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 FeedApril 2025
Apr 9, 2025Relax and Recharge in Blissful Bali
Known as the Island of Gods, Bali boasts more than 20,000 temples; two active volcanoes; some 2,000 species of fish and other sea life; a thriving arts scene; and an abundance of spa and wellness resorts. Its distinct religion, culture and natural setting have drawn travelers from around the globe for decades, many seeking a slice of serenity. Today Bali draws everyone from backpackers to business travelers and digital nomads to celebrities. David Bowie even dictated his ashes be scattered around Bali.
Sponsored Content
A Summer Sojourn Along Europe’s Rivers with AmaWaterways
This summer, elevate your vacation experience with award-winning AmaWaterways. Offering a seamless blend of unparalleled luxury, authentic cultural experiences and unrivaled service, AmaWaterways cruises are the perfect way to uncover the heart of Europe during the sunniest season with itineraries that glide along the continent’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro.
Daily
Apr 9, 2025Raffles Hotels & Resorts Comes to Lake Como
Raffles Hotels & Resorts recently announced plans for its Italian debut. The luxury brand will open Raffles Lake Como in 2027. The opening marks the first Raffles property in Italy and its fifth in Europe.
eFlyer News
Apr 9, 2025Radisson Individuals Brand Debuts in Kazakhstan
Radisson Hotel Group expands its presence in Kazakhstan with the opening of Sadu Hotel Almaty, the first Radisson Individuals property in the country. The new hotel strengthens the hotel brand’s presence in Central Asia.
Sponsored Content
Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive
Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.
eFlyer News
Apr 9, 2025First Underground Thermal Springs Spa and Hotel Opens in Portland, Oregon
CASCADA Thermal Springs + Hotel recently opened in Portland, Oregon, making it the first underground thermal springs spa and hotel within the city. A sanctuary transcending traditional self-care, this new spa and hotel boasts the largest hydrothermal spa in Portland. Guests can enjoy four underground pools of varying temperatures, as well as a steam room, sauna and ice therapy space.
Almyra Restaurant Review
eFlyer Reviews
Apr 9, 2025Exclusive April Promotions from Viking
eFlyer Deals
Apr 9, 2025Daily
Apr 9, 2025Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts to Debut in Texas
Hilton just announced the signing of a new-build Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country and Waldorf Astoria Residences Texas Hill Country, both slated to open in 2027. Situated less than two hours from Austin and San Antonio, these new properties will include 60 dedicated hotel guestrooms and suites; 37 branded, multibedroom resort villas eligible to participate in a hotel rental program as 74 additional keys; and 50 branded private residences.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach
Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.
Daily
Apr 8, 2025The Mayflower Hotel, Autograph Collection Celebrates 100 Years
Washington, D.C.’s, The Mayflower Hotel, Autograph Collection is celebrating its 100th anniversary with historical exhibits, sophisticated cocktails and a once-in-a-lifetime bookable hotel offer. Known as the Grande Dame of Washington, the hotel has been the backdrop for countless historic events.
ShareThis