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The high-rise, open-all-hours city of Seoul has many faces, from the rice-beer bars and markets to the palaces, temples, royal tombs, ancestral shrines and cultural attractions that act as magnets for tourists. For five centuries it was a dynastic seat of power, and this amazing blend of ancient history and modern-day joie-de-vivre infuses a tantalising vitality into everyday life that leaves visitors enthralled.&nbsp;



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A huge urban conglomeration of almost 10 million people, the South Korean capital sits about halfway down the Korean peninsula. Of course, recent history has seen Korea become a centre of geopolitical power play, and some 50 kilometres to the north is the four-kilometre-wide Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), pulling in tourists curious to witness how the country has been carved into two.&nbsp;



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Autumn is the best season to visit as rainfall is minimal and temperatures bearably mild. This is when the slopes of the four main surrounding mountains – Bugaksan, Inwangsan, Naksan and Namsan – take on delightful hues as leaves turn into beautiful arrays of red, yellow and orange. Another good time to visit is spring; the flowers are in bloom and cherry blossom washes a pinkish white over the city. Both seasons play host to some amazing cultural and arts festivals that accompany the joys of nature.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Palaces galore</h3>



A small settlement called Hanyang at the dawn of the Joseon dynasty in 1392, Seoul was soon renamed and bounded by protective fortress walls. The city is now blessed with five palaces, the largest of which, Gyeongbokgung, was built by King Taejo in 1395 against a splendid mountain backdrop as home for the new ruling family. It has been restored twice, following destruction during the Japanese invasions of 1592 and more recently that country’s occupation from 1910-1945. On another momentous date in Korean history, Japanese assassins broke into the palace in the early hours of 8 October 1895 and murdered Empress Myeongseong.&nbsp;


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The scholars, eunuchs, concubines, soldiers and servants who once roamed this majestic compound have been replaced by hordes witnessing the changing of the guard and browsing two fantastic museums that bring Korea’s rich and often turbulent narrative to life. Royal artefacts in the National Palace Museum highlight the artistic pedigree of the Joseon era – royal seals, gold-embroidered traditional clothing and illustrations of court ceremonies. The National Folk Museum has three main exhibition halls replete with memorable attractions.


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Perhaps the most enchanting of Seoul’s palaces is Changdeokgung, built in the early 15th century as a secondary royal residence to Gyeongbokgung and now a Unesco World Heritage Site. Many royal family members lived here into the 20th century, enamoured by its aura of beauty and grace. The must-see Huwon secret garden beguiles with charming vistas of pavilions on the edge of a square lily pond. &nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Magnificent markets</h3>



Following a palace tour, stop for some retail therapy at one of the city’s great markets. The hugely atmospheric Gwangjang Market is a mesmerising panoply of silk, satin and linen wholesalers congregated in a hive of alleyways during the day, joined by food stalls and vendors who stay active well into the night. Considered the merriest place to go for dinner and drinks, it is a veritable foodie’s paradise. Popular offerings include stewed pig’s trotters and snouts, gimbap (vegetables and ham wrapped in rice and rolled in sheets of seaweed) and bindaetteok (crispy pancakes of crushed mung beans and veggies fried on a skillet). Why not wash the delicacies down with the local liquors of makgeolli and soju?


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If seafood is your preferred choice, then Noryangjin Fish Market is the place to go with its mind-boggling variety of fresh catches. Early mornings host noisy fish auctions, while the evening is particularly picturesque and a good time to wander among the acres of shellfish, spider crabs, sea worms and other salty fare.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Night vibes</h3>



Seoul is teeming with places to eat, drink and enjoy nightlife. Fine dining is showcased at Dooreyo, celebrity chef Tony Yoo’s restaurant nestled in the heart of Bukchon Hanok Village – a tourist draw of restored traditional Korean houses. Hot soups are a favourite in Korea, and high-end O’neul in Dongbinggo-dong has a wonderful rendition of yukgaejang (spicy beef soup) simmered for 12 hours. Ssuk tteok, a rice-cake hybrid tinged green with mugwort, also entices at this restaurant that champions Korean culinary traditions and techniques.


