1. Seoul

A jaunt to Seoul will help get rid of those mid-winter blues. Well-known for its shopping, pop culture, and less than a four-hour flight from Hong Kong , Seoul is a perfect destination for those who are planning a last-minute weekend getaway. Fill up on Korean delicacies like knife-cut noodles or mandu (dumplings) at Gwangjang or Dongdaemun Market, or shop ’til you drop at one of the numerous malls that pepper Seoul’s urban landscape. As South Korea celebrates the Lunar New Year (“Seollal”, as it is known), just be mindful of changes to store opening hours.

Flight time from Hong Kong: 3.5 hours

Best for: Foodies and shoppers looking for the best of both worlds.

Stay here: For easy access to all the city’s sights, book in at the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul, which is conveniently located right next to Dongdaemun station.