From quaint traditional houses to glinting skyscrapers, the South Korean capital is a whirl of sights, bites and late nights
Seoul is a city that is a cool mix of old and new. Fashion- and technology-forward but also deeply traditional, this dynamic city mashes up palaces, temples, cutting-edge design and mountain trails, all to a nonstop K-Pop beat. Throughout the city, see temples and teahouses being used the same way they have been for centuries. Contrasting with a city offering the best restaurants, flavour packed Korean food, lounges, nightlife and karaoke – it’s a place that doesn’t sleep.
K-culture has ensured the metropolis’ a much-deserved heavyweight status, catapulting it to the top of many a bucket list within our generation. Whether they seek to discover its rich, and often tragic, history or simply to fully immerse as a BLINK, they do it knocking back the tastiest of brews (soup, coffee and soju alike). Got ‘K’ on the mind?
The seedy glamour of the city creeps up from behind you. But if you want to find solace, there are also numerous formal gardens and green spaces like the beautiful Naksan Park, temples and quiet side streets away from the incessant hustle.
Myeongdong, in the middle of Seoul’s city centre, is a great place to stay if you love shopping and want to be close to plenty of restaurants. It’s a hip area and one of the coolest places to stay. Gangnam lies in the heart of Seoul and close to many attractions with some of the best hotels in the city. Insadong is the ideal place for families and history lovers to stay. You can get a taste for Seoul’s rich history, find temples, palaces and good Korean food. Business travellers may choose to stay in Itaewon, a lively, multicultural neighbourhood, with many hotels. The Grand Hyatt in Yongsan-gu is a peaceful place to stay to discover the vibrant culture and beauty of South Korea, conveniently close to downtown Seoul with views of the Han River and Namsan Mountain.
Seoul is packed with plenty of accommodation options to experience history, culture, shopping and entertainment, whichever area you choose to stay.
Things to do
There are plenty of must-see places in Seoul with historic sites all over the city, beautiful sights, thrilling bars, innovative hotels and multiple restaurants serving up delicious Korean food. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Changdeokgung Palace is a stunning site to visit mainly because of its breathtaking secret garden, ornate pavilions and lotus pond. Also in the area is the traditional Bukchon Hanok Village and charming Jogyesa Temple. For art lovers, head to Leeum to see the significant collection of traditional Korean art as well as the Samsung Museum of Art.
For a stunning view over the city, head to Bukhansan Mountain or the N Seoul Tower observation desk. Shoppers should check out the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, with many shopping malls nearby to explore and some of the best Korean food from street stalls. Myeongdong is also a shopper’s paradise and one of the most popular tourist hotspots in Seoul.
Located in the historic district of Jongno-gu, Insa-dong is an arty neighbourhood where traditional meets modern. Known for its plethora of galleries, this is the perfect place to take a quick break between sightseeing. For a dose of culture, head to Bukchon, an old neighbourhood where laneways are lined with hanoks (traditional Korean houses), small shops and cafes. Gangnam is another place to add to your list, made famous by the song, filled with quirky karaoke bars, nightclubs, department stores and Bongeunsa Buddhist Temple. Seoul is one of the most stunning capital cities on the planet.
K-Pop fans should head to SMTOWN in the COEX centre. There’s a permanent exhibition of posters and photos about your fave K-Pop heroes signed to the famous SM Label, as well as a venue, cafe and a shop where you can snaffle merch. Open daily 11am-10pm.
What to Eat and Drink
Gohyang Kalguksu
This unassuming noodle stall may look like just another vendor in Gwangjang Market, but Netflix’s Street Food has only made it one of the most sought-after eats in the entire country. Prepare to brave hour-long lines to taste Cho Yonsoon’s knife-cut noodles and kimchi or pork-chive dumplings.
Gwangjang Market
Mung bean pancakes (bindaetteok) and kimbap (the Korean take on sushi-style rice rolls) are the things to eat here, but the choices are endless. One of Korea’s largest traditional markets, it was featured on the Netflix series Chef’s Table. Dozens of stalls fill the air with mouthwatering flavours and there are seats for you to perch on while you scoff your prize. Open daily 8.30am-6pm.
Blacklist
This low-lit, handsome little cocktail bar in the Itaewon neighbourhood is perfect for a late-night dram. There’s a rooftop for warmer nights, and whisky fans are especially well catered for on a creative menu of drinks. Open Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday 7pm-3am; Tuesday, Friday and Sunday 7pm-midnight.
Where to Stay
L7 Hongdae by LOTTE
Situated in the heart of Hongdae, L7 is a hipster hangout inspired by the youth of the surrounding streets. Its Blue Roof Lounge boasts a library, art exhibit and vinyl collection, whilst the Floating bar provides an energetic space to toast as sunset speckles over the adjacent pool.
Intercontinental Grand Seoul Parnas
Tricked-out and palatial, this huge hotel welcomes guests with a spectacular five-floor atrium, pool and sports centre, and a breakfast spread featuring freshly prepared Korean specialities like kimbap and chili ramen. It’s situated in the chart-topping, modern Gangnam district.
