If you are planning a trip to Seoul, South Korea this year, don’t automatically rule out Business Class tickets to Seoul. Taking an international business class flight to Seoul, South Korea will unlock many great amenities and benefits. Business class tickets to Seoul do cost more than economy or coach tickets, but they also get you greater comfort and an easier day of travel. The Seoul Airport, Incheon International Airport- ICN, is Seoul’s busiest airport. ICN offers business class travelers access to luxurious lounges with amazing amenities. Given that ICN is one of the world’s busiest airports, it is also nice that as a business class traveler you can escape to the airport lounge for some peace and quiet and some personalized attention from the lounge attendant. ICN is a large airport, the attendant can help you with when to leave for pre-boarding and advise you on the best way to get to your gate. Traveling with an international business class ticket to Seoul, South Korea is a much different experience than traveling coach or economy. Inexpensive and cheap flights to Seoul are available through many travel websites. There are deals to be found even for last minute travelers!
Things to do in Seoul:
- Gyeongbokgung Palace- The Gyeongbokgung Palace was built in 1395. The palace was destroyed by a Japanese invasion in the 1590’s. King Gojong began the restoration 300 years later. However, another Japanese invasion destroyed most of the rebuild. Not until 1990 was the palace restored to its original beauty. Magnificent architecture, historical significance with great surrounding grounds make this a must see.
- The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)- For the not faint at heart is a trip to the Demilitarized Zone. Nothing like visiting the buffer zone between two warring countries. This is 148-mile-long, 2-mile wide parcel of landmarking the division between North and South Korea. Running close to the infamous 38th Parallel (the final front in the Korean War), the DMZ was set up in 1953. The actual Military Demarcation Line – the border between North and South Korea is heavily manned on both sides. This may sound like a strange trip but it is actually a very popular day trip. Panmunjom is an abandoned town that straddles the Military Demarcation Line where the famous Joint Security Area is located. It was here that North Korean, South Korean, Chinese, American and United Nations diplomats signed the Korean War Armistice Agreement on July 27, 1953. Visitors often place their feet on either side of a line that runs along the building’s floor separating the two nations – one foot in South Korea and the other in North Korea. Tourists can also peer out at the mysterious country to the north through mounted telescopes.
- Gwangjang Market- The best Korean street food market in all of Seoul. Eat, drink and indulge yourself in local delicacies. The market itself if full of textiles but make sure you hit the street food section. Countless amount of street stalls to choose from all serving up great Korean food. The vendors themselves are extremely friendly calling to you to eat at their stall.
- Mount Namsan- This is a must-see attraction in Seoul. While Mount Namsan is a mere 237 meters at its peak and not exactly a challenge to hike, there is a fun cable car to take you to the top. At the top, enjoy the city views or go even higher up the North Seoul Tower’s observatory.
- Jongmyo Shrine- One of the oldest and best-preserved Confucian royal shrines in the world. A Unesco World Heritage site. The shrine was built in the late 14th century. It serves as a place of worship for past kings. The royal family and its members would come to carry out ancestral rites for deceased king and queens as well as pray for the state. The shrine was destroyed during the 16th-century Japanese invasion of Korea but rebuilt during the 17th century. The great thing is that little has changed in the last 300 years.
- Suwon’s Hwaseong Fortress- A decent drive or train ride out of town. It’s about an hour and a half from Seoul but Suwon’s Hwaseong Fortress makes a great day trip. A Unesco World Heritage site, this Korean castle was built in the 18th century. The grounds are impressive. Walk around the entire gates and walls. There is also a museum on the history of the fortress.
- Namsan Park and N Seoul Tower- Namsan Park have great panoramic views of Seoul. You can head to the viewing pavilion but for a great view head to the top of the N Seoul Tower to the observation platform for the best views of the city. The view from 1,574 feet up is spectacular. If you are feeling romantic don’t forget to bring a padlock. On the sky deck, there is a rich tradition of attaching a padlock to the fence as a symbol of everlasting love. There is also a rotating French restaurant on the tower’s top floor.
- Insadong- If Hongdae is the hip avant-garde neighborhood then Insadong is the quaint central-Seoul neighborhood. Tourists can find everything from traditional Korean clothing to herbal teas to calligraphy supplies. Definitely, a place to do some street vendor shopping for cultural souvenirs to bring home to family and friends. A very fun atmosphere as well. Street performers and artists interact with tourists. Motor vehicles are prohibited on its winding streets, adding to its Old World vibe.
- Dongdaemun- Incredible shopping mecca. Dongdaemun has 26 malls and 30,000 specialty shops. The market stays open 24 hours a day. A mix of retail and wholesale shops. West of Jangchungdan-ro, which is the main street, makes up the mall section of Dongdaemun. East of Jangchungdan-ro, you’ll find more malls but they are more dedicated to the wholesale market. If you are feeling hungry after all this shopping head over to Mukja Golmok, which translates to “Let’s Eat Alley.” There, you will find a plethora of Korean cuisine. There are also plenty of stalls dotted between and next to the large malls for more of a local flavor.
- Bukhansan National Park- In the center of this bustling city is Bukhansan National Park. More than 30 square miles of hiking trails, granite peaks, and tree-laden valleys. There is also a 5-mile mountain wall that runs along the park’s rocky terrain. A historical must-see is Bukhansanseong Fortress. The fortress was built in 1711 and served as a place for kings in times of emergency. Bukhansan’s proximity to Seoul, its natural beauty and historical significance make the park a must see. If it’s panoramic vistas you’re after, try heading up Baegundae peak via the Bukhansanseong trail, one of the most popular hikes in the park. Think Great Wall of China as far as trek. Not an easy hike. This rocky path requires strength and endurance. More than likely a three-plus hour round trip.
What you get with Business Class:
An international first class ticket to Seoul, South Korea gets you into shorter lines at the check-in counter and security. You also can bring more baggage than with an economy or coach seat. Check with your airlines on the luggage restrictions as this varies depending on your aircraft. You will pre-board the plane before the economy and coach travelers and your seat will recline to a bed. You can actually sleep on the flight–laying down! You also will receive an excellent meal, complimentary alcohol, desserts, and as many blankets and pillows as you need. The flight attendants are incredibly well-traveled on a business class flight to Seoul, South Korea as well. So ask them for advice!
