By Basant El-Faramawy
Seoul has surged to the top of travellers' bucket lists, with over 11.56 million arrivals at Incheon International Airport in the first eight months of 2026, a 21 percent increase from the previous year. The South Korean capital offers a 24-hour mix of historic palaces, scenic mountain hikes, a dynamic food and drink scene, world-class shopping, and wellness experiences.
Things to Do
Start with a hike up Namsan Mountain or a cable-car ride to the YTN Seoul Tower for panoramic views of the city bisected by the Han River. Explore Bukchon Culture Village, where nearly 900 traditional hanok houses remain residences alongside galleries and cafes. Visit Namsangol Hanok Village to see Joseon Dynasty replicas, and tour Gyeongbokgung Palace, established in 1395, to watch the changing-of-the-guard ceremony. The National Museum of Korea houses 310,000 pieces, including 60 national treasures. For wellness, experience a jjimjilbang (bathhouse) such as the 24-hour women-only Spa Lei in Gangnam, where a seshin exfoliation treatment is a local ritual.
Neighborhoods to Explore
Jongno-3, named the world's coolest neighbourhood for 2026 by Time Out, is packed with craft shops, hanoks, and the lively Pojangmacha Street Food area. Euljiro offers trendy natural wine bars and Coffee Hanyakbang, a vintage record and coffee spot open until 10 pm. Seongsu, a former industrial zone, draws a fashionable crowd with gallery-cafes like Daelim Changgo, the 14-story Haus Nowhere Seoul flagship, and the five-floor Olive Young N Seongsu for K-beauty shopping.
Food and Drink
Seoul has one of the world's highest concentrations of coffee shops. In Seongsu, Beton serves matcha and salt bread; in central Seoul, Coffee and Cigarettes on the 17th floor of the Yuwon building offers views of Deoksugung Palace. For authentic Korean cuisine, visit decades-old specialists like Hanbang Tongdak in Hannam for oakwood-baked rotisserie chicken. Korean BBQ groups head to Gogi Kkun Kim Chunbae. The drinks scene is elevated: Alice in Cheongdam serves thematic cocktails, Cobbler in Jongno crafts bespoke drinks without a menu, and Bar Cham, also in a converted hanok, was recently named one of Asia's 50 Best Bars.
Where to Stay
Stay Sunshine in Jongno offers modern hanok conversions managed by Butler Lee, from £375 per night. The Mondrian Seoul Itaewon provides colourful rooms with easy metro access, with B&B rates starting at £200 for a Signature King Room.
Getting There
Virgin Atlantic operates daily direct flights from London Heathrow to Incheon International Airport, with a flight time of around 15 hours and economy fares starting at £889.
