British holidaymakers can now book their spring getaway to Seoul, with Virgin Atlantic launching daily flights from Heathrow beginning March 29, 2026. Tickets have gone on sale for the new route, with economy fares starting at £799.
The timing couldn't be better for UK travellers wanting to explore South Korea. The service kicks off just as Seoul comes alive with spring colours and festivities.
Operating Boeing 787-9 aircraft, the new route strengthens Virgin Atlantic's growing presence in Asia. It joins their recent launches to destinations like Riyadh, Dubai and the Maldives, plus five daily services across India.
Travellers arriving in late March will find Seoul at its most spectacular. Early April brings the famous cherry blossoms, with pink and white petals transforming the city's parks and palaces into stunning natural displays.
The flights will run daily from March 29, 2026
|VIRGIN ATLANTIC
Just outside Seoul, the Garden of Morning Calm Spring Flower Festival showcases thousands of colourful plants alongside exhibitions and activities perfect for families.
Culture lovers can dive into the K-Royal Culture Festival, featuring traditional performances and hands-on experiences at Seoul's grand palaces. Come mid-May, the beloved Lotus Lantern Festival lights up the city with spectacular parades and music celebrating Buddha's birthday.
The new route opens up connections across Northeast Asia through Virgin Atlantic's partnership with Korean Air and other SkyTeam airlines. British tourists can easily hop onwards to Japanese cities like Osaka, Tokyo and Okinawa, or venture further to Sydney, Brisbane and Auckland.
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Vietnam is becoming increasingly popular with UK travellers, and the Seoul hub makes reaching Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang much simpler. Hong Kong's also on the list of seamless connections.
It's not just Korean Air, either. Passengers can take advantage of codeshare agreements with Vietnam Airlines, China Eastern, China Airlines, Garuda Indonesia and Xiamen Airlines at Seoul's Incheon Airport.
Virgin Atlantic's chief commercial officer, Juha Jaervinen, said: "We're thrilled to be launching our new service to Seoul at one of the most captivating times to visit this vibrant and forward-looking city.
"From historic palaces and world-class shopping to a thriving food scene and cultural festivals, there's so much for travellers to explore."
It has a bustling and vibrant nightlife
|VIRGIN ATLANTIC
Beyond spring, Seoul offers year-round attractions. Busan's Haeundae Sand Festival in May features incredible sculptures by international artists. The Waterbomb Festival brings together K-pop stars and massive water fights in the summer.
In more new routes for Britons, American Airlines announced new flights between Edinburgh and New York City. The exciting new route will begin within months.
Those eager to take advantage of the extra flights can book now, with tickets available on the airline's website and mobile app.
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