Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Seoul is typically between April and June, whilst spring is in full swing and the cherry blossoms are raining down in the parks. This is also a good time of year to go and experience the many festivals that take place there every year. September to November is another promising time to visit the city as the climate is pleasant and mild, unlike the weather in the preceding Summer months which are hot and wet. Winters are cold but may appeal to some winter sports fans as there is more often than not a flurry of snow towards the end of the year and into the next.

Passport/Visa

Citizens of many countries including the US, UK and Canada can travel to South Korea for tourism purposes visa-free, for stays from 30 up to 180 days. Citizens of most countries in Africa and Asia however will need to apply for a visa in advance. Passports will need to be valid for at least six months starting from the planned date of arrival.

Incheon International Airport

Incheon International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world is approximately a one hour drive from downtown Seoul by bus or taxi. Airport buses normally stop directly outside the airport building. Limousine buses run not only to Seoul, but also connect the airport to other provincial cities. The Limousine bus runs to and from the airport every 10-15 minutes and stops at most of the major hotels. You can buy a bus ticket from ticket booths next to the bus stops outside on the pavement. Taxis are available from stands no.16-21 on the arrivals floor. For a more economic alternative, private cars can be hired through the Grab app after registering for an account. The other airport in Seoul, Gimpo International Airport is much smaller but closer to the centre of town. It acts as Seoul's secondary airport.

• Web:

  www.airport.kr

• E-mail:

  incheon.airport.mail@gmail.com

• Address:

  Incheon International Airport, Yongjongdo

• Phone:

  +82 2 1577 2600

• Opening hours:

  Daily 24hr

Public Transport

The Underground is clean, efficient and operates from approximately 5.30am to midnight non-stop every day. All stations display signs in both Korean and English. You can buy your ticket at the ticket vending machine. Check the website for details (www.seoulmetro.co.kr). Seoul Bus Station is a central hub for transportation. Standard buses are frequent and inexpensive. You can pay your fare either by scanning your T-money card or paying in cash when entering the bus. Make sure to have change since you cannot pay with bigger bills. There are several city buses operating in Seoul. The 'Blue Bus' for example, which connects inner Seoul with the outer suburban areas and 'The Yellow Bus' (Circular Line) which goes in a circular pattern around the very central part of Seoul. There is also the Red Bus (Wide Area Line), Maeul Bus (Local Bus) and the Green Bus (Branch Line).

Taxi

Travelling by taxi in Korea is generally an affordable means of transportation. Taxis come in two varieties, regular and deluxe. It is easy to distinguish between the two as the latter, the more expensive of the two is black with a golden stripe colour scheme. There is also the International taxi service which was created especially for foreign tourists in Seoul who cannot speak Korean. They are orange with a 'Haechi' (the Seoul mascot) painted on the side of it. There is also a water taxi service for river crossings. There are a total of 17 water taxi stations located along the Hangang River.

• Web:

  www.intltaxi.co.kr

• Phone:

  +82 2 1644 2255

Electricity

Round two-pin type C plugs. 220V and 60Hz