Don’t miss these 5 experiences in Seoul

Chart a course from Hong Kong to Seoul for your next long weekend with our regular flights, as this Korean city has it all. Just four hours away from Hong Kong, it’s an ideal city escape with plenty of exciting things to see and do, from luxury shopping to discovering beautifully preserved palaces. 

As hallyu (Korean wave) continues its influence over the world, Seoul is the epicentre of modern Korean culture with cutting-edge fashion, bold eateries and more – tucked alongside pockets of stunningly preserved history. If you only have a few days to discover the country, head to the heart of the action and let the city be your guide to these unmissable experiences in South Korea.

Cycle along the Han River

Dotted with cherry blossom-filled parks and awash with scenic views of the metropolis, these sprawling cycling paths hug the curve of the Han River as it twists through Seoul. There’s no shortage of bike rental shops outside the various Han River parks, with notable stop-offs such as the picturesque Yeouido Park and the gigantic Seoul Forest offering a tranquil escape from the city’s bustle.Skip the train for a few hours and explore the city at your own pace on two wheels, or even try a tandem bike, which makes for a great photo opportunity.

Wander through Gyeongbokgung Palace

This emerald, green palace is arguably Seoul’s biggest historical landmark and has drawn wide-eyed tourists for centuries, dating back to 1395. With numerous pavilions and lavish homes within its walls, Gyeongbokgung Palace once housed Joseon dynasty royalty and remains a grand testament to Korean architecture throughout the ages.

It’s worth joining a guided tour as this architectural complex can be intimidating and overwhelming to first-time visitors. You’ll also spot tourists milling around in rented hanboks, while. istory buffs will want to make a beeline for nearby exhibitions at the National Palace Museum of Korea and National Folk Museum . 

Eat your way around the city

Korean barbecue, tteokbokki (rice cakes), fried chicken, bowls of bibimbap – Korean cuisine has made a huge impact internationally, but there’s no better place to have it than in its birth country – Seoul is absolutely packed with stunning restaurants and street food stalls.

Weave through the vendors at Gwangjang Market and Myeong-dong for cheap and cheerful eats, or head to Gangnam for Michelin-starred fine dining at restaurants such as Kwonsooksoo . The ultra-cool neighbourhood Hongdae is also home to some of the city’s most adventurous chefs, who reinvent Korean staples and international classics – all alongside traditional barbecue places and craft beer pubs.

Explore the fashion and beauty scene 

Seoul is home to some of the world’s best-dressed and best-looking people, from boy bands such as BTS to streetwear and makeup influencers on Instagram. It’s therefore no surprise that the city is a fashion lover’s fantasy, with trendy boutiques spread throughout the neighbourhoods of Myeong-dong and Hongdae.

You’ll find the city’s younger crowd packed into stalls at Dongdaemun and Namdaemun markets, while glittering designer stores in Gangnam cater to Seoul’s moneyed residents. Don’t sleep on the Korean beauty scene either, as major brands such as Sulwhasoo, Innisfree, Etude House and Laneige have numerous outposts across the city.

Relax at a jjimjilbang

If you love a good sauna, you’ll definitely fall for Korea’s jjimjilbangs. Seoul is packed with them and these traditional Korean bathhouses are deeply ingrained in the city’s culture, regularly used by locals looking for respite from the day’s toil.

Filled with baths of different temperatures and herbal concoctions, the jjimjilbang charges an entrance fee that gets you access to all of them as well as numerous saunas, steam rooms and chill out areas. Beauty treatments such as full body scrubs and massages are usually also on offer at an additional charge. One thing’s guaranteed: you’ll leave a jjimjilbang positively glowing.