Named number 3 in the Rough Guides’ ‘Top 10 Cities’ 2016, South Korea’s capital is also due to be in the spotlight in the run up to the 2018 Winter Olympics, which is being held in the resort of Pyeongchang just over 100 miles away. A temple to convenience, consumerism and pop culture at first glance, Seoul is a city with hidden depths just waiting to be plumbed.
This mega metropolis, home to around 20 million people, flows over the contours of the landscape of the Han River valley, coming to a finite stop at the foot of the four guardian mountains that surround it. Seoul is the definition of a 24-hour city; its streets a constant hive of activity, bars and restaurants serving all day and all night, and the ubiquitous karaoke bars pumping out tunes at all hours. Behind this neon, modernist façade though, is a city that has been a seat of power on the Korean peninsula since the 1300s, where deep seated traditions are still very much a part of daily life. The best place to witness this traditional side is in the heart of the city where you’ll find the beautiful old palaces, wandering amongst the warren of streets of Insadong with its wealth of little shops, tea houses and art galleries or admiring the hanok (traditional wooden houses) of Bukchon.
The South Korean’s see change as a positive force, and so the chic cafes, restaurants, bars and even architecture are in a constant state of change, giving the city an extra vibrancy and excitement. One thing that won’t change though? The delicious cuisine. Whilst there is a huge range of global and fusion food options, authentic Korean food can be found anywhere, anytime. Becoming a worldwide phenomenon thanks to its exquisite flavourings and healthy properties, whether you are looking for a full on feast or just a snack, there is no better place to taste it.
With its unsurpassed energy and cultural undercurrents, Seoul is a city where you not only need to see the sights but really absorb the lifestyle to have a proper experience. So wander the shopping streets, admire the palaces, walk the old city wall and admire the views from atop the N Seoul Tower, but also eat, drink and sing karaoke with the locals, embrace the ultra-cool modern skyscrapers and chic fashions, and you’ll come away feeling well and truly Seouled.