Cuisine

Korean culinary delicacies are well worth seeking out, and Seoul’s restaurants are the perfect gastronomic playground. Already popular around the globe, kimchi and bibimbap (rice dish) are staples, while lesser-known dishes such as jjajangmyeon and samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) are rightfully garnering acclaim.

Michelin-starred Myomi boasts views of the Changdeokgung Palace complex and has an equally regal menu. Chef Kim Jeong-muk teases out the nuances of typically Korean ingredients, impeccably presented. Since moving from San Francisco to Seoul, three Michelin-starred Mosu has continued to garner acclaim and its chef-founder Sung Anh highly values refinement. Case in point, the delicacy of Anh’s signature burdock bark. At two-Michelin-starred Jungsik, chef Yim Jungsik is widely credited with elevating Korean food to the world stage. Expect familiar dishes such as gimbap (a seaweed rice roll) and bibimbap, made with precision and passion.

Fine dining basks in Italian influences at Atrio, the flagship restaurant at Conrad Seoul. Expect home-style cooking and the ambiance of a trattoria. Atrio is just one of the eight exciting dining outlets at the hotel, which include 37 Grill and Bar and the rooftop romance of VVertigo.

History

Seoul is riding a mass culture wave as K-pop music and the Korean film industry go from strength to strength. Its centuries-old position as the national capital, though, means there’s still a wealth of historical sites to explore.

Traditional, low-rise, wooden homes surround Changdeokgung Palace, which was built in 1405 and is one of the most important regal complexes preserved from Korea’s Joseon dynasty. See the palace guards dressed in crimson and jade, before exploring the tranquil gardens, ponds and residential villas.

A short walk away is Gyeongbokgung Palace, which dates back to 1395 and is wonderfully preserved, with striking temples, pavilions and elaborately decorated royal chambers. Another must-see temple is in the Insadong district. The Jogeysa Buddhist temple is over 600 years old, and its famous green and pink shutters have been beautifully carved to resemble native trees.

One of the city’s most spectacular cultural traditions is the annual Seoul International Fireworks Festival, held in the Yeouido business district every October. Conrad Seoul is only a 5-minute walk from Yeouido Hangang Park, and hotel guests can enjoy a front-row seat to the festivities.

After a day of sightseeing, revive aching muscles at the award-winning Conrad Spa. Consider the Conrad Signature Journey treatment, which uses hydrotherapy to combat toxins and improve blood circulation, followed by Conrad’s signature body massage and an oxygenating facial. You’ll feel completely rejuvenated and ready for another day of urban exploration.

Paul Oswell is a British award-winning journalist and published travel author based in New Orleans, Louisiana in the United States. His books include Bucket List North America and The Great American Road Trip, as well as New Orleans' Historic Hotels. He has also been an editor of and contributor to several guide books/editions published by Dorling Kindersley (owned by Penguin), including New Orleans, Florida, Orlando, Los Angeles, California and The United States. His work has appeared in Conde Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure (both of which he has written multiple online travel guides for) and The Guardian, as well as dozens of international newspaper and magazine titles, and inflight magazines for major airlines.