Urban City Tour

Insider Tips

Spring is always the best time to visit Asia.

I have grown fonder of Seoul each time I visit. Initially it is not a pretty city but it is full of surprises. The weather is not too hot and humid and the cherry blossoms really add to the charm of the city.

The people are warm and friendly and the food is delicious everywhere. Visit the amazing Design museum built by Zaha Hadid. It’s open a staggering 24 hours a day.

Also a must for cosmetic junkies is the Myeongdong area, which is full of shops, boutiques and stalls crammed full of Korean products.

Where to stay

I’ve always been lucky enough to stay at the Shilla hotel. It is far more Korean than the obvious international chains and the better for it. It is expensive though!! It has its own park and you might be lucky enough to witness a traditional Korean wedding.

Where to eat

10 Corso Como is a shop cum book store cum café, a franchise of the famous original in Milan, however this one has a decided Korean twist. Great for lunch which is Italian-Korean style and fabulous.

The food in Seoul is fabulous wherever you go. Try bibimbap, a typical Korean favourite, it’s really healthy whether it’s the vegetarian version or with beef. Also try the sweet red bean paste with ice-cream, yum.

What to buy

You will be very tempted in the Myeongdong area to buy all sorts of cute and kitsch (and not very expensive) cosmetics. It’s really all about the packaging not the products in my opinion.

What to pack

This isn’t a beach holiday destination so pack appropriate clothes for walking around a city.

Pack a swimsuit and gym clothes if you’re staying at the Shilla hotel which has a fabulous gym and swimming pool complex. The Koreans don't do scruffy.