Seoul — Travelrags

Condé Nast TravelerAug 21, 2026

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

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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

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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 stationOlive Young flagship store, cosmetic innovation
Seongsu-dongNeighborhoodAmorepacific beauty lab, custom lipstick counters
AmorepacificGalleryBeauty lab in a former car repair shop
Gwangjang MarketMarketOld Seoul alleyways with vintage hanboks and food stalls
Olive YoungPlaceFlagship store serves as cosmetic innovation dashboard
CheongdamTrain stationPairs 10 Corso Como with Sulwhasoo flagship
10 Corso ComoCafé10 Corso Como Concept Store416, Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, 06015 Seoul, South Korea…
SulwhasooPlaceFlagship store offers TUS Moon Jade Hand Service
GarosugilNeighborhoodTree-lined streets with Tamburins' sculptural perfume balms
TamburinsPlaceSells sculptural perfume balms
BukchonAttractionAlleys hide appointment-only buncheong ceramics
YiyehaPlaceSells appointment-only buncheong ceramics
GranhandPlaceOffers personalized perfume engraving
Elsewhere
ChinatownNeighborhoodSingaporeVictor Lim's Peranakan Tiles Gallery
Little IndiaNeighborhoodSingaporeMustafa Centre runs 24 hours
Kampong GelamNeighborhoodSingaporeRatianah Tahir cuts and embroiders kebayas
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

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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

Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →