South Korea — Travelrags

National GeographicJul 11, 2026

The best place to experience South Korea's k-hiking? Seoul's urban mountains

In South Korea’s capital, a crown of forested mountains and centuries-old battlements are often populated by local hikers — and travellers can join them.

21 things in this story

HongdaeNeighborhoodneighborhood of boutiques and coffeeshops
Namdaemun MarketMarketmarket for picking up ingredients for lunch
MyeongdongTrain stationneon-lit stores popular with teenagers
JegidongNeighborhoodshops selling traditional cure-alls
NaksanParkwooded peak surrounding the old city
BukhansanTrailrugged national park for hiking and rock-climbing
NamsanSightIt was also known as Mongmyeoksan in the past.
BugaksanSightIt famously overlooks the former royal palace Gyeongbokgung as well as the presidential residence, the Blue House.
InwangsanSightdome-shaped granite peak on northwest side
Seoul City WallsTrailmedieval walls zigzagging over hilltops for 12 miles
HyehwamunSightoriginal northeastern city gate
SukjeongmunSightoriginal northern city gate
ChanguimunSightoriginal northwestern city gate
N Seoul TowerViewpoint1970s tower with observation deck on Namsan
Cheonggyecheon StreamSightgreen oasis in the centre of the metropolis
GwangjangMarketmarket for street food
Seoul Folk Flea MarketMarketmarket for souvenirs like vintage vinyl
Bukchon Hanok VillageAttractionlow-rise neighborhood with traditional hanok houses
National Folk MuseumMuseummuseum about shamanism, folk songs, legends
The Heidelberg ProjectSight
IngwansanSight

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Condé Nast TravelerJan 2

7 Libraries Set Inside UNESCO World Heritage Sites

From a Swiss abbey to a national park in Korea, these UNESCO-approved sites are home to stunning libraries.

17 things in this story

University of Coimbra Alta and SofiaSightUNESCO World Heritage Site in Portugal
Biblioteca JoaninaMuseumBaroque library inside the University of Coimbra
Abbey of St. GallSightUNESCO World Heritage Site in Switzerland
Abbey LibraryMuseumOne of Europe's oldest continuous learning spaces
Plan of St. GallPlaceOne of the world's most important monastic plan drawings
Historic Center of PueblaNeighborhoodUNESCO World Heritage Site in Mexico
Biblioteca PalafoxianaMuseumFirst public library in the Americas
Historic Center of PragueNeighborhoodUNESCO World Heritage Site in Czech Republic
Strahov Monastery LibraryMuseumLibrary complex with two main halls
Historic Center of FlorenceNeighborhoodUNESCO World Heritage Site in Italy
Biblioteca Medicea LaurenzianaMuseumLibrary established to consolidate Medici family manuscripts
Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El EscorialSightUNESCO World Heritage Site in Spain
Library of the Monastery of El EscorialMuseumRepository for humanist learning established in the 16th century
Gayasan National ParkSightNational park in South Korea
Haeinsa Temple Janggyeong PanjeonMuseumDepositories for the Tripitaka Koreana Woodblocks
Joanina LibraryMuseum
Palafoxiana LibraryMuseum

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Condé Nast TravelerNov 20, 2025

This Asian Metropolis Is the Best City in the World for Shopping, Our Readers Say

The rise of East and Southeast Asia as shopping destinations is complete, but there are a few wildcards as well.

23 things in this story

MyeongdongTrain stationSeoul, South KoreaOlive Young flagship store, cosmetic innovation
ChinatownNeighborhoodSingaporeVictor Lim's Peranakan Tiles Gallery
Little IndiaNeighborhoodSingaporeMustafa Centre runs 24 hours
Kampong GelamNeighborhoodSingaporeRatianah Tahir cuts and embroiders kebayas
Seongsu-dongNeighborhoodSeoul, South KoreaAmorepacific beauty lab, custom lipstick counters
AmorepacificPlaceSeoul, South KoreaBeauty lab in a former car repair shop
Gwangjang MarketMarketSeoul, South KoreaOld Seoul alleyways with vintage hanboks and food stalls
Olive YoungPlaceSeoul, South KoreaFlagship store serves as cosmetic innovation dashboard
CheongdamNeighborhoodSeoul, South KoreaPairs 10 Corso Como with Sulwhasoo flagship
SulwhasooPlaceSeoul, South KoreaFlagship store offers TUS Moon Jade Hand Service
GarosugilNeighborhoodSeoul, South KoreaTree-lined streets with Tamburins' sculptural perfume balms
TamburinsPlaceSeoul, South KoreaSells sculptural perfume balms
BukchonNeighborhoodSeoul, South KoreaAlleys hide appointment-only buncheong ceramics
YiyehaPlaceSeoul, South KoreaSells appointment-only buncheong ceramics
GranhandPlaceSeoul, South KoreaOffers personalized perfume engraving
Orchard RoadNeighborhoodSingaporeMain shopping artery, features ION Orchard and Ngee Ann City
ION OrchardPlaceSingaporeCurved glass mall on Orchard Road
Ngee Ann CityPlaceSingaporeHome to Takashimaya department store
TakashimayaPlaceSingaporeDepartment store in Ngee Ann City
Victor Lim's Peranakan Tiles GalleryPlaceSingaporeRescues century-old Belgian tiles
Bussorah StreetNeighborhoodSingaporeRatianah Tahir's atelier
Newton Food CentreMarketSingaporeFamous from Crazy Rich Asians, serves satay
10 Corso ComoPlaceSeoul, South Korea

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Condé Nast TravelerNov 15, 2025

My Favorite Airbnb: A Jeju Hideaway With Volcano Views

This airy rental was the perfect resting spot for a honeymoon in South Korea.

