Woman studying a map in front of a pagoda-style building in Seoul.

Singapore to Seoul

For a heady mix of cultures, terrific and varied pan-Asian cuisine and a list of weird and wonderful attractions as long as your arm, Seoul and Singapore are second to none. Frequent direct flights between the two mean doing the Singapore to Seoul (or indeed Seoul to Singapore) double on your Asian vacation couldn’t be easier. Read on for our bite-size city guides and discover the best ways to get from one city to the other.

Seoul: the Lowdown

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Split through its middle by the wide Han River, Seoul is a densely populated megalopolis of some 10 million people, its futuristic towers, bridges and skyscrapers set among ancient mountains and plains in the northwest corner of South Korea. Attractions here are many and varied with several ancient UNESCO sites, including the regal gardens and pagodas of Changdeokgung Palace and the royal tombs of the Joseon dynasty, which ruled over Korea for 500 years from the 14th to the 19th centuries. More modern pursuits include a visit to Seoul’s tallest building, the skyscraping 123-story Lotte World Tower, and its sprawling amusement park namesake on (and around) Seokchon Lake. Then there’s Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a space-age architectural marvel packed with shops, bars, restaurants, exhibitions and even a sensory playground for kids. And the achingly photogenic oasis that is leafy Nami Island, a mere 90 minutes from the city center.

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Seoul is dry and icy-cold in winter and very hot and humid in summer, with a monsoon season that runs between June and September. The relatively short spring and autumn seasons are therefore the best times to visit, when you can expect mild weather and clearer skies but also – as inevitably as night follows day – higher hotel rates. On the plus side, there’s accommodation here to fit most budgets, though visitors should remain conscious that a week in Seoul can be eye-wateringly expensive wherever you end up staying. As a general rule, downtown districts including Jongno or Euljiro are likely to be cheaper than Myeong-dong and Gangnam, while longer-term visitors might want to consider rented accommodation in student neighborhoods like Sinchon and Hongdae.

Wherever you choose to lay your hat, you’ll find getting around Seoul a breeze thanks to its superb metro system, which has a whopping 300+ stops within the city’s relatively compact nine-mile radius. Just download the Seoul Subway Metro Map – an interactive route-planning app – pick up a T-money card (and add some credit) and you’re good to go. Handily, your T-money pass is valid for use on metros, buses and even taxis across South Korea.

Save a bit of cash with Go City when you buy an All-Inclusive or Explorer pass to multiple major Seoul attractions.

Singapore: the Lowdown

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There’s a whole world of fun awaiting in Singapore, from splashing around in the world’s biggest rooftop infinity pool (57 stories up atop the Marina Bay Sands Resort, fact fans) to gorging on chili crab and sticky pork satay in one of the wonderful hawker centers here. Then there’s the soaring Singapore Flyer observation wheel, authentic Singapore Slings at Raffles Hotel (where the iconic cocktail was invented), the Instagram-tastic Gardens by the Bay, and the island playground that is Sentosa, its myriad attractions – Universal Studios, the S.E.A. Aquarium and several of Singapore’s finest palm-lined beaches – easily reachable by monorail or cable car.

In fact, getting around Singapore is remarkably straightforward in general, largely thanks to the super-efficient (and mercifully air-conditioned) mass transit system, or MRT. Six lines and close to 150 stations ensure good coverage of most of the island, but you’ll likely spend most of your time here in and around the downtown circle line which calls at many of the main attractions. Pick up a Singapore Tourist Pass (STP) for unlimited use of the network for 24–72 hours or simply pay as you go by tapping in and out of stations using your contactless debit or credit card. There’s also a decent cycling infrastructure here, and plenty of green space to explore – they don’t call Singapore the Garden Island for nothing, you know! Rent a bike and cruise your way around the epic Park Connector Network and beyond.

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The climate in Singapore is hot, humid and wet, with temperatures in the high 80s year round. Monsoon seasons between December to March and June to September all but guarantee daily downpours, but also make for some of the most competitive accommodation rates at these times of year. We’re speaking relatively, of course: Singapore is notoriously expensive, but you may just about be able to afford a stay at luxury icons like Raffles and Marina Bay Sands during the monsoons without the need to mortgage a kidney. Cheaper alternatives are of course available, with plenty of good budget and mid-range options available in the likes of Chinatown and even around the high-end shopping mecca of Orchard Road.

Save a bit of cash with Go City when you buy an All-Inclusive or Explorer pass to multiple major Singapore attractions.

