Book a trip from Sydney to Seoul with Cathay Pacific , fares from AUD1,041

Travellers in Seoul have several convenient options for journeying from the airport to downtown. Taxis are the most convenient, taking approximately 1 hour to reach your destination in downtown Seoul. The Airport Railroad Express (AREX) provides a fast and direct train service, taking around 45 minutes to reach Seoul Station. Another efficient transportation option is the airport, with multiple routes serving major hotels and destinations in the city.

Start your holiday with a glimpse of Korean royal history at Gyeonghuigung Palace. Originally built in the early 17th century during the Joseon Dynasty, it served as a secondary residence for kings and was known as the Western Palace due to its location within the city. While much of the original complex was destroyed by fire and later dismantled during the Japanese occupation, key structures like the Heunghwamun Gate and Sungjeongjeon Hall have been restored and are open to visitors. The palace grounds now include walking paths and the Seoul Museum of Art, making it a peaceful cultural spot to explore.

Founded by the Samsung Foundation of Culture, the Leeum Museum features an impressive collection of Korean art, modern works, and international pieces, making it a cultural gem in the heart of the city. The museum is divided into two main sections: the Hoam Museum, dedicated to traditional Korean art, showcasing exquisite ceramics, paintings, and artefacts, and the Leeum Museum, which houses modern and contemporary art from both Korean and international artists. Highlights include works by renowned figures like Nam June Paik and Andy Warhol.

As your holiday in Seoul comes to a close, make sure to visit Everland Resort, South Korea’s largest and most popular theme park. The park is divided into five themed zones: Global Fair, American Adventure, Magic Land, European Adventure, and Zootopia, each featuring unique rides, shows, and experiences suitable for all ages. Thrill-seekers should experience the T-Express, one of the world’s steepest wooden roller coasters with a 77-degree drop, delivering an unforgettable adrenaline rush. Animal lovers can explore Safari World and Panda World, where they can see exotic animals like giraffes, tigers, and the adorable Bao panda family up close.

Cathay Holidays brings the convenience of finding the perfect hotels for your stay. If you’re looking to explore the bustling Myeongdong shopping district, JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul boasts elegantly designed rooms with stunning views of the city and Heunginjimun Gate. The hotel features elegantly designed rooms and suites with contemporary minimalist décor, high-end amenities like Nespresso machines, marble bathrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning city and mountain views. Guests can unwind at the Provence Spa by L’OCCITANE, enjoy a swim in the 25-metre indoor pool, or work out at the well-equipped Club 501 fitness centre, which also includes an indoor golf range. Dining options include sophisticated bars and restaurants, with the rooftop Griffin Bar providing panoramic views of Dongdaemun Gate and the city skyline. The hotel also boasts extensive event spaces, including a grand ballroom and multiple meeting rooms with Seoul’s only built-in UHD media wall. Alternatively, Toyoko Inn Incheon Bupyeong is an excellent budget-friendly alternative located just a minute’s walk from Bupyeong Station (Line 1), offering excellent connectivity to Incheon and greater Seoul. This modern hotel provides comfortable, clean rooms equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, and free Wi-Fi, making it perfect for those looking for value. The hotel’s prime location in Bupyeong means guests can easily explore nearby attractions such as the bustling Bupyeong Market and Bupyeong Station Underground Shopping Mall—both excellent spots for sampling Korean street food, shopping for local goods, and experiencing vibrant market culture. The nearby Bupyeong Yeoksa Shopping Mall offers additional retail therapy in an indoor setting. For a dose of fun, visitors can try the Seoul Escape Room in the vicinity. Book your stay today and discover a wondrous world of rewards, including special accommodation, room upgrades, and access to lounge facilities. You will also be able to earn miles when you book a holiday package or a hotel.

Seoul entices food enthusiasts with its wide selection of restaurants, where culinary traditions from across the world converge to create an exquisite gastronomic experience. If you’re looking for an authentic dining experience, Seokparang offers an authentic experience of traditional Korean royal court cuisine, perfect for those seeking a refined and cultural dining experience. Housed in a historic hanok that once belonged to Heungseon Daewongun, father of King Gojong, the setting features beautiful late Joseon-era gardens and elegant architecture, creating a serene and atmospheric backdrop for your meal. The menu showcases meticulously prepared dishes using seasonal, high-quality Korean ingredients and traditional hand-made pastes. Highlights include the traditional porridge (jeon tong juk), often featuring seasonal flavours like sweet pumpkin, and the exquisite gujulpan, a platter of thin crepes served with a variety of vegetables and lean meats. Alternatively, for those looking for a quick bite or comfort food, EGGDROP offers delicious and quick breakfast or snack options featuring elevated egg sandwiches. Known for using fresh, premium, antibiotic-free eggs and quality ingredients, Egg Drop transforms the typical egg sandwich into a gourmet experience with fluffy scrambled eggs and their signature creamy egg sauce, all served on soft brioche or aromatic garlic bread. Must-try menu items include the Egg Ham Cheese Deluxe, which combines savoury ham, melted cheese, and fluffy eggs for a satisfying classic. The Bacon Double Cheese is a richer option with crispy bacon and double the cheese, perfectly balanced by the creamy egg sauce. For something unique, try the Teriyaki BBQ sandwich, featuring tender marinated pork with scrambled eggs, or the Avo Holic, which pairs creamy avocado with eggs for a fresh and smooth flavour.

There’s plenty to remember when flying to a new destination. Here is some information that you should know before your flight to Seoul.

• Currency: South Korean Won (KRW, ₩). Find out the current conversion rate.
• Plug: 220V Types C and F
• Time zone: GMT+9
• Language: Korean