FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Seoul Sizzles with Food, Fashion, Palaces and Pageantry

by Gregory D. McCluney

Mar 22, 2021

© SANGA PARK | DREAMSTIME .COM

March 2021

Like the frenetic kitchen of a sold-out Korean restaurant, Seoul is hot, sizzling, a 24/7 mass of energy. Yet few travelers have the bustling South Korean capital of 25 million people at the top of their bucket list of destinations.

Seoul may not possess the panache of Paris, the royal history of London or the flair of New York City. What it does offer is thousands of years of history, mega-shopping for the latest fashions, a vibrant food scene particular to Korean customs and tastes, five palaces, pageantry, casinos, clubs and exciting attractions to please business visitors or entice families. Add to this a favorable exchange rate ($1 equals 1,103 won) and lots of English-speaking young people you won’t find in most other Asian countries.

When you’ve settled in your hotel (there’s one to fit every budget) and rested from the major time change, you’ll find subways and taxis provide the best way to see the city. Purchase a T-money card for the subway and enjoy the good maps and English signage at most stops. Taxi drivers rarely speak English but can translate using smartphones (keep the business cards provided by your hotel). Taxis are reasonable, clean and abundant. Unless you read or speak Korean, the bus system will prove an unnecessary challenge.

The Han River divides Seoul into two major sections: north (Gangbuk) and south (Gangnam). The northerly, older section houses many tourist sites while the south, the new Seoul, is more affluent and the place to be seen with the latest fashions and technology.

Each section further divides into many distinct neighborhoods. You’ll most likely navigate to a destination by finding these neighborhoods, such as the popular tourist area of Insa-dong or the palace area of Gyeongbokgung. Shopping exists in almost every neighborhood, with many retailers specializing in crafts, high fashion, sports clothing and electronics. You’ll find only two actual enclosed malls, with multiple levels and international brands.

© SEBASTIAN CZAPNIK | DREAMSTIME.COM

Get your bearings with a visit to the N Seoul Tower, the highest point in the city. Take a cable car and then a fast elevator to the top for a 360-degree view of the city. At sunset you get a different view on a Han River cruise, no advance reservations necessary.

After cruising the city, drop into one of the many “meat houses,” where you cook your own entrée over a flaming grill built into the middle of each table while you socialize with other guests. Servers bring a host of side items to accompany your freshly grilled meats. It’s all for fun, and you may make some new Korean friends during the evening.

For those interested, a daytrip to the DMZ border with North Korea can prove either fascinating or scary. One million troops stand guard on the most heavily fortified border in the world. Either full-day or half-day tours are available, including travel time, and may not be ideal for all family groups, although many do make the trip. Visitors witness awesome military pageantry and get a glimpse of what it means to live in a divided country.

You can spend almost a full day in Korea’s premier museum, the National, the sixth- largest in the world. Its three floors display thousands of artifacts, archaeological objects, an entire floor of fine arts featuring more than 800 works and yet another strictly for Asian art.

Few visitors to Seoul pass up a visit to the royal palace complex of Gyeongbokgung, an easy subway ride from almost any hotel. Situated in the heart of the city, it includes a performing arts center, throne room, meditation pond and more historic buildings, including the National Folk Museum.

As you’ll be doing a lot of walking in the city and crossing the river several times a day, take a break at one of the Han River’s bridge cafés. Relax and order a cool iced drink or green tea and plan your next stop while the city buzzes around you, always in high gear.

For visitors who want a hands-on Korean experience, a visit to Korea House near Myeondong offers a cultural arts experience as well as a restaurant. With demonstrations on making kimchi, hanji (paper craft) and traditional dance, each class lasts about two hours. In the evening some of Korea’s top performers take over with traditional dance and music performances, with English subtitles.

After dinner, head to Itaewon to experience a mix of Seoul’s nightlife. Here a combination of tourists, U.S. military, businesspeople and local Korean students and lovers come to see and be seen. On weekends, hot clubs like Soap Seoul have folks spilling out of the front doors and into the street. For LGBTQ+ visitors, the most popular bars, dance clubs and karaoke bars may be found in both Itaewon and Jongno. The fun continues in the Hongdae (university) neighborhood, where students gather to dance and sing in private karaoke rooms.

In this Korean city, there’s always more action just around the corner.

LODGING

InterContinental Grand Seoul Parnas
Known for its central location, spacious rooms and exceptional service for business travelers, this newly renovated hotel welcomes groups and families as well. Enjoy the spa, pool, lounge and first- class restaurants, including a deli.
521 Teheran-ro, Gangnam
$$$$

Park Hyatt Seoul
Offering contemporary luxury with fantastic views and a great location near COEX mall, the hotel features a spa, pool and an excel- lent restaurant with a home-style Italian menu.
606 Teheran-ro, Gangnam
$$$

The Shilla Seoul
For a slightly more Korean hotel experience, The Shilla offers luxury and superb service among Korean art and décor. International travelers return to enjoy the 23 private acres, Michelin-starred restaurant and private shopping arcade.
249 Dongho-ro, Jung-gu
$$$

DINING

Balwoo Gongyang
A unique experience awaits at this superb restaurant (reserve ahead) operated by monks from Seoul’s main Buddhist temple. The menu features creative continental and temple cuisine, but the vegetarian option stands out. Great for kids.
Temple Stay Information Integration Center, 56 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu
$$