Singapore to Seoul by Air and Rail

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Direct flights between Singapore and Seoul depart several times daily and take a shade over six hours each way. Carriers serving the route between Singapore’s Changi Airport and Incheon Airport in Seoul include Korean Air, Singapore Airlines and Asiana, with a one-way trip starting from around £300. Express trains from Incheon to downtown Seoul depart every 20–40 minutes and take 40 minutes; the slower, more regular trains make several stops along the route but still only take an hour to the center of town. At half the price and five times the frequency, these are probably the better bet, assuming you’re not in a crazy hurry.

And if you’re really in no rush, you could even consider making the epic voyage from Singapore to Seoul by rail. Not for the faint of heart, this method takes you up through Malaysia, and across across Thailand and Laos (with a bit of bus travel required here), then onwards through Vietnam and China before finally catching the ferry from Qingdao in North Korea to Incheon in South Korea – because you can’t cross the North/South Korea border by land.

If spending several days traveling 7,000 kilometers through unfamiliar countries on public transport sounds like an utterly absurd idea, that’s because it probably is. But adventurous souls with time on their hands could make it a reality, experiencing amazing coastal vistas, jungle trails, supercities, traditional villages and a mix of wildly different cultures along the way. Or, you know, go as far as Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok and catch your onward flight from there – both also epic adventures with plenty of fun to be had along the way!

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Save on attractions and activities in Singapore and Seoul

Save on admission to Singapore and Seoul attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.

Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

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Singapore River Cruise
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Things to do in Geylang Singapore

Singapore’s Geylang neighborhood is certainly something of a head scratcher. Although descriptions often begin with its status as the country’s legally-recognized red-light district, it is also one of the country’s most culturally diverse areas. Exploring its historic shopfronts is just one of the many things to do in Geylang Singapore, alongside delving into a food scene that includes everything from frog leg porridge to Ramadan treats. Lying to the east of the Kallang River as it flows towards the river cruises of Marina Bay, east-west running Geylang Road remains at the heart of all that goes on in the neighborhood. Providing a sense of old Singapore, before soaring skyscrapers took hold, it’s a street busy with Singaporeans, Malays, Chinese and western expatriates by day and night. Meanwhile unnamed lorongs (lanes) span off to north and south with the promise of all manner of delights. Wondering why Geylang is so popular and on the lips of so many? Here’s our pick of the very best things to do in Geylang Singapore! Check out Geylang’s architectural curiosities There’s probably no better place to start your discovery of Geylang than Geylang Road. Stroll along even the shortest section of its three-kilometer length and you’ll very quickly get a feel of what this neighborhood is all about. And while the low-rise properties which line this major arterial road are sure to have you reaching for your camera, Geylang’s real treasures are to be found on its surrounding streets. There’s nothing quite like picking one at random and seeing what you’ll discover – maybe the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace or Haig Road Hawker Center. But if you’re looking for a little guidance, the colorfully-painted conserved shopfronts on both sides of Joo Chiat Road rival the Peranakan (Malay-Chinese) Houses of adjoining Koon Seng Road when it comes to the wow factor. For the chance to head inside one of these preserved homes, make an appointment to visit The Intan, a house museum dedicated to recording