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.
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
- GangnamNeighborhoodarea with many aesthetic clinics
- BukchonAttractionneighborhood with quaint shops and hanoks
- DOD DermatologyPlaceoffers radio-frequency microneedling and exosome treatment
- HEV DermatologyPlaceThe world’s first high-strength six-electrode lifting device High-power, high-efficiency pigment laser with 13 modes…
- Diore ClinicPlacedirector advises upfront consultation fee
- Chang DermatologyPlacedermatologist is more trustworthy
- Tosokchon SamgyetangRestaurantserves nourishing chicken ginseng soup
- BonjukRestaurantgo-to for easy-to-digest rice porridge
- Four Seasons SeoulHoteloffers holistic wellness retreat with skincare kit
- Samcheong-dongQuarterIt lies north of Jongno and east of Gyeongbokgung.
- InsadongNeighborhood
- Elsewhere
- 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
- The House of SulwhasooPlaceBukchon Village, South Koreaoffers exclusive products and Osulloc tea house
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
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 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
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