Lonely Planet
Tips For Visiting A South Korean Bathhouse
Have the best South Korean bathhouse experience with this guide to etiquette and local customs in a jjimjilbang.
Lonely PlanetOct 15
20 Best Things to Do in Seoul
The top spots in Seoul transport visitors from ancient palaces all the way up to the latest K-Pop sensations, with serene temples for day and neon nights.
25 things in this story
- HongdaeNeighborhoodKnown for neon-lit nights and nightlife.
- Bukchon Hanok VillageAttractionHistoric district with hundreds of charming hanok.
- Gwangjang MarketMarketKnown for tteokbokki, mandu, and soju.
- Gyeongbokgung PalaceParkLargest and most elegant of Seoul’s five royal palaces.
- K-Star RoadAttractionDedicated to K-Pop artists with statues of cartoon bears.
- Bukhansan National ParkTrailMost visited national park per unit area.
- DMZSightClosely guarded border between North and South Korea.
- Jogye-saSightA 14th-century temple.
- National Folk Museum of KoreaMuseumFeatures exhibits on traditional Korean culture.
- GwanghwamunTrain stationMain gate where the Royal Guard ceremony takes place.
- GangnamDol HausSightSouvenir shop for mini GangnamDol bears.
- Myeong-dongNeighborhoodFamous shopping district for fashion and cosmetics.
- Myeong-dong Night MarketMarketOffers street food and quirky souvenirs.
- Pink Pool CafeRestaurantConfectionery-colored spot with an ice-cream-parlor vibe.
- Spa LeiPlaceFemale-only bathhouse known for elegant atmosphere.
- War Memorial of KoreaMuseumContextualizes the military conflict of the Korean peninsula.
- ChangdeokgungSightOne of Seoul’s five royal palaces.
- Rakkojae HanokHotelHanok guesthouse with heated floors and courtyards.
- Cheonggye-cheonSightAn 11km oasis waterway through central Seoul.
- DMZ ToursPlaceOutfit that offers day trips to the border area.
- Dora ObservatorySightOffers a glimpse into North Korea from the DMZ.
- Third Infiltration TunnelSightTunnel originally dug by North Korean soldiers.
- Joint Security AreaSightArea where one can step into North Korea.
- noraebangPlacePrivate rooms for singing karaoke.
- Bongeun-saSight8th-century temple with a colossal Buddha statue.
Lonely PlanetSep 24
The 12 Best Places to Visit in Asia in Fall
Autumnal Asian adventures include hikes through stunning fall foliage, magical festivals, watery excursions and more.
21 things in this story
- HimalayasTrailKathmandu, Nepaltrek post-monsoon for clear skies and mild weather
- Hungry Ghosts festivalFestivalPenang, Malaysiaappease spirits with prayer, food, and spectacle in September
- Golden Eagle FestivalAttractionÖlgii, Mongoliaannual gathering in western Mongolia showcasing Kazakh eagle-hunting
- DaisetsuzanSightHokkaido, Japannational park with earliest fall colors in Japan
- Ha Giang LoopTrailHanoi, Vietnamfamed motorbike route through dramatic landscapes
- Hexi CorridorTrailLanzhou, Chinatrain journey across Gansu province, part of the Silk Road
- Malabar coastNeighborhoodKozhikode, Indiaexplore northern coast where Vasco de Gama landed
- Edakkal CavesSightWayanad, Indiacaves with Neolithic Age petroglyphs
- Mt ManasluViewpointGorkha, Nepalchallenging circular trek with Larkya La Pass
- Nanga ParbatSightGilgit, Pakistan8126m-high mountain, visible from Hunza Valley
- Khunjerab PassSightGilgit, PakistanIt is a high-altitude mountain pass lying at an elevation of 4,693 metres (15,397 ft) above sea level in the Karakoram.
- XinjiangNeighborhoodUrumqi, Chinaprovince in China, accessible from Khunjerab Pass
- Four Rivers TrailTrailIncheon, South Korea633km bike route from Incheon to Busan
- Andong Mask FestivalFestivalAndong, South Koreaincredible festival held in Andong
- Mt AsahidakeTrailHokkaido, JapanHokkaido's highest peak for earliest fall colors
- Kurodake RopewaySightHokkaido, Japanoffers easy access to fall colors in Daisetsuzan
- Sōunkyō OnsenSightHokkaido, Japanhot pool for soaking in fall colors
- Everest Base CampRestaurantLukla, Nepal
- Annapurna Base CampTrailPokhara, Nepal
- Hunza ValleyNeighborhoodGilgit, Pakistan
- Passu ConesViewpointPassu, Pakistan
Condé Nast TravelerSep 21
An Expert Guide To Planning a K-Beauty Trip To South Korea
Korea’s beauty tourism is booming—here's how to get the most out of your K-beauty treatment trip, according to skincare specialists.
