Asia · city
Seoul
South Korea
Where ancient palaces meet neon-lit streets and world-class cuisine awaits every traveler
Seoul enjoys distinct four seasons, with spring (April–May) offering mild temperatures and iconic cherry blossoms, and autumn (September–October) delivering crisp air and stunning foliage. Summers are hot and humid with a monsoon season in July and August, while winters are cold and dry with occasional snow. Spring and fall are universally the best times to visit.
When to visit
Award flights from the US
Economy
Air France/KLM Flying Blue
via Chase UR / Amex MR / Capital One
+ $120 taxes
Flying Blue Promo Rewards often drop NYC–Seoul on Korean Air or Air France partners to ~30K each way; standard rate is 30K per way in economy. Transfer from Chase UR, Amex MR, or Capital One Miles at 1:1.
United MileagePlus
via Chase UR
+ $90 taxes
United prices Asiana or Korean Air partner awards at 35K miles each way in economy from the US East Coast. Transfer Chase UR to United at 1:1 with no fuel surcharges on partner carriers.
Business / First
Singapore KrisFlyer
via Chase UR / Amex MR / Capital One
+ $100 taxes
KrisFlyer prices Asiana OZ business class from the US East Coast at ~50K each way. Transfer from Chase UR, Amex MR, or Capital One at 1:1.
Aeroplan
via Chase UR / Amex MR
+ $150 taxes
Air Canada Aeroplan prices Korean Air or Asiana business class at ~55K points each way from the US East Coast with low carrier-imposed surcharges. Transfer Chase UR or Amex MR at 1:1.
Cash equivalent: economy ~$1,100 · business ~$4,800 roundtrip from NYC
Award hotels
Park Hyatt Seoul
Hyatt
Located in Gangnam, iconic rooftop pool with city views, excellent award availability. Cat 7 Hyatt.
Grand Hyatt Seoul
Hyatt
Sprawling hilltop property with outdoor pools, multiple dining options. Strong award availability. Cat 6.
JW Marriott Hotel Seoul
Marriott
Connected to COEX Mall, indoor pool, top-tier service. Marriott Bonvoy Cat 7 property.
What to see & do
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Seoul's grandest Joseon-era palace with daily changing-of-the-guard ceremony and the National Folk Museum on its grounds.
Myeongdong & Korean Street Food
The ultimate Korean street food corridor: tteokbokki, Korean fried chicken, hotteok, and skewered everything — best at night.
Bukchon Hanok Village
A hillside neighborhood of 600-year-old hanok homes turned guesthouses and tea rooms, with sweeping city panoramas.
DMZ Day Trip
A guided tour to the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea — one of the most sobering and unique day trips on Earth.
Jjimjilbang (Korean Sauna)
Spend a night at a 24-hour Korean bathhouse like Dragon Hill Spa — saunas, cold pools, communal sleeping rooms, and late-night snacks.
Itaewon & Hongdae Nightlife
Itaewon offers international bars and clubs; Hongdae is the university district with K-pop clubs, live indie music, and street performers until dawn.
Monthly weather
| Month | Low | High | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 19°F | 36°F | |
| Feb | 23°F | 41°F | |
| Mar | 33°F | 54°F | |
| Apr | 44°F | 65°F | |
| May | 53°F | 74°F | |
| Jun | 62°F | 82°F | |
| Jul | 70°F | 88°F | |
| Aug | 72°F | 90°F | |
| Sep | 61°F | 81°F | |
| Oct | 48°F | 69°F | |
| Nov | 35°F | 54°F | |
| Dec | 24°F | 40°F |
Best cards for this trip
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