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Teeming with some of the capital’s best bars, clubs and restaurants, Itaewon has become a trendy night-time area and attracts many from the LGBT community. Another buzzing district, Hongdae, is saturated with nightlife hotspots, while Samcheongdong, the historic neighbourhood east of Gyeongbokgung Palace’s Gwanghwamun Gate, entices with relaxed joints for wining and dining. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cultural enrichment</h3>



While famed for its glitzy K-pop stars and karaoke bars, the city has much more to offer in terms of culture, with a high concentration of museums, art institutions and galleries. You can soak up Seoul’s past and vibrant present in Samcheongdong, where art events abound during the autumn month. Art Sonje Center presents a major exhibition by Do Ho Suh, one of the most important figures in Korean contemporary art, until 3 November. The Seoul branch of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art has an extensive collection of modern Korean and international artworks, and hosts the prestigious Korea Artist Prize annual exhibition.



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The Frieze Seoul art fair takes place in the upscale Gangnam district, south of the Han River, from 4-7 September, providing exposure for local and international artists. Some galleries have seized the chance to stage their debut exhibitions in South Korea alongside Frieze. For instance, until 12 October, Gagosian presents new paintings by Derrick Adams at the APMA Cabinet, which is located in the headquarters of the country’s cosmetics giant, Amorepacific.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">City oasis</h3>



An attraction of a different sort, Cheonggyecheon is a long-buried stream uncovered when a raised highway was demolished. Stretching almost 11 kilometres, it has transformed the city centre, creating a riverside park that offers a calm respite from the commercial hubbub and a walking course whose banks are popular with joggers. Peruse the public art dotted along the way or pay a visit to the museum which tells its history.&nbsp; A spectacular two-week Lantern Festival is held in November, when thousands of glowing paper-and-paint sculptures float in the water, illuminating downtown Seoul in sparkling lights.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Spectacular hiking&nbsp;</h3>



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There is plenty of hiking available in the city and its mountains. The Seoul City Wall trail, snaking more than 18 kilometres along the major peaks, offers a wonderful opportunity to admire myriad architectural styles from the ancient Three Kingdoms period to modern restoration work. One option is to start your circuit of the City Wall by hiking up the tallest of Seoul’s four guardian mountains, the conical-shaped Bugaksan (North Peak Mountain). This is considered a most spectacular section of the City Wall trail, running for about 2.5km and rising steeply from Changuimun, one of the ‘four small gates’ in the City Wall. Another beautiful trail is Naksan, which is the lowest of the four guardian mountains and is blessed with the arty neighbourhood of Thwa-dong on its slopes.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Great views</h3>



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For some of the best views of the city, the section of the City Wall at Inwangsan takes some beating. The hike involves climbing past some incredible weirdly shaped rocks and giant boulders, but the trek is worth it for the most amazing views of Seoul, offering a complete panorama of this spectacular city. Several of the majestic palaces are clearly visible as well as much of the glorious Seoul City Wall, especially the sections where it meanders its course along Bugaksan, Naksan and Namsan. Hikers at this wonderful viewing point can clearly discern how the guardian mountains formed a protective shield for the old city nestled inside.

Sensational Seoul: Beyond K-pop hype, the city’s glorious palaces and majestic surrounding mountains endure

