Curator’s statement
Seoul surprised me—not just with its pace and precision, but also with how deeply it values ritual, beauty, and care in the everyday. It’s a city where tradition isn’t hidden—it’s honored, layered into modern life with grace and intention. From the first bite of market street food to my final quiet moment by the stream, I felt both grounded and inspired. Seoul didn’t just impress me—it stayed with me.
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Things to do in Seoul
Seoul’s Starfield Library stopped me in my tracks. It isn’t just a photo spot. It’s a place that makes you want to sit, breathe, and get lost in something good.
The towering shelves, warm light, and quiet hum of readers at Starfield Library—and the comforting smell of fresh coffee nearby.
The unreal breakfast buffet at the Four Seasons—hands down, the best I’ve ever had.
Getting two pairs of prescription glasses (including sunglasses) made in under 45 minutes.
Walking along the Cheonggyecheon Stream—a peaceful break in the middle of the city’s energy.
Visiting the Gyeongbokgung Palace and watching the changing of the guard in full traditional ceremony.
Exploring the coffee culture, especially cafes like Fritz and Anthracite, where detail is everything.
The street food chaos and magic of Gwangjang Market—mayak gimbap, tteokbokki, and mung bean pancakes.
Sweating it out daily in the spa, sauna, and fitness center at the hotel—it felt like a reset.
Getting a drink at Charles H., the hidden speakeasy ranked among the world’s best cocktail bars.
Seeing Seoul’s creative side in neighborhoods like Seongsu-dong, full of design, art, and indie fashion.
The kindness and hospitality of everyone I met—welcoming, helpful, and proud to share their city.
Places to eat & drink in Seoul
Confier Seoul, where precision meets passion—every dish crafted with quiet intensity behind the counter.
Yakitori Kiyu
Charcoal-grilled skewers done to perfection, with an intimate omakase-style experience that lets the chef lead.Sooksoodoga
Modern Korean cuisine rooted in tradition, served with grace in a peaceful, hanok-style setting.Confier
A refined tasting menu that blends French technique with Korean ingredients in a slow, intentional dining atmosphere.Yu Yuan (Four Seasons)
Luxurious Cantonese dining with standout dim sum and tableside Peking duck in an elegant hotel setting.Gwangjang Market
Seoul’s oldest food market where you can feast on iconic street food like mayak gimbap, bindaetteok, and tteokbokki.Zest Seoul
Ranked among Asia’s best bars, this chic speakeasy serves cocktails crafted with Korean ingredients and serious flair.Fritz Coffee Company (Mapo)
A cozy, vintage-style café known for its expertly roasted beans and signature butter latte.Anthracite Coffee (Hapjeong)
Set in a converted factory, this industrial café delivers bold single-origin pours with serious barista craft.Onion (Anguk or Seongsu)
Minimalist café famous for its creamy einspänner and cool architectural design—perfect for coffee and people-watching.Maybell Bakery (Seongsu-dong)
Seoul’s most beloved local bakery, known for its perfectly laminated butter croissants, seasonal fruit tarts, and lines out the door every weekend.
Need to know
As a luxury travel advisor, I’ve explored a lot of cities—but Seoul truly surprised me. It’s a place where every detail matters. The coffee is brewed with intention. The food is plated with pride. The streets are spotless. And even something as simple as getting eyeglasses becomes a masterclass in speed and precision.
Seoul blends past and future like no place I’ve been—royal palaces and Buddhist temples sit just blocks from sleek malls and design-forward cafés. The people are respectful, kind, and deeply proud of their culture. And while there’s a high-speed, tech-forward energy to everything, the city also knows how to slow down, breathe, and offer peace.
This isn’t just a place to “see.” It’s a place to feel. To taste. To notice. And for travelers ready to explore with intention, Seoul gives back more than you expect.
Travel Advisor
Rajiv Patel
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Seoul page.