Peranakan culture for prosperity. The work of one man, its collection is as encyclopedic in scope as it is colorful. Discover Geylang’s artistic side If a visit to The Istan gets you in the mood for more of Geylang’s artistic side, the Eurasian Heritage Gallery is just a couple of blocks south. Created to tell the story of Singapore’s Eurasian community, it succeeds in bringing its history to life in three excellently curated galleries refurbished in 2019. Detailing a heritage which takes in Britain, Portugal, Goa and Macau, the sections on how the community survived the Japanese occupation of the island in World War Two is particularly poignant. More uplifting stories include those of swimmer Joseph Schooling, the first Singaporean to win an Olympic gold medal. Just beyond the official bounds of Geylang, on the banks of the Geylang River, you’ll also find the Goodman Arts Centre. Hosting a wide range of exhibitions and workshops, the center sits within a lush three-hectare site. It also includes a café serving up Australasian dishes with looks perfect for social media and flavors not far behind. Fill your stomach with Geylang’s specialty dishes For a more authentic look at Geylang’s culinary magic, the choices are almost endless. Geylang Serai Market is one of the largest wet markets in Singapore, meaning you can find just about anything you might ever point towards a wok. After you’ve breathed in the rich aroma of nutmeg, cinnamon and lemongrass (serai in Malay), enter the attached bazaar for fabrics, homewares and other dry goods. Carrying a buzz at any time of year, the market outdoes itself each Ramadan, when stalls lit up with decorations and open long into the night help adherents break their fast. Head upstairs to the market’s food court to sample many of the region’s delicacies. Keep an eye out for asam pedas(sour and spicy fish stew), beef rendang (a dry diced beef curry) and goreng pisang banana fritters. Alternatively, follow your nose – literally – to the durian stalls of Sims Avenue. Known as the ‘king of fruits,’ there’s really nothing else like a durian. They were the model for the Esplanade Theatres building on the opposite side of Marina Bay to Gardens by the Bay, and so pungent in aroma they are banned from hotels and aircraft. So why not let a stallholder pick out the perfect durian for you? After all, sampling the custard-like interior is something of a rite of passage when traveling in the region. Nearby, there are several simply-decorated restaurants (think school canteen chic) and more upmarket establishments with specialties including frog leg porridge on their menus. Try G7 Sin Ma or Eminent Frog Porridge to taste this savory stew flavored with soy sauce, ginger, garlic and chili. If you’re looking for a late evening drink, there are also plenty of bars in Geylang – head either along Geylang Road, or along Geylang riverfront. Enjoy Geylang’s green spaces When Stamford Raffles, ‘founder’ of modern Singapore arrived in Geylang, it was an area of coconut palms and coastal marshland. Although no longer awash with greenery, the Geylang riverfront provides a nice contrast to the bustling lanes of the area. Save your shoe leather with Gogreen Bicycle Rentals, the easiest way of taking in all the river’s sights as it doglegs through the neighborhood. Don’t worry though, there are plenty of benches on which to rest up with an ice cream, kelongs (floating platforms) and shelters resembling the kampong (village) huts that once would have been found here. Further north, Geylang East Park’s L-shaped form provides another escape from the hubbub of its nearby roads. Clean, tidy and well-maintained, you could do far worse than stop by for a lunchtime picnic with the daily mix of residents and office workers. Ways to save in Geylang Singapore Save on the top sights and attractions in Singapore with Go City. From the best things to do in Geylang Singapore to nature kayaking adventures in Pulau Ubin, we offer out of this world experiences at less than astronomical prices with our All-Inclusive and Explorer passes!
Alex Birungi
A group cycling in Bedok
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Things to do in Bedok Singapore

