AI Trip Planner
Plan a trip with
credit card points
Pick origin + destination + month → see best award flights, top hotels bookable on points, attractions, signature events, and the cards whose welcome bonus would cover the trip. 41 US origin airports, no bank link required.
Asia
Seoul
Where ancient palaces meet neon-lit streets and world-class cuisine awaits every traveler
Pay in cash
$3,200
$1,100 flight + $2,100 hotel
Pay with points
285,000 pts
+ $120 taxes & fees
Best card for this trip
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Round-trip economy flights NYC–Seoul via Flying Blue or United (transfer 60K UR)
Weather in June
🌤️ Shoulder season — decent weather, fewer crowds
Air temp
62°–82°F
17°–28°C
Rainfall
moderate
Crowds
Moderate
Getting warm and humid; pre-monsoon shoulder, still enjoyable
Flights — JFK → ICN
EconomyAir France/KLM Flying Blue
via Chase UR / Amex MR / Capital One
JFK → ICN — check direct flights from JFK. 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.
60,000
roundtrip
+ $120 taxes
United MileagePlus
via Chase UR
JFK → ICN — check direct flights from JFK. 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.
70,000
roundtrip
+ $90 taxes
Top hotels for your points
Picked for best points value — Hyatt has the only fixed award chart left in major US hotels, so your points stretch the furthest here. Tap each option below for why it stands out.
Park Hyatt Seoul
Hyatt·Luxury travelers who want stunning Gangnam skyline views and seamless Hyatt redemptionsLocated in Gangnam, iconic rooftop pool with city views, excellent award availability. Cat 7 Hyatt.
35K/45K/55K
off / std / peak · Hyatt Cat 7
$420/night cash
5 nights = 225,000 pts (~$2,100 value)
Grand Hyatt Seoul
Hyatt·Couples and families wanting a resort-style feel near Itaewon with multiple pools and restaurantsSprawling hilltop property with outdoor pools, multiple dining options. Strong award availability. Cat 6.
28K/37K/46K
off / std / peak · Hyatt Cat 6
$310/night cash
5 nights = 185,000 pts (~$1,550 value)
More hotels on points
JW Marriott Hotel Seoul
Marriott·Marriott Bonvoy loyalists wanting luxury in the business-friendly Gangnam districtConnected to COEX Mall, indoor pool, top-tier service. Marriott Bonvoy Cat 7 property.
50,000/night
$340/night cash
5 nights = 250,000 pts (~$1,700 value)
Trip Strategy — open these cards and the trip is mostly free
The Chase Sapphire Preferred welcome bonus (~60K UR) covers round-trip economy flights via Flying Blue or United, while a World of Hyatt card welcome bonus (30K–50K points) covers 1–2 nights at the Grand Hyatt Seoul. Together, two sign-up bonuses effectively fund flights and most of the hotel stay.
Round-trip economy flights NYC–Seoul via Flying Blue or United (transfer 60K UR)
$95/yr annual fee
2 nights at Grand Hyatt Seoul at 37K pts/night (use welcome bonus + spending bonus)
$95/yr annual fee
Your out-of-pocket budget for this trip
🚗 Seoul Metro is one of the world's best subway systems — fast, cheap, and English-friendly. T-money card covers subway, buses, and even some taxis. Kakao Taxi (like Uber) is inexpensive for late nights. · vs. $3,200 full cash trip
What to see & do in Seoul
Gyeongbokgung Palace
SightSeoul's grandest Joseon-era palace with daily changing-of-the-guard ceremony and the National Folk Museum on its grounds.
Myeongdong & Korean Street Food
FoodThe ultimate Korean street food corridor: tteokbokki, Korean fried chicken, hotteok, and skewered everything — best at night.
Bukchon Hanok Village
NeighborhoodA hillside neighborhood of 600-year-old hanok homes turned guesthouses and tea rooms, with sweeping city panoramas.
DMZ Day Trip
Day tripA 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)
Only hereSpend 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
NightlifeItaewon offers international bars and clubs; Hongdae is the university district with K-pop clubs, live indie music, and street performers until dawn.
Events to know about
- Apr
Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival
One of Korea's most beloved spring events, when Yeouido's riverside promenade and Han River parks explode in pink cherry blossoms, drawing millions of visitors.
- May
Seoul Lantern Festival (Yeon Deung Hoe)
Thousands of hand-crafted lotus lanterns float down Cheonggyecheon Stream in a dazzling procession celebrating Buddha's Birthday, one of Korea's most photogenic events.
- Oct · Nov
Seoul Autumn Foliage Season
Bukhansan National Park, Changdeokgung's Secret Garden, and Seoul Grand Park blaze with red and gold foliage, making October the most scenic month to visit.
- Mar · Oct
Seoul Fashion Week
Korea's premier fashion event held biannually at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), showcasing Korean designers and drawing international press and street-style photographers.