This exciting capital city fosters every aspect of the Korean Wave (hallyu), the worldwide fascination with Korean culture. Here visitors may immerse themselves in popular music and art as well as traditional culture, food, literature and language through festivals and events throughout the year. Tourists and business travelers alike find Seoul satisfies their every whim and need.
GETTING THERE & AROUND
While Gimpo International Airport is closer to Seoul (about 11 miles), Incheon International Airport (about 35 miles from Seoul) hosts the majority of international flights. Connect with the city via train, bus, taxi or town car. Once in Seoul, avoid heavy traffic by using the extensive and inexpensive public transit system. An English-language Seoul Subway app and a public transportation card make it easy to use; taxis are also plentiful and can be hailed on the street or through the use of an app.
LODGING
RYSE, Autograph Collection
This boutique Hongdae property seeks to inspire creators and makers of the world by connecting with them through art infused in every space. In addition to the usual amenities, find a rooftop club; open gym; and the Print Culture Lounge with an extensive collection of books, magazines and vinyl records.
130 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea,
tel 82 2 330 7700
The SHILLA Hotel Seoul
Conveniently located in Central Seoul, close to shopping and cultural attractions, this luxury property also offers a resort-style outdoor terrace and pool complex, private cabanas, walking trails and jogging courses.
249 Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea,
tel 82 2 2233 3131
Located in the tallest building in Korea, this property offers stunning views from every guestroom as well as the world’s highest hotel ballroom and event spaces. Guests enjoy access to a fitness center, salon, spa, sauna and indoor pool.
300 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea,
tel 82 2 3213 1000
DINING
Byeokje Galbi
Offering the quintessential Korean barbecue experience, Byeokje Galbi serves up legendary beef short ribs, cooked to order at charcoal-fired grills embedded in every table. Other favorites: buckwheat cold noodles, kimchi, bulgogi and sweet pumpkin.
1-4 Yangja-daero 71-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul,
South Korea, tel 82 2 392 8308
Kojima
One of the finest sushi restaurants in Korea, Kojima boasts two Michelin stars and great views in addition to a traditional omakase experience featuring the day’s freshest, most delicious fish. Snag a seat at the chef’s counter to watch the master at work.
21 Apgujeong-ro 60-gil, Gangnam-gu, Boontheshop Cheongdam A, 6F, Seoul, South Korea, tel 82 2 2056 1291
La Yeon
This 2-Michelin-starred restaurant serves up traditional Korean cuisine with a contemporary flare in an elegant space boasting views of Namsan Park. An extensive saké list and wine pairings add to the fine-dining experience.
The SHILLA Hotel Seoul, 23F, 249 Dongho-ro,
Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea, tel 82 2 2230 3367
ATTRACTIONS
Changdeokgung Palace
Known for its exceptional harmony with its natural surroundings and excellent layout, this UNESCO World Heritage site is regarded as the most Korean-style palace and features the lovely 15th-century Secret Garden with its many pavilions and ponds
built into the terrain of the mountain.
99, Yukgij-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea,
tel 82 2 3668 2300
Gwangjang Market
One of the largest traditional markets in Korea, it is known for its vintage clothing, fabric and hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) vendors, but many visitors come for the food. Here find a variety of traditional dishes; vegetarian options; and fresh produce, seafood and side dishes.
88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South
Korea, tel 82 2 2267 0291
Hiking in Seoul
Located within the city itself, Bukhansan National Park offers a natural retreat and numerous hiking trails on Bukhansan Mountain. The Seoul Hiking Tourism Center provides everything you may need: appropriate clothing and boots for rent (reservations suggested), multilingual information services, guidebooks and maps, luggage storage and lockers, and shower and changing facilities.
Seoul Hiking Tourism Center, 5F, 52, Samyang-ro
173-gil, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea,
tel 82 2 1533 2608
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Dec 13, 2024The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Launches Holiday Programming
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota invites travelers to experience the magic of the holiday season with a full lineup of festive programming.
Sponsored Content
Discover the Pristine Beauty of the Sporades Islands
Nestled in the northwest Aegean Sea, the Sporades Islands are a hidden gem of Greece, offering breathtaking natural beauty and unique experiences for every traveler. Comprised of four main islands — Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros — this island cluster is renowned for its lush pine forests, crystal-clear waters and idyllic beaches.
Daily
Dec 13, 2024Rediscover Bambu Indah: Transformative Luxury and Green Beauty in Ubud’s Agrarian Riverside
Bambu Indah is a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel high on the Sayan Ridge, 15 minutes from the town of Ubud on the island of Bali in Indonesia. Surrounded by rice paddies, nestled among jungle trees and situated along the great Ayung River, Bambu Indah is an authentic nature sanctuary.
Daily
Dec 13, 2024Taste Your Way Through Japan with These Unique Experiences
Ever wanted to embark on an udon-tasting journey around one of Japan’s prefectures? How about a soy-sauce tasting on an island? Up your trip to Japan with these unique, culinary-inspired experiences, sure to leave you with a full belly and some good stories.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City
They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.
Daily
Dec 12, 2024Indulge in Holiday Decadence at London’s St. James’s Hotel & Club, an Althoff Collection Hotel
The elegant, 5-star St. James’s Hotel & Club, an Althoff Collection Hotel, rolls out the Yule Tide welcome log this season with holiday treats that include special menus, caroling, a Festive Afternoon Tea, and views from its roof gardens and private suite terraces of New Year’s Eve fireworks bursting over the city. Decorated Christmas trees and baskets of clementines adorn guestrooms and suites, and this year’s Nutcracker theme will be evident in tree ornaments, banister decorations and red-and-green nutcracker figurines greeting guests as they arrive at the hotel.
6 Raffles Hotels & Resorts for Holiday Experiences
Daily
Dec 12, 2024Orient Express Announces First-Ever Hotel
Daily
Dec 12, 2024Canne Bianche Lifestyle & Hotel Review
eFlyer Reviews
Dec 11, 2024eFlyer News
Dec 11, 2024Air France & KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Partner with Kolet for Mobile Connectivity
Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines announced a new partnership with Kolet, a French eSIM technology specialist, to offer reliable mobile connectivity in more than 190 countries.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Relaunches Direct Casablanca–Beijing Route, Debuts Toronto Flight
As part of its international network expansion, Royal Air Maroc will reinstate the direct Casablanca–Beijing route initially launched in January 2020 and suspended just a few weeks later due to the health crisis.
eFlyer News
Dec 11, 2024Viking Names and Delivers Newest Ship in Italy
It’s been a month to remember for Viking, with the luxury cruise line announcing the name and delivery of its newest ocean ship, Viking Vela. The new boat joins Viking’s growing fleet of award-winning ocean ships and will spend her inaugural season sailing in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
ShareThis