises a vibrant tapestry of sites, sounds and tastes unlike any other.
EXO Travel is a premium Destination Management Company (DMC) providing bespoke travel solutions across a growing portfolio of global destinations. Our services range from one-off tours for individual travellers to memorable incentive trips for groups of hundreds or thousands.
Established in 1993, we’ve harnessed in-depth local knowledge and a widely-recognized penchant for authentic, groundbreaking touring to become a leading DMC for the premium travel market. As a Certified B Corporation, EXO is also demonstrably committed to sustainability and using travel as a force for good.
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