15 things in this story
- GangnamNeighborhoodSeoul, South Koreaarea with many aesthetic clinics
- BukchonAttractionSeoul, South Koreaneighborhood with quaint shops and hanoks
- Olive YoungPlacePasadena, United Statesopened first North American location in Pasadena, California
- AIREMPlaceNew York, United Statesmedical aesthetic spa in New York
- SupereggPlaceNew York, United Statesskincare brand
- DOD DermatologyPlaceSeoul, South Koreaoffers radio-frequency microneedling and exosome treatment
- HEV DermatologyPlaceSeoul, South KoreaThe world’s first high-strength six-electrode lifting device High-power, high-efficiency pigment laser with 13 modes…
- Diore ClinicPlaceSeoul, South Koreadirector advises upfront consultation fee
- Chang DermatologyPlaceSeoul, South Koreadermatologist is more trustworthy
- Tosokchon SamgyetangRestaurantSeoul, South Koreaserves nourishing chicken ginseng soup
- BonjukRestaurantSeoul, South Koreago-to for easy-to-digest rice porridge
- The House of SulwhasooPlaceBukchon Village, South Koreaoffers exclusive products and Osulloc tea house
- Four Seasons SeoulHotelSeoul, South Koreaoffers holistic wellness retreat with skincare kit
- Samcheong-dongQuarterSeoul, South KoreaIt lies north of Jongno and east of Gyeongbokgung.
- InsadongNeighborhoodSeoul, South Korea
Condé Nast TravelerAug 21
A Mother-and-Tween's Travel Guide to K-Beauty, Hanboks, and the Brooklyn of Seoul
For one New York mother and daughter duo, a last-minute add-on to a Japan trip turned into four days of palace visits, mung bean pancakes, and a priceless souvenir.
10 things in this story
- Gwangjang MarketMarketbustling market for bindae-tteok and hotteok
- Olive YoungPlaceKorea's dominant health and beauty chain with numerous locations
- Namsan MountainSightspectacular cherry blossoms in spring
- SeongsuTrain stationdescribed as Seoul's Brooklyn, with chic shops
- Kensington ToursPlacetravel specialist that provided a local guide
- Gyeongbokgung PalaceParkbeautiful building with historical weight and meaning
- HiKR GroundAttractionK-Pop and Korean culture hub run by the government
- KnottedCafépopular local chain with a location inside HiKR Ground
- Starfield LibrarySightsoaring bookcase installation that stops visitors
- The ShillaHotelfive-star hotel with a breakfast buffet of bewildering scale
Atlas ObscuraAug 7
Gamcheon Culture Village in Gamcheon 2(i)-dong, South Korea
The town of Gamcheon is located to the south of Busan, the second-largest city in South Korea. This area was built on the foothills of a mountain near the coast during the 1920s and 1930s, relocating the poor population of the main urban area here. After the Korean War, the population of Gamcheon started increasing, with many war refugees moving here. In what was at the time a shanty town, peop…
1 sight in this story
- Gamcheon Culture VillageAttractionThe area is known for its layered streets, twisted labyrinth-like alleys, and brightly painted houses, which have been…
Condé Nast TravelerJul 28
UNESCO Just Added 26 Sites to the World Heritage List for 2026—Including 1 in the US
We can’t wait to visit these lush wildlife reserves, dreamy seaside villages, and fairytale French castles.
23 things in this story
- Okefenokee Wildlife RefugePublic artworkOkefenokee, United StatesVast and globally unique subtropical peatland.
- Okefenokee AdventuresPlaceOkefenokee, United StatesOfficial tour provider for Okefenokee Park.
- The Four SeasonsHotelTunis, TunisiaOffers guided tours with a guide in Tunis.
- Carcassonne fortresses and castleSightCarcassonne, FranceSprawling fortresses and castle sitting high on a cliffside.
- The works of architect Alvar AaltoSightHelsinki, Finland13 architectural works by Aalto and his studio in Finland.
- Alvar Aalto FoundationPlaceHelsinki, FinlandOffers guided tours of Aalto's buildings in Helsinki.
- Aqaba Marine ReserveSightAqaba, JordanNew UNESCO World Heritage Site in Jordan.
- Wadi Wurayah biosphere reserveSightFujairah, United Arab EmiratesNew UNESCO World Heritage Site in the UAE.
