A New Kind of Seoul

Seoul, South Korea has long been a favourite city amongst Asian tourists. They’ve always known that where New York is the city that never sleeps, Seoul is the city that never stops.

The streets of Gangnam, Hongdae and Dongdaemun are in a 24-hour flow and flux of places to eat, drink and play.

More recently, as BTS begins to dominate the world’s music stages from New York to Japan, and kimchi explodes on to the culinary scene from food trucks in California to restaurants in Russia, a newfound curiosity and love of South Korean pop culture, food and fashion have spread globally. People want to know more, see more, and experience more.

Photos of Incheon International Airport Seoul, S. Korea.

From the time you arrive at Incheon airport with its slick, futuristic design, and its array of facilities such as the golf course, skating rink, and casino, you know you’ve landed in a first world city, one that could be described as fast, from the internet connection to the trains.

This fast-paced city offers an experience like no other.

It’s a place that has the most and best of everything: the most art openings per square metre (visit the Nature Poem building), the largest underground mall in Asia (Coex Mall) and the best high tech bargains in the world (Yongsan Electronics Market.) It’s a place where the past, present and the future have intersected in a way that will surprise and maybe even shock you but will definitely leave you feeling inspired.

If you prefer to slow the pace down visit any of the 3 World heritage sites such as Changdeokgung Palace, spoil yourself with a bit of pampering at Dragon Hill spa or step into a Norae Bang (karaoke lounge) for a bit of fun and laughter.

Seoul will keep you entertained from sunrise to sunset and beyond.

How to get there:

From major cities in South Africa, a number of airlines such as Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific fly into Incheon airport.

The flight duration is approximately 17 hours and 5 minutes.

Best Time to Visit:

During the months of March to May and September to November, the weather is more moderate and not as hot and humid.

Where to stay:

The Shilla Seoul.

https://www.lhw.com/hotel/The-Shilla-Seoul-Seoul-Korea

This hotel epitomises all that is Seoul, an ode to traditional heritage with all the benefits of contemporary luxury.

It offers everything from a gym, a spa, an indoor golf range and a shopping arcade. It has all you need in one space.

Where to eat:

Try a few local dishes such as Bibimbap at Go-gung restaurant, Galbi at Budnamujip restaurant and steaming noodles at Myeongdong Gyoja.

Stop in at any of the little cafes and have a latte and maybe even some green tiramisu.

Things to do:

If you’re in need of a little relaxation after a day of shopping and exploring, visit a jjimjibang (Korean sauna) to sweat out the stress.

After dinner, take a cable car ride to the top of N Seoul Tower where you get panoramic views of Seoul.

Get instagram happy at the Banpo Bridge and its Moonlight Rainbow Fountain. It’s the world’s longest bridge fountain and probably the most photogenic too. The water shoots out of LED nozzles creating a spectacular light show.

Experience some Korean street style at Hera Seoul Fashion week

For more information visit www.seoulfashionweek.org.

To keep you in the know:

BTS is an all boy pop group. The name stands for Bangtan Sonyeondan which means Bullet Proof Boy Scouts

Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish made from fermented cabbage and is served at every meal.

Bibimbap is a rice bowl mixed with vegetables, beef, and chilli paste and in some cases topped with a fried egg

Galbi is marinated barbecued ribs that you grill yourself over a sunken barbeque at the centre of the table

Norae bang (pronounced bung) is a room that can be hired out for a few hours to do karaoke

Jjimjibang – traditional Korean sauna

Find me at @lisamarielawler on twitter or instagram for any South East Asian travel advice