Doore
Dine like royalty in a 1900s hanok wooden building, a showcase for Korean art. True Imperial cuisine comes on fixed or à la carte menus.
5-24 Insadong 4-gil, Jongno-gu
$$

Samcheonggak
Travel up the hill to the presidential Blue House for a Korean take on international fine dining, at half the cost of Europe or New York, in beautiful rooms with a view. Choose the continental fixed menu.
3 Daesagwan-ro, Seongbuk-gu
$$$$

INFO TO GO

Because of the worldwide reach of the South Korean business network, the city’s Incheon Airport is a model of efficiency and design. Carriers offer direct flights and connections to most of the world’s capitals and beyond. Service to and from other Asian countries is frequent and convenient. Some routes within Asia utilize Gimpo (GMP), a second Seoul airport. The big three U.S. carriers offer service with several non-stops. Once on the ground, passage through customs and immigration is quick and efficient. Reach the city center in less than an hour by rail, express airport bus or taxi. Remember, you need not tip in Korea. You can exchange currency for the local won at ATMs in banks and some retail spots. Major international credit cards are widely accepted. For the best weather, visit in the fall or spring.

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
Jun 19, 2025

The Spa at Terranea Debuts $4.5 Million Renovation

Located at Terranea Resort, a 102-acre oceanfront resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, The Spa at Terranea recently completed a $4.5 million renovation of its facilities, led by RVD Associates, a Los Angeles-based, full-service interior design firm. The 50,000-square-foot spa boasts new décor throughout, a new entry and lobby, modernized lockers and bathrooms, refreshed treatment rooms and lounge areas, and a revitalization of the outdoor areas.

Three New Routes from TAP Air Portugal as Airline Celebrates 80 Years

TAP Air Portugal offers three new routes to Portugal:  from Boston (BOS) to Porto (OPO), Los Angeles (LAX) to Lisbon (LIS) and San Francisco (SFO) to Terceira (TER) in the Azores.

Daily
Jun 18, 2025

Don’t Miss These 5 Exceptional Museums in Budapest

There’s a magic to Budapest that’s hard to define. It may be the light or scents or even sounds — regardless, a great way to get a feel for this beautiful location is through its outstanding collection of museums. Here are a few to consider:

Daily
Jun 18, 2025

A New Coastal Community Rises in the Dominican Republic

Real estate development firm BECCA and strategic architecture and planning partner GRITT teamed up for a new project, The Don Dom. This new gated residential complex is set to open in 2027 in the heart of Dominicus-Bayahibe, and aims to blend the ease of resort-style living with comfort and privacy.

Sail Unique with Explora Journeys

SAIL UNIQUE: A New Chapter in Luxury Ocean Travel Imagine a place where modern European elegance meets the rhythm of the sea — where time slows down, and every detail is crafted to inspire connection and quiet indulgence. This is Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean brand from MSC Group created to redefine how we explore the world.

eFlyer Reviews
Jun 18, 2025

W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal Review

On Costa Rica’s north Pacific Coast, the tranquil, 150-room W Reserva Conchal is located in a 2,300-acre, government-protected wildlife preserve encapsulating much of the country’s incredible eco-diversity. Habitats include mangroves, estuaries and a tropical dry forest; these places are home to howler monkeys, coatis, iguanas, magpie-jays, and perhaps a jaguar... if you can tear yourself from your room, that is. My Spectacular Ocean Escape was exactly that, decked out in vibrant hues to mirror the expansive views of lush foliage and tropical flowers (and ocean beyond), while incorporating indigenous patterns of tico culture. Design details included a green leather headboard and free-form leather sofa, a blue and orange mural, and tropical hardwood furnishings and paneling. A surfboard was reimagined into a shelf for the coffee station in a clever nod to the region’s surfing culture. The massive bathroom’s oversized shower looks out onto the vegetation, and my balcony was the perfect nook to sip wine with a side of sunset.

June 2025
Jun 18, 2025

Immerse in a Blissful Haven of Wellness at AVA Resort Cancun and Its New Spa

It’s hard to imagine a mother’s trip with her adult daughter could get any better. We’d lounged by what’s likely the largest pool in Cancún — perhaps even on the Riviera Maya — sharing secrets and consummate laughter. We chose gluttonously from an array of 17 compelling bars and restaurants, each with its own theme, from Mexican to Italian to Japanese; practiced yoga atop a promontory hovering over the sea; and toasted sunsets with margaritas. But now, when pampering wellness calls, we spend the day in Mexico’s buzziest new spa: The SPA at AVA. Amazingly, while at the spa, things get yet more mother-daughter, bond-making sweet ... our trip’s absolute pièce de résistance.

Lech Walesa on Tour: A Conversation with a Man Who Changed the World

Some events change a nation. Some change the world.

eFlyer Lead
Jun 18, 2025

Anti-Tourism Protests Ramp Up in Europe

From firing water guns to forcing the Louvre to shut down, protests have escalated across Southern Europe in response to overtourism. Overtourism is a growing problem in popular destinations around the world, affecting the environment, cost of living, housing availability and the overall happiness of locals.