Seoul

Seoul, South Korea

The capital and largest metropolis of South Korea situated on the Han River owes its origins to an ancient kingdom known as Baekje in history. The city's past is well encapsulated in some of its UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites like Changdeokgung Palace.

An aura of chic pervades the city which no fasionistas want to miss. High quality, pocket-friendly cosmetics and clothing never cease to pull in young crowds.

Getting around

• Changdeokgung Palace

  This huge complex, constructed with the imprimatur of the King Taejong in the early 15th century, contains a number of official and residential buildings set in a garden. Today, a large performance put on every hour provides interesting peeks into the Korean imperial court culture.

• N Seoul Tower

  The 237-meter-high tower has become the city's most photogenic icon. At night, six beams of lights depict a glittering floral pattern in the sky – "the Flower of Seoul".

• Myeong-dong

  This typical shopping venue presents a dazzling display of cosmetics, attire and all kinds of wares imaginable. Fortify yourself in a traditional Korean restaurant or teahouse after your feet become sore.

• Itaewon

  People from different countries speaking different languages shop around in distinctive shops or rest and shoot the breeze in street-front food joints.

• Cheonggyecheon

  This small river flowing through downtown Seoul is spanned by graceful bridges here and there, with high-rises looking over it. Lovey-dovey young things like to hang around.

  
  
  
• Insadong

  In this quaint neighborhood in downtown Seoul, watch buskers' performances or hunt for traditional Korean trinkets and souvenirs in shops of antiques, artworks and handicrafts.