To us, the capital of South Korea kiiiind of feels like the capital of the world. Brimming with karaoke bars, fantastic museums and insanely good food, this city is the kind of place you'll never be bored.
Not famous for the food but for the combination of drinking and singing your heart away. For three hours, immerse yourself in a classic Korean karaoke bar. Sip soju or a local beer as you sing your go-to karaoke song, will it be Prince, Dua Lipa or Celine Dion?
Sip on the best selection of craft beer you’ll find in Seoul at Kiwa Taproom. During the day, enjoy the light-filled space, and at night vibe in the ancient glow.
One of Seoul’s cultural highlights, the Leeum museum consists of two parts, one of which houses traditional Korean art, the other contemporary art fusing together Korean antiquities with important modern and contemporary art. The architecture by Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel and Rem Koolhaas makes it even more worthwhile.
This massive skyscraper offers the best panoramic views of the city. Enjoy the observation deck and grab a meal at Seoul's highest restaurant, The 123F Lounge, after.
Miro Sikdang is a casual dinner spot known for delicious Korean classics like seafood and spring onion pancakes, and grilled pork neck, paired with fresh seasonal ingredients. Grab a table, enjoy a beer, and taste away!
Seoul has no lack of museums and galleries, but we recommend the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art the most. Take in the beautiful paintings and sculptures as you stroll.
Fermentation-forward is the approach of Mukjung, which serves modern twists to traditional Korean dining. Chef Austin Kang creates a menu guided upon health and wellbeing; tofu hummus is served with a pickled apricot extract and conch escargot is topped with a mint pesto and crumble.
Peched on top of the Namsan Mountain, the Namsan Tower is an iconic landmark that presents a captivating combination of fantastic panoramic views, cultural richness, and a romantic atmosphere.
Namdaemun is the largest traditional market in Seoul. This bustling area attracts many visitors as shop owners sell mostly handmade goods - perfect place to pick up a unique gift to bring back home.
Just across the street from the Gyeongbokgung Palace, Onjium is an incredible, fine-dining, experience dedicated to preserving Korean food traditions. A light-filled, concrete space with a menu based off using seasonal ingredients in dishes which have been reimagined for centuries. Make sure to check out its in-house clothing and design studio.
Built around traditional Korean food inspired by owner, Pak Mogua's mother, Parc is the ideal, chic address for a lunch after visiting the Leeum Museum. On the menu are homestyle Korean comfort meals with a set menu which changes daily according to the season.
This charming hotel village has achieved perfect harmony between traditional Korean design and its natural surroundings. Feel at ease when you step into your own minimalistic, light-filled Hanok. The great location allows for exploring the best restaurants nearby, after which you can come back and enjoy a spa experience to wind down.
Craving Korean barbecue? Us too. Head to Saebyukjib in Gangnam for mouth-watering food and excellent service. They are open 24 hours a day, so it's the perfect spot for a late night bite after singing your heart out at the karaoke bars.
Balancing perfectly in between comfortable casual fare and haute cuisine, Samwon Garden is a great option for Korean barbecue. High ceilings and glass walls combined with the Korean aesthetics of empty space adds a sense of openness to this dining room.
This lively restaurant offers traditional food with a modern twist, and has great drinks to enjoy while you savor each bite. You are bound to have a great experience here.
Within the Hyundai Department store is the largest indoor garden in Korea. If you sadly cannot make it to one of the beautiful mountains around Seoul, you can hear and feel the echoes of the forest inside to get your fix of nature.
This beautiful library is a perfect escape from the busy city. Starfield Library is heaven for bookworms and design lovers. Check their website for any fun events going on!
Koreans are good at many things, but if there's something they excel at it is flawless skin. Pop in for a futuristic facial or the ultimate skincare routine to take home.
Modern Chinese cuisine in a nice restaurant with a small garden. The gourmet dishes are delicious, we especially love the peking duck.
Natural wines rule here at wildduck & canteen, so abandon any plans you had for a classic Nebbiolo. This relaxed neighbourhood spot is ideal for delicious American-style small plates and fresh, funky wines.
This fuss-free family restaurant serves the best cold noodle soup in Seoul. Get a table for lunch and feel blown away by traditional flavors.
If you want to be close to all the hotspots, like Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Jongmyo Shrine and the Seoul Museum of Art, but still somewhere peaceful and quiet, Nostalgia is the place to stay. It's really the best of both worlds, with traditional wooden ceilings and vintage furniture with modern art and contemporary bathrooms with big tubs. No two hanoks (the are six) are the same: one has a courtyard and a foot spa, another has a ceramics studio where you can take pottery lessons. Throughout your stay, you can even rent Polaroid cameras or telescopes to spy the Seven Views of Bukchon - the little details are taken care of here.
Tucked away down one of the alleys near Anguk Station, Buckhon is a traditional Korean tea house set within a hanok. Stop by after exploring the historically rich neighbourhood for an afternoon pick-me-up, whether it’s a Minary Breeze combining herbs and licorice, or a more classically flavoured green tea.
Even if you're not into mochi, you simply must swing by Jaiso. Each bite is like a tiny work of art.