1- EXCITING SEOUL
After Tokyo and Shanghai, the capital of the morning calm is asserting itself as the new trend laboratory of South-East Asia. On two thousand years old foundations, this “special city” demonstrates exceptional dynamism in multiple areas: high technology of course, but also at the forefront of the artistic scene, where it is less expected, such as in fashion or gastronomy. With the confidence of its young democracy, Seoul is turning heads.
2- EXCEPTIONAL NATURE AND VESTIGES
Primary forests, volcanoes, waterfalls, lakes, caves: whether it is Mount Songni National Park or the Jeju Island Geopark, Korean nature is a land of abundance and exceptional richness. An Eden to which are added thousand-year-old cultural vestiges: temples, fortresses, sanctuaries classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Moving testimonies of the influence of Buddhism, Zen and Confucianism on the region.
3- SHOPPING & STYLE
We knew about fashion weeks in Paris, New York, London and Milan. You now have to mark Seoul’s fashion week on your calendar or risk being overwhelmed. Elegance, sobriety, refinement are the latest inspirations that look hunters from around the world have found in the streets of Seoul. When it comes to shopping, the capital offers an impressive range, from antiques to high-tech, from concept stores to XXL shopping centers.
4- CAPITAL DESIGN & ARTY
Behind an anarchic appearance, Seoul hides its mastery of feng shui, its talent for design and its particular taste for modern art. With places such as the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a UFO designed by Zaha Hadid or the Leeum, designed by Jean Nouvel, Mario Botta and Rem Koolhaas; with galleries exhibiting Louise Bourgeois, Damien Hirst and Anish Kapoor: Seoul no longer has anything to envy of the great cultural capitals.
5- A GASTRONOMERS NIGHT STORE
If K-pop (Korean pop music) has the merit of having crossed borders, it is not to everyone’s taste. Even in South Korea. Hip-hop, rap and independent rock occupy a growing place on the Seoul music scene. In a city in perpetual (r) evolution, the nightlife is vibrant. Furthermore, young chefs are developing attractive gastronomy. Seoul is indeed one of the liveliest cities in the world.
