SOUTH KOREA
SEOUL
Seoul, South Korea’s capital, draws visitors for business and leisure pursuits. Old meets new in the dynamic city, mingling modern skyscrapers with stunning views and ancient temples throughout.
GETTING THERE & AROUND
Incheon International Airport is the largest airport in South Korea, located about 30 miles outside of Seoul. Travelers can take a taxi, bus or train from the airport into the city. Traffic can be heavy in the city, so public transportation proves the best way to get around once in Seoul. The subway system is extensive and inexpensive, providing clearly marked maps and signs in English. Be aware: The system is closed midnight–5:30 a.m. While the city is too large to travel solely by foot, some neighborhoods are easily walkable.
LODGING
Lotte Hotel Seoul The landmark luxury hotel offers multiple dining outlets, shopping, a business center, spa, pool and golf driving range. The property boasts a convenient location in Seoul’s Central Business District. 30 Eulji-ro, Euljiro 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea, tel 82 2 771 1000 lottehotel .com Park Hyatt Seoul Located in Seoul’s Gangnam district, Park Hyatt Seoul offers stunning panoramic views of the city from the 24th-floor lobby. The hotel’s spa and fitness center should not be missed. 606 Teheran-ro, Daechi-dong, Gangnamgu, Seoul, South Korea, tel 82 2 2016 1234 hyatt.com The PLAZA Seoul, Autograph Collection The PLAZA Seoul is located steps away from some of Seoul’s most popular attractions. The property boasts more than 20,000 square feet of meeting space, multiple dining outlets, a spa, indoor pool and airport shuttle service. 119 Sogong-ro, Taepyeongno 2(i)-ga,
Royal Reign: Gyeongbokgung Palace PHOTO: © PANYA KHAMTUY - DREAMSTIME.COM
Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea, tel 82 2 771 2200 marriott.com
ATTRACTIONS
Dooreyoo The charming restaurant in Bukchon Hanok Village serves traditional Korean dishes alongside vegetable dishes using preparations that originated in Korean temples.
Bukchon Hanok Village The traditional Korean village sits atop a hill between Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeok Palace and Jongmyo Royal Shrine. The village features many alleyways and hanoks, traditional Korean houses. It is preserved to show what life looked like during the Joseon Dynasty. Popular among tourists and locals, the village is free to visit.
65 Bukchon-ro, Gahoe-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea, tel 82 2 743 2468
37, Gahoe-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea, tel 82 2 2133 1371 hanok.seoul.go.kr
Jungsik Seoul Experience new Korean cuisine at Jungsik Seoul. Familiar Korean dishes receive an innovative spin at the two-Michelin-starred restaurant. There is a second location in New York City.
Gyeongbokgung Palace Built during the Joseon Dynasty in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace was the first and largest of the five royal palaces. Since then, the palace has been gradually restored following a fire in the late 1500s. The National Palace Museum and National Folk Museum are also located on the palace premises. The entire complex is open to the public.
DINING
11 Seolleung-ro 158-gil, Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea, tel 82 2 517 4654 jungsik.kr Mingles Since opening in 2014, Mingles has appeared on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list and received two Michelin stars. Diners enjoy classic Korean cuisine “mingling” with culinary traditions from around the world. 19 Dosan-daero 67-gil, Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea, tel 82 2 515 7306 restaurant-mingles.com
161 Sajik-ro, Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea, tel 82 2 3700 3900 royalpalace.go.kr Myeongdong The popular shopping area boasts an eclectic mix of luxury stores, international fashion brands, casual Korean restaurants, vendors selling street food, Korean cosmetic stores and large department stores. Myeongdong Cathedral and Myeongdong Nanta Theatre are also located in this neighborhood. GLOBAL CITY GUIDEBOOK 2021 globaltravelerusa.com
61
