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
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