Singapore’s Bedok neighborhood occupies much of the coastal area between downtown Singapore and Changi international airport, where you’ll arrive into the country if coming by air. Home to roughly 300,000 people, it emerged as a major residential district in the post-independent period of the 1960s and 70s. Largely because of its high permanent population, there are an exciting range of things to do in Bedok Singapore. From what to buy in Bedok, to Bedok hidden gems, this is the only guide you’ll ever need to feel just like one of the locals! Things to do in Bedok Reservoir and around On the northern limits of the neighborhood, Bedok Reservoir Park has turned a vital piece of public infrastructure into an attractive place to spend some time any day of the week. Paths circle the entire ten-kilometer circumference of the lake, offering ample chances for a stroll amongst attractive greenery. There’s also a dedicated jogging track and children’s playground. Those keen to cool off by getting into the water have the option of a range of watersports, from canoeing and kayaking to sailing. Bedok Reservoir Park is also home to Forest Adventure, a Go Ape style adventure park. The largest in Singapore, it has courses suitable for adults and children, as well as four zip lines giving a unique and exhilarating view of the area. If you’ve got a head for heights or a love of flight, the nearby Air Force Museum should not be missed either. A great mix of original artefacts and multimedia displays combines with an outdoor gallery of military aircraft and missiles that will have any would-be top gun swooning with delight. But for the ultimate in aviation experiences, you’ll want to instead check out Singapore’s Virtual Reality Fighter Jet Experience. Your virtual mission will see you strapped into an F-15 or F/A-18 as you soar past some of the US’ most recognizable landmarks. What to do in Bedok with the kids It’s not every day we recommend people head to the local library. But Bedok does libraries very differently to most places around the world. In actual fact a community hub containing the neighborhood library, Heartbeat@Bedok is a good all-round tip whatever the weather. In addition to library shelves containing a quarter of a million books, the center contains a first-floor outdoor children’s play area and an eight-lane swimming pool complex with jacuzzi and wet play zone. However, when it comes to slides and rides, the 4.5 hectare Coastal Playgrove in East Coast Park is difficult to beat. Boasting Singapore’s largest outdoor play structure, the four story ‘Vertical Challenge’ play net, there’s also a twisting slide that takes kids down from the fourth floor to ground level. Here they’ll be able to splash about in the pools and water jets or head into the bamboo tunnel which forms part of the ‘nature playgarden’. If the little ones still have energy to burn, you might also consider Gogreen Bicycle Rental as a way of exploring the full extent of East Coast Park. And with park connectors and green corridor tracks linking public spaces throughout the Bedok neighborhood, hitting the saddle is a great way of exploring more widely too. Try your hand at some of Bedok’s alternative past times Whether its skateboarding, wakeboarding, fishing or gardening, Bedok’s got you covered. Stick with East Coast Park to join the skater crowd at Xtreme SkatePark. Its rails, ramps and halfpipes are the obvious place to give a frontside 180, ollie or alley oop a go. Just a short stroll away, Singapore Wake Park (SWP) gives you the chance to tackle similar tricks and stunts on the water. The country’s only cable-ski park, it has three different cable systems allowing everyone from total beginners to semi-professionals to experience the thrill of wake boarding. For the more sedate visitor, Bedok Jetty is an excellent option. Stretching for 300 meters into the Strait of Singapore, it’s a popular spot from which to take in tropical sunsets. But it’s equally well known as a good spot for anyone keen to grab rod and reel. Barracuda, stingray and rosy jewfish can all be snagged. The jetty is easy to combine with a trip to the bright flower heads of the Bougainvillea Garden, which rises gently up the sloping ground from the coast. Perhaps best avoided if you’re a hay fever sufferer, it can be admired from a distance from East Coast Beach. This marries the warm waters of the Strait with soft sand perfect for both sunbathing and sand castles. Head for Bedok’s indoor attractions Come rain or shine, Bedok’s indoor attractions should be just as tempting. Art lovers need look no further than Telok Kurau Studios. An art center housing the work spaces of around 30 artists aged from 29 to 83, it also houses the Singapore Colour Photography Society and Singapore Watercolour Society. Together, the artists and societies host regular exhibitions of their work, so be sure to check local press for upcoming dates. Shopaholics are also well catered for. The first true mall to land in Bedok, Bedok Mall still looks as elegant as ever thanks to its gleaming glass and shining metal interior. When it comes to stores, there are roughly 200 to choose between. They have a great range of fashion and lifestyle items, alongside life’s essentials and a tasty food court too. Other places to soothe the shopping habit are Bedok Point and East Village malls. Both offer typical Singaporean mall experiences. Save on Singapore’s top attractions with Go City Want to enjoy the very best that Singapore has to offer without breaking the bank? Take control of your vacation budget with Go City! Our All-Inclusive and Explorer passes let you select from a host of magical attractions whilst saving on admission. Not only do they cover things to do in Bedok, but right across Singapore, from museums and art galleries to tours and one-off experiences. So why not share your vacation photos with us by tagging @GoCity or using #GoCityPass on Instagram and Facebook!
Alex Birungi
Pair of lorikeets at Bird Paradise in Singapore.
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Bird Paradise Guide Singapore – All You Need to Know

