Discover Seoul
with Cathay Pacific

K-pop and K-drama have put South Korea’s capital on the map, but this neon-soaked city merges its neon glam with quiet tradition.
Surrounded by undulating hills and mountains, Seoul is home to Unesco World Heritage Sites, historic tearooms and sprawling temple complexes. Among the many things to do in Seoul is to sample some of Korea’s best street food, and then go exploring the parks and swimming pools which line the Han river – while on the southern bank, the glitz of Gangnam district awaits.

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Explore historic Bukchon Hanok Village

This 600-year-old village feels like it’s been preserved in time: its stone-paved alleys and traditional hanok homes were constructed in the 14th century and they appear untouched since then. Sitting on a hill between two palaces, this is a truly picturesque corner of the city, and rightly a top Seoul attraction. Bear in mind that the houses are still inhabited, and visitor numbers are high – so a polite, unobtrusive approach is best.

Tuck in to street food at Gwangjang Market

Locals have come to the sprawling Gwangjang for their groceries and street food favourites for more than a century – it’s a good idea to join them. Sample bite-sized mayak kimbap rice rolls, bindaetteok mung bean pancakes, and Cho Yonsoon’s knife-cut noodles and steamed dumplings – made famous on the Netflix show Street Food.

Admire the painted streets of Ihwa-dong

Once a decaying suburb in the hills designated for demolition, Ihwa-dong was rejuvenated in 2006 when a public art project brought some 70 artists in to cover the district colourful murals on the walls, streets and stairs. The result is an Instagrammer’s dream – but note that just like Bukchon, the residents of Ihwa still live there, so try not to disturb them.

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