Plan a trip to South Korea
Seoul is a capital city like no other. South Korea’s largest city is a place where centuries-old palaces and hanok villages sit minutes from glass-and-steel skylines, where late-night street food markets buzz beside Michelin-starred dining rooms, and where a quiet mountain temple is never far from the energy of the streets below. Whether you’re drawn to the palaces of Jongno, the shopping and nightlife of Gangnam, the food stalls of Myeongdong, or the hiking trails and coastlines beyond the city, Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines can help you get there.
Things to do in South Korea
- Explore the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace and watch the changing of the guard in traditional attire.
- Wander the narrow alleyways of Bukchon Hanok Village for a glimpse of traditional Korean architecture.
- Eat your way through Gwangjang Market where you can experience endless stalls of tteokbokki, bindaetteok, and knife-cut noodles.
- Hike to the peak of Hallasan on Jeju Island, South Korea’s highest mountain and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Shop and people-watch in the neon-lit streets of Myeongdong and Hongdae.
- Visit the DMZ for a sobering look at one of the world’s most heavily fortified borders.
- Relax in a traditional jjimjilbang (Korean spa) for a full evening of saunas, soaks, and snacks.
- Take the KTX high-speed train to Busan for beaches, seafood markets, and colorful hillside villages.
Flying to Seoul Incheon (ICN) with Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines
Alaska Airlines offers nonstop service between our hometown hub in Seattle and Seoul Incheon, operated on Hawaiian Airlines’ long-haul Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The route, which operates five times a week, marks a milestone in Alaska’s transformation of Seattle into the West Coast’s premier global gateway. The 787-9 features 34 enclosed Business Class suites with lie-flat seats, privacy doors, 18-inch HD monitors and wireless charging, alongside Main Cabin seating. From Seoul, travelers can connect onward to additional destinations across Asia with Alaska’s global partners.
Best time to travel to South Korea
Spring (April through May) and fall (September through November) are the standout seasons, with mild temperatures, low humidity, and some of the country’s most beautiful scenery with cherry blossoms in spring and foliage in autumn. Summer brings heat, humidity, and monsoon rains, though it’s lively with festivals, while winter is cold and dry, rewarding travelers with smaller crowds, lower fares, and ski resorts within reach of the capital. Plan around early October if you’d like to experience Chuseok, Korea’s harvest celebration and one of its most important holidays.
How long is the flight to South Korea?
Nonstop service from Seattle to Seoul Incheon takes roughly 11 to 12 hours depending on winds and direction. If you’re connecting from another U.S. city through Seattle, total travel time will vary with your layover.
What’s the best way to get around South Korea?
Seoul’s subway is one of the world’s most extensive, efficient, and affordable. A rechargeable T-money card makes subways, buses, and even some taxis seamless. For travel between cities, the KTX high-speed rail network connects Seoul to Busan, Gyeongju, and other major destinations in just a few hours, often faster and easier than flying.
Flying into Seoul
Popular Flights to South Korea
Nonstop and connecting service from major U.S. cities to Seoul.
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