Hey, do you like birds? Yes you! Sure, leviathan creatures of the deep are cool, and land-loving critters can be cute, cuddly and ferocious in equal measure. But birds are the connoisseur’s animal of choice; a feathered favorite of poets, painters and romantics down the centuries. After all, what other beast can sing as sweetly, or make potential suitors swoon with their flamboyant displays of technicolor plumage? We know, we know: meerkats are pretty entertaining too. But have you ever seen one fly? No, dear reader, you have not. And, now we’ve reeled you in, here’s all you need to know about Bird Paradise in Singapore, an awesome tropical aviary that's among the very best in Asia. Bird Paradise: the Lowdown Part of Singapore’s epic Mandai Nature Reserve, which also includes the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and River Wonders attractions, Bird Paradise is the 21st-century successor to the country’s long-running Jurong Bird Park. Indeed, the majority of Bird Paradise’s 3,500 or so inhabitants were painstakingly relocated here from the nearby Jurong site during 2022 and early 2023. Bird Paradise opened its gates in May 2023, welcoming bird enthusiasts and Instagram addicts eager to get up close and personal with its highly photogenic stars, among them vibrant scarlet ibises, pretty pink flamingos, majestic Philippine eagles, infectious laughing kookaburras and almost comically ostentatious Andean cocks-of-the-walk, with their brilliant orange crests. In other words, this is an attraction that more than lives up to its (very literal) name. You can easily spend a whole day exploring Bird Paradise, with a whopping 400 species to discover across 42 acres, and 10 distinct zones that include awesome walk-through aviaries, rainforests, wetlands and even a penguin habitat. Pitch up for feeding times with the pelicans, turacos, lories and lorikeets and don’t miss the daily presentations that let you experience the awe-inspiring sight of some of the world’s most successful winged predators, including white-bellied sea eagles and harris hawks, in full flight! Bird Paradise Guide: the Zones Amazonian Jewels – this authentic South American rainforest setting is where you’ll find the aforementioned Andean cock-of-the-walk hanging out with its colorful toucan, cracid and green oropendola pals. Shaw Foundation Australian Outback – say g’day to giant emus, tawny frogmouths, laughing kookaburras and other feathered critters from Down Under. This cool outback setting features aboriginal cave paintings, termite mounds and eucalyptus trees. Nyungwe Forest Heart Of Africa – Inspired by Rwanda’s dense Nyungwe Forests, this is the park’s largest zone, and fairly teems with African species. Around 80, in fact, including flamingoes, bee-eaters, grey parrots and punky turacos. Get an, ahem, bird’s-eye view from the observation tower. Hong Leong Foundation Crimson Wetlands – roseate spoonbills, American flamingoes and scarlet ibises ensure this authentic wetlands zone (complete with gushing waterfall) more than lives up to its colorful name. Kuok Group Wings of Asia – you’ll find some of Bird Paradise’s more prehistoric-looking critters here in these lovingly created Balinese bamboo groves and rice terraces. We’re talking rare black-faced spoonbills, Papuan hornbills, Australian pelicans and more. Lory Loft – hit up the Lory Loft for your kaleidoscopic fix of parrots, lories and lorikeets. Look out for the aptly-named fiesta of colors that is the rainbow parrot and try not to be hypnotized by the ice-cool stare of the blue-eyed cockatoo. Mysterious Papua – replicating the coastal forests of lowland Papua, this zone features viewing pavilions influenced by the traditional homes of the Korowai tribe, from which to view the resident southern cassowaries, palm cockatoos and colorful Nicobar pigeons. Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove – there’s an underwater kelp forest and rocky beach to explore at this, one of the world’s largest sub-Antarctic cold saltwater penguin habitats. Check out king, gentoo and Humboldt penguins, alongside feisty northern rockhoppers, with their ultra-chic punk crests. Songs of the Forest – if bathing in a symphony of birdsong is your bag, then this is the zone for you. Here’s where you can hear endangered species including straw-headed bulbuls, Bali mynahs and laughing thrushes in full throat. Bird Paradise Guide: shops and dining Now you know everything you need to know about the residents of Bird Paradise, you’ll also want to know where you can refuel and snag some souvenirs on your visit. Good news: the park has several dining outlets, including the Bird Bakery for your coffee and pastry fix, and the Egg Splash Café with its eggs-cellent menu and fun activities for kids. Food Central is on the plaza and offers a range of local favorites, like Hainanese chicken rice, in a casual setting. Alternatively peckish punters can take in spectacular views of the wetlands waterfall from the Crimson Restaurant, or join the penguins for lunch in the Cove restaurant or café. No, not literally, but you’ll be able to see them swimming through glass walls that border the underwater kelp forests. The Penguin Cove Café has a shop, too. Penguin plush toys, penguin tees, penguin stationery, penguin mugs... if you like penguins you’re going to be in clover here. It’s joined by chick-inspired merchandise at the Egg Splash Café and a plethora of bird-related souvenirs ready to fly off the shelves in the main Bird Paradise shop. Bird Paradise Tickets and Opening Hours An attraction pass from Go City includes general admission to Bird Paradise and saves you money when visiting multiple attractions in Singapore. Choose an All-Inclusive or Explorer Pass for entry to Bird Paradise plus Singapore Zoo, Gardens by the Bay, Madame Tussauds and many more top Singapore attractions, tours and experiences. The park is open daily from 9AM to 6PM, with latest entry at 5PM. The easiest way to get there is on the Mandai Khatib shuttle bus from Khatib MRT station. The shuttle runs every 10-15 minutes and costs S$1 each way. Check the Bird Paradise website for more ways to get to the park. Save on attractions and activities in Singapore Save on admission to Singapore attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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