6 things in this story

Seongsan IlchulbongSightvolcano rising out of the sea
Fritz Coffee CompanyRestaurantcoffee and pastries beside Seongsan Ilchulbong
OkinawaSightFar from the bustle of Japan’s busy cities, in the southernmost prefecture, lies subtropical Okinawa , a group of more…
BusanSightAlternatively romanized as Pusan, it is the economic, cultural and educational center of southeastern South Korea, with…
Jeju CityNeighborhoodThe city is served by Jeju International Airport.
Seogwipo CityNeighborhood

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Condé Nast TravelerOct 24, 2025

The Best Hotels in Seoul, From Gangnam to Hongdae

Whether you’re here for business, K-beauty shopping, or sightseeing, these Seoul hotels deliver a cool, comfortable stay.

23 things in this story

HongdaeNeighborhoodYoung and international neighborhood
MyeongdongTrain stationOne of Seoul's busiest neighborhoods
JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square SeoulHotelIf you want a modern, full-service hotel, but also want to stay in a more historic part of Seoul .
Hotel28 MyeongdongHotelFor an arty and boutique escape smack dab in one of Seoul ’s liveliest neighborhoods.
Grand Hyatt SeoulHotelSpreads across 23 landscaped acres, feels like a resort
Mondrian Seoul ItaewonHotelMaximalist experience with full-sensory engagement
Josun Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seoul GangnamHotel36-story tower with stylized, cinematic glamour
Four Seasons Hotel SeoulHotelGleaming lobby with striking artworks
JW Marriott DongdaemunHotelIntimate, boutique-like feel with views of Dongdaemun
Hotel 28 MyeongdongHotelBoutique property with nods to actor Shin Young-kyun
DongdaemunSightHistoric landmark, one of Seoul's surviving gates
Club OlympusSightMammoth wellness complex with saunas, tennis, pool
The Paris BarRestaurantSwanky and jazz-filled bar
The DeliRestaurantBakery and wine shop
KauriRestaurantJapanese restaurant in the hotel's food alley
GangnamNeighborhoodChicest neighborhood in Seoul
Eatanic GardenRestaurantMichelin-starred progressive Korean restaurant
Park Hyatt SeoulHotelHigh ceilings, airy, expansive views of Gangnam
Ryse, Autograph CollectionHotelFocuses on supporting and showcasing local art
Conrad SeoulHotelSlick, museum-like lobby appealing to leisure guests
The Hyundai SeoulMarketKorea's largest department store
Yeouido Hangang ParkParkPark where locals enjoy instant ramen
IFC MallMarketMall home to well-known brands

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Condé Nast TravelerOct 23, 2025

Ikon Pass Holders Can Now Ski 9 More Mountains in Asia

Ikon Pass just added new destinations across Japan, China, and South Korea for the 2025-26 season. Here's where to stay at each.

26 things in this story

Niseko UnitedSight100km south of Sapporo, Niseko Annupuri is a part of the Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-National Park and is the…
Shiga KogenSightJapan's largest ski destination, 3.5 hours from Tokyo
Myoko SuginoharaSightJapan's second-longest groomed run, over 5 miles
Mount TSightdelivers deep natural powder and steep terrain
FuranoSightoffers options for every level, including backcountry
APPI ResortSightpairs silky, wide-open terrain with practical amenities
Zao OnsenSightfamous for its Snow Monsters, fir trees shaped by winds
Yunding Snow ParkSightOlympic-caliber terrain, hour from Beijing by rail
Mona YongpyongSightSouth Korea's premier winter resort, largest in Korea
SenjukakuHotelopen-air hot spring baths and mountain views
Wafu-no Yado MasuyaHotelelevated yet authentic ryokan
Hotel TsubakinoHoteleasily accessible and unique stay
Hoshino Resorts Bandaisan Onsen HotelHoteleasy on-site mountain access
Inawashiro Kankou HotelHotelendless amenities, from spa to ski
Lake Village Donaludo PensionHotelhigh-quality hospitality
Pension FolkloreHotelpicture-perfect mountain views
KofukanHotelski-to-door (and shuttle) access
The Address AkakuraHotelcozy base in the heart of the village
Apikogen Mori no HotelHotelsaunas and hot spring baths walking distance from base
ANA InterContinental Appi Kogen ResortHotelski-in/ski-out access and amenities
ANA Crowne PlazaHotelon-site mountain access
Furano Yayoi-houseHotelcondo rental with easy access
Chalet FuyuriHotelapartment-style accommodations near base
Fenix FuranoHotelski-to-door hotel
Arai Mountain ResortSight
NEKOMA MountainSight

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