Seoul is a city of past, present and future. A technology hub and Asia’s top trendsetter, the capital city also has plenty of history to offer: one can be transported to bygone eras by happening upon the grand palaces and monuments scattered all over the city. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss.

The city in a nutshell

Everything moves at lightning speed in Seoul – from the K-pop to bullet trains, sky-high LED displays and the mobile internet speed, which is by far the world’s fastest at 26.7Mbps. There’s no bad time to explore the South Korean capital. Each season offers an array of culture, art, music and sporting events. But by all means, cherry blossom season (between March and April) should be the top of your list. One activity that’s weatherproof? The year-round, 24-hour shopping in the Dongdaemun markets.

The half-day itinerary

Get a crash course on Korea’s glorious past with a trip to the magnificent Changdeokgung Palace (99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu), which was restored in the 17th century. Your understanding of the country continues at Gyeongbokgung (161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu), the largest and arguably most stunning palace in town.

Fast-forward to the future at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (281 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu), an imposing masterpiece created by the late Zaha Hadid. The gargantuan cultural complex is home to art halls, museums, design markets, parks and so much more. Unsurprisingly, this spaceship-like structure was 2015’s most-tagged Instagram location in Korea.

Hip denizens and expats can be found mingling at Glam Lounge (26 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu), a trendy bar in the heart of Itaewon, the city’s international entertainment district. Dress smartly to make a good impression amongst the famously fashionable Koreans.

Where the business crowd meets

There are street food carts and casual diners aplenty, but when it comes to treating clients or business-related celebrations, Koreans take protocols seriously. Classy upscale restaurants – ranging from the traditional Bicena (267 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu) or the contemporary fare at Jung Sikdang (11 Seolleung-ro 158 gil, Gangnam-gu) – will surely impress. As for formal sips, biz crowds prefer elegant speakeasy-style bars in Gangnam. Le Chamber (42 Dosan-daero 55-gil, Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu) and Alice (47 Dosandaero 55-gil, Gangnam-gu) are preferred venues for intimate talks over fancy absinthe or whisky cocktails, with award-winning bartenders and secret apothecaries to match.

Sleep, eat, play

Park Hyatt Seoul: Experience true Gangnam style at the sleek and simple Park Hyatt, a glass tower located in the heart of the business district. seoul.park.hyatt.com

SUM Cafe: S.M. Entertainment, a showbiz giant behind prominent pop acts like Super Junior, EXO and Girls’ Generation, opened this celebrity-endorsed cafe within its head office to much fanfare. A touristy stop for sure, but it’s exciting to be surrounded by the young energy of South Korea right inside the beating heart of Korean pop culture. smtownland.com

Rickshaws: An old-fashioned rickshaw ride around historic areas such as Bukchon Hanok Village or Seochon Village is a whimsical way to enjoy sightseeing – from hidden alleyways to bustling thoroughfares – without breaking your heels. rideartee.com

Namsan Cable Car: Ride a cable car up to Namsan Tower, the city’s landmark, for the best view of the futuristic downtown.

PP Seoul: Get a blast from the past at PP Seoul, a laid-back rooftop lounge facing red brick buildings built in the ’70s and ’80s.

LUXE City Guides resident editor Inès Cho is an East-meets-West cosmopolitan living in Seoul. She has worked for International New York Times and is creative director of her family design business. 

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