- Garamba National ParkSightFaradje, Democratic Republic of the CongoNew UNESCO World Heritage Site in DR Congo.
- Boma-Badingilo migratory landscapeSightJuba, South SudanNew UNESCO World Heritage Site in South Sudan.
- Mont Amel CastlesSightBatroun, LebanonNew UNESCO World Heritage Site in Lebanon.
- Getbol tidal flatsSightIncheon, South KoreaNew UNESCO World Heritage Site in Korea.
- Western LimfjordSightThisted, DenmarkNew UNESCO World Heritage Site in Denmark.
- historic medinasNeighborhoodMoroni, ComorosNew UNESCO World Heritage Site in Comoros.
- Jingdezhen Handicraft Porcelain Industry SitesSightJingdezhen, ChinaNew UNESCO World Heritage Site in China.
- Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath, VaranasiSightVaranasi, IndiaNew UNESCO World Heritage Site in India.
- Alamūt CastleAttractionQazvin, IranNew UNESCO World Heritage Site in Iran.
- Ancient Capitals of Asuka and FujiwaraSightAsuka, JapanNew UNESCO World Heritage Site in Japan.
- Rock Mosques of MangystauSightAktau, KazakhstanNew UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kazakhstan.
- Cemetery Complexes of the Xiongnu NobilitySightUlaanbaatar, MongoliaNew UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mongolia.
- Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan Buddhist TempleSightNakhon Si Thammarat, ThailandNew UNESCO World Heritage Site in Thailand.
- Modernist Architecture of the capital of TashkentSightTashkent, UzbekistanNew UNESCO World Heritage Site in Uzbekistan.
- condominio-Style TheatersSightVenice, ItalyNew UNESCO World Heritage Site in Italy.
National GeographicJul 11
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
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
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
- AmorepacificGallerySeoul, 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
- CheongdamTrain stationSeoul, South KoreaPairs 10 Corso Como with Sulwhasoo flagship
- 10 Corso ComoCaféSeoul, South Korea10 Corso Como Concept Store416, Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, 06015 Seoul, South Korea…
- 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
- BukchonAttractionSeoul, 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
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
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
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…
- Arai Mountain ResortSightThe Ikon Pass is your ski & snowboard pass with access to the most iconic mountains in the world.
- 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
- NEKOMA MountainSight
National GeographicJan 1, 2025
8 food destinations to visit in 2025
It’s the things you eat that stay with you. Freshly caught sardines in Lisbon, ramen in Tokyo’s backstreets, barbecue brisket in a dusty roadside diner in Texas — what we eat often shapes where we go ...
17 things in this story
- Taquería El Califa de LeónRestaurantMexico City, MexicoHumble spot awarded a Michelin star for its Gaonera taco.
- QuintonilRestaurantMexico City, MexicoIt is owned by chef Jorge Vallejo and manager Alejandra Flores, a couple who met while working at the fellow diner…
- Cumbrian coastlineNeighborhoodCumbria, United KingdomCoastline included in new food travel itineraries in Cumbria.
- Alabama TrailsTrailAlabama, United StatesNew routes in Alabama focusing on classic neighborhood restaurants.
- Payne’s Sandwich Shop and Soda FountainRestaurantScottsboro, United States1869 pharmacy-turned-cafe with a retro 20ft-long soda fountain counter.
- Chris’ HotdogsRestaurantMontgomery, United StatesMontgomery restaurant located on Dexter Avenue.
- SalonRestaurantCape Town, South AfricaAfrica’s Best New Restaurant, popular for its global tasting menu.
- La ColombeRestaurantCape Town, South AfricaRestaurant on World’s Best 50 Restaurants list, praised for fusion tasting menus.
- PalateRestaurantBusan, South KoreaRestaurant in Busan with chef Kim Jae-hoon elevating the dining scene.
- NoelRestaurantZagreb, CroatiaMichelin-starred restaurant in Zagreb headed by Mario Mandaric.
- Bistro 96RestaurantZagreb, CroatiaRestaurant serving French-Croatian fusion dishes.
- KoricaBakeryZagreb, CroatiaArtisan bakery in Zagreb launched by Ivana Urem Marohnic.
- Agli AmiciRestaurantRovinj, CroatiaFirst restaurant in Croatia to receive two Michelin stars.
- Gacka Honey TrailTrailLika, CroatiaTrail in Lika region where visitors can walk with local beekeepers.
- Casa NovaRestaurantSant Martí Sarroca, SpainRestaurant in Sant Martí Sarroca with a Michelin Green Star.
- RosettaCaféMexico City, Mexico
- PujolRestaurantMexico City, Mexico