5 Days of Beauty, Food and Culture in Seoul

When you land in Seoul, check in to your hotel, I recommend Josun Palace, Four Seasons, Grand Hyatt or Andaz Hotels. After dropping your bags. your first stop should be a traditional Korean spa, or jjimjilbang. If you have any aesthetic treatments on your agenda, keep in mind that you won't be able to enjoy the heat or sauna afterward. (For those unfamiliar, a Korean Spa is a blissful oasis where you can indulge in steam rooms, scrubs and massages.) After you've been pampered and are feeling utterly relaxed, make your way to Garosu-gil, Sinsa-dong. Garosu-Gil is famous for its streets lined with trees, and it draws in a creative crowd thanks to its distinctly Bohemian-chic atmosphere.

The area is a haven for designer boutiques and artist shops, along with open studios, workshops and cozy bars ready to serve up a good time! Swing by Artbox for adorable stationery and gifts, and don’t miss the flagship stores for Gentle Monster and Tanburins. As the evening rolls in, head across the river to Itaewon to Maple Tree for delicious Korean BBQ. Or you can grab a drink at one of the many lively bars in Itaewon (just a friendly reminder — don't forget your ID, as you'll be asked for it!). For a stunning view, check out the rooftop bar, The Privilege Bar, at the Mondrian Seoul Hotel with spectacular panoramic views of the city! If you're up for something a bit more buzzing, Casa Corona has a younger vibe and a fantastic rooftop.

For any planned beauty treatments, today is the day. This gives you two more days in Seoul if you need to go back for any touch-ups and information. Usually, any low-key treatments shouldn’t take longer than 2–4 hours. Afterward, you’ll have the rest of the day to do some sightseeing. Kick off by visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most beautiful palace in Seoul and the largest of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon dynasty. The ceremonial changing of the guards is twice daily (10 am and 2 pm) and is like a scene straight out of a K-drama! (Next door is the National Folk Museum — also worth a visit).

After gawking at the architecture, take a stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village to admire the traditional hanoks (Korean houses). For lunch, dive into some bulgogi (marinated beef) at a nearby restaurant. Be sure to add the Insadong area for its unique artisan shops and souvenirs. This is one of my favorite areas in Seoul. As the sun sets, revel in a cozy dinner of bibimbap and finish the day with a stroll along Cheonggyecheon Stream. The 11 km-long man-made river stretches in the middle of Seoul, beautifully lit up at night.

Day three is your ticket to a shopping spree and delicious Korean street food! Start the day at Dongdaemun Design Plaza, which opens its doors at 10 am. This stunning architectural gem, designed by Zaha Hadid, isn’t just eye candy for design lovers. It’s also a hotspot for fashion enthusiasts too! Right across the street, you’ll find Maxtyle, Doota Mall and Nyu Nyu, brimming with endless floors filled with clothing and accessories. In the afternoon, make your way to Myeongdong, where you’ll find loads of Korean cosmetic stores, including the Olive Young flagship store. Trust me, it’s nearly impossible to leave empty-handed!

When your tummy starts growling, take a stroll to Namdaemun Market (just a stone's throw from Myeongdong). The street stalls are laden with mouthwatering treats and quirky souvenirs, with the irresistible scent of tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) wafting through the air. Make sure to try everything (yes, I mean everything! It’s all too good to resist!) from hotteok (sweet pancakes) to kkwabaegi (twisted doughnuts).

Start today at Bongeunsa Temple, a traditional Korean temple where you can find peace amid the hustle and bustle of the city (there’s also an overnight temple-stay option). Soak in the tranquil atmosphere and admire the beautiful architecture as you stroll through the temple grounds. Afterward, it’s time for a little fun! Head over to the nearby statue of the Gangnam Style dancer, where you can strike a pose to match the iconic moves.

Next, make your way to Starfield Coex Mall. With its dazzling lights and exciting shops, don’t miss the stunning Starfield Library located inside the mall. It is a bibliophile's paradise, with towering shelves filled with Korean books! Grab some food in the mall’s food court, where you’ll find loads of options. Spend the afternoon in Olympic Park with a stop in at SOMA — Museum of Art. This expansive park, the heart of the 1988 Olympics, features winding paths, lush greenery and captivating sculptures. You can also grab a coffee, food or snack at the World Peace Gate entrance. Before wrapping up your Seoul adventure, grab a quick bite of kimbap (Korean sushi) to fuel your journey home.

Don't miss the numerous food markets

• Gwangjang Market, Tongin Market and Noryangjin Fish Market are vibrant hubs of local culture in Seoul. At Gwangjang (Netflix-famous from “Street Food Asia”), indulge in delicious mung bean pancakes, soy-marinated crabs and knife-cut noodles. Tongin invites you to create your own meal with its unique dosirak (lunchbox) system. Meanwhile, Noryangjin offers the freshest seafood, where you can experience the lively atmosphere.

Spend time at the Art Museums

• Seoul also boasts a vibrant art scene, featuring stunning museums and galleries. From contemporary works at the Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, to traditional masterpieces at the National Museum of Korea, there's something for everyone.

Day Trips from Seoul

• DMX Tour (The Demilitarized Zone): Embark on a DMZ tour for an unforgettable glimpse into the history of the Korean divide. See the stark realities of the border while learning about the ongoing legacy of the conflict.

• Nami Island: A picturesque gem in South Korea, 2hrs north of the capital and canvas of many K-dramas. This nature reserve offers stunning landscapes and a tranquil atmosphere. Cycle or walk the tree-lined paths and art installations. It's the perfect getaway for nature lovers and is accessible via ferry or one of the longest ziplines in Korea.