Seoul is the ultimate combination of high-tech and bygone, with a touch of playfulness for good measure. Olivia, our Social Media Coordinator, is here to give you the ultimate run-down of Seoul…in cherry blossom season, nonetheless.
Tucked away in the cosmopolitan Itaewon district, Cakeshop is the go-to hidden gem for those after the underground party. Small, intimate and always with a stacked selection of DJs, swing Cakeshop for a sweeter-than good time. Word from the wise, the party doesn’t heat up until 2am so take that time for a tour of one of the many themed bars across the strip.
Situated in the ever-convenient Jung-gu area, the Ambassador Pullman was the ideal luxe stay.
With all the right amenities (think gym, several high-end restaurants and a pilates studio), as well as a divine view of Seoul Tower, it’s also a stone's throw away from arguably one of the most convenient metro stops in all of the city.
Luxe. Luxe. Luxe. This 5-star hotel offers contemporary interiors, fusing art and design and a touch of Seoul's signature playfulness. As the first Mondrian hotel in Asia, it surely makes for a captivating debut.
Cooking classes are an untapped cultural resource when exploring a vastly different food scene, and the experience from Ome was top-tier. Starting with a tour of Gyeongdong market, the delightful Kim leads you through making a divine selection of traditional Korean meals. Easy, inviting and allergy-friendly, it’s the ideal foray into cultural dining.
A plethora of mung Bean pancakes, tteokbokki and more - Gwangjang Market is the best spot in Seoul for authentic Korean food. Begin with a lap of the perimeter before settling into one of the hundreds of stalls for a quick bite. If you can’t take our word for it, check it out on Netflix’s Street Food.
Built in 1395, this magnificent structure occupies a large chuck of Korean History - right in the centre of the city. The largest of Korea’s five palaces, Gyeongbokgung Palace encompasses a tranquil Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, and two additional museums. Come early for the entrancing changing of the guard, and end the day with a time-travelling peruse through the MMCA (National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art). Fun fact, the Palace itself was home to Gucci’s 2024 Cruise Runway - how chic!
What would a trip to Korea be without a venture into Lotte world? Embracing playfulness was somewhat of an undercurrent in Seoul, and our favourite foray was a cherry blossom-tinged trip to one of the world's largest indoor theme parks. A five-level curation of rides, games and performances, the most impressive being an interconnecting monorail between Lotte World and Lotte land. Pro tip - start the day early on with as many rides as possible, before heading over to the skyscraping Lotte Tower for a change of scenery (123 stories, to be exact).
Shopping is an integral part to any holiday and the tip of the iceberg in Seoul was of course a trip to the Ader Error showroom in Gangnam-Gu: part gallery, part shop (with a cafe too!) make your way to the top of its five levels for the ultimate view of Seoul. And check out the fountain of course. Pro tip - it’s just a short walk from fragrance house Tamburins, home of the famous animatronic horse.
The ultimate bag for long-haul flights: fit it neatly underneath your seat, in the overhead or as a crossbody during treks in the terminal. Such a comfortable carry and fits everything you need for a full day of international travel.
Available in clay, black, butterscotch, metallic navy & bordeaux.
Stash your cards, forms and cash neatly in the Earle passport holder, and be assured to spot your luggage with the Hale luggage tag. Add in additional monogramming for the ultimate airport luxe.
Available in a variety of your favourite colours.