Despite boasting a population of just over 50 million souls, the nation of South Korea has in the past four decades, become something of a cultural powerhouse, with its music, electronics, cuisine, cosmetics and TV shows entering the mainstream and developing a legion of fans across the globe. Indeed, it’s no stretch to say the world is now obsessed with South Korea. This, in turn, has turned its capital of Seoul into one of Asia’s most visited destinations, drawing over 17.5 million intrepid travellers in 2019.
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Sadly, the coronavirus pandemic has brought all travel to a sudden halt, but that doesn’t mean you can’t plan ahead to better days when borders once again open up and you can visit this unique destination once more. In preparation, we highlight some of Seoul’s most visit-worthy sights to put on your itinerary&#8230;
<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-changing-of-the-guard-gyeongbokgung.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-59110" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-changing-of-the-guard-gyeongbokgung.jpg" alt="Gafencu Magazine Seoul Searching South Korea’s capital city changing of the guard gyeongbokgung" width="700" height="446" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-changing-of-the-guard-gyeongbokgung.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-changing-of-the-guard-gyeongbokgung-200x127.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-changing-of-the-guard-gyeongbokgung-439x280.jpg 439w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-changing-of-the-guard-gyeongbokgung-120x76.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-changing-of-the-guard-gyeongbokgung-500x319.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-changing-of-the-guard-gyeongbokgung-400x255.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-changing-of-the-guard-gyeongbokgung-600x382.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></a> 
Gyeongbokgung 
Perhaps the most iconic of Seoul’s five palaces, Gyeongbokgung is also the largest. Built in 1395 during the Joseon Dynasty as its main royal residence, it was destroyed during World War II by Japanese occupiers, but the Korean government has painstakingly rebuilt and restored the complex – which encompasses some 330 buildings in all – back to its original glory. Visitors here should not miss the changing of the guard ceremony, which occurs at 10am and 2pm daily. For a truly culturally immersive experience, you can also explore the National Palace Museum and National Folk Museum that are on the grounds. The entrance fee is even waived for guests dressed in the traditional hanbok robes, which can be rented at various outlets in the city.
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Changdeokgung 
A short walk to the east of Gwanghwamun – the main gate of Gyeongbokgung – is Changdeokgung, the city’s second-largest palace. Dotted with a plethora of leafy pathways, ancient temples and picturesque pavilions, it affords travellers a tranquil reprieve from the urban jungle just beyond its boundaries. Changdeokgung is a particularly popular hotspot for tourists and Seoulites alike during the spring and autumn seasons, with cherry blossoms blooming during the former and spectacular fall foliage on display during the latter.
<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-autumn.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-59107" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-autumn.jpg" alt="Gafencu Magazine Seoul Searching South Korea’s capital city autumn" width="700" height="446" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-autumn.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-autumn-200x127.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-autumn-439x280.jpg 439w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-autumn-120x76.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-autumn-500x319.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-autumn-400x255.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-autumn-600x382.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></a>
Bukchon Hanok Village 
Nestled between the two palaces atop the hill, you will find the traditional Korean village, also known as a hanok, of Bukchon. Once inhabited by nobility and high-ranking government officials, in all, some 400 old-fashioned houses comprise the mini-town. Many have since been transformed into cultural centres, guest houses, tea houses, shops and eateries. Perhaps among the city’s most Instagrammable locales, it’s not unusual to see its rustic streets thronged by crowds dressed in hanbok couture.
<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-food.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-59117" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-food.jpg" alt="Gafencu Magazine Seoul Searching South Korea’s capital city food" width="700" height="446" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-food.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-food-200x127.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-food-439x280.jpg 439w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-food-120x76.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-food-500x319.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-food-400x255.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-food-600x382.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></a>
Cheonggyecheon Stream 
Amid the skyrise-laden buildings of Seoul’s business district runs a 10km-long stream lined with pedestrian promenades – Cheonggyecheon Stream. Popular throughout the year as a getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life, it’s a particular draw during such holidays as Buddha’s Birthday, the Lantern Festival and Christmas, when the waterways are punctuated with various artworks and illuminations. As you meander along the river, keep an eye out for sign posts for Gwangjang Market, the city’s oldest traditional market. Laden with everything from kitchen appliances to dummy food props, the key highlights here are the array of culinary treats on offer at its centre. Here, must-try dishes include mandu (Korean dumpling) soup, bibimbap – rice topped with various vegetables and meats and presented in a hot stone pot – and, of course, the famous Korean mung bean pancake, or bindaetteok, a deep-fried concoction fronted by such ingredients such as mung beans, bean sprouts, onions, peppers and egg.
<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-hanbok-robe.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-59111" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-hanbok-robe.jpg" alt="Gafencu Magazine Seoul Searching South Korea’s capital city hanbok robe" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-hanbok-robe.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-hanbok-robe-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-hanbok-robe-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-hanbok-robe-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-hanbok-robe-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /></a>
Namdaemun Market 
Another must-visit destination for foodies is Namdaemun Market, the largest traditional market in the country. Frequented by locals and tourists alike, you’ll find everything from fresh produce to clothing in the many stalls on display. Alongside these are a veritable treasure trove of cheap eats, ranging from spicy tteokbokki rice cakes and meat skewers to kimchi stews and seafood. Retailers here open through the day, while wholesalers and food vendors work through the night from 11pm to 4am. The best way to cover most ground here is to graze sparingly, taking small portions as you walk through the market in order to save some appetite for other culinary treats you may discover.
<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-cable-car.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-59109" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-cable-car.jpg" alt="Gafencu Magazine Seoul Searching South Korea’s capital city cable car" width="700" height="446" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-cable-car.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-cable-car-200x127.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-cable-car-439x280.jpg 439w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-cable-car-120x76.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-cable-car-500x319.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-cable-car-400x255.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-cable-car-600x382.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></a>
N Seoul Tower 
For a change of scenery, perhaps a visit to N Seoul Tower – perched atop the 243m Namsan Mountain – is the way to go. Adventurous and athletically inclined explorers can actually scale to the peak via a 2km trail, while those in search of a more sedentary option can head to the cable car instead. The tower measures some 236m in height, and the observatory platform there affords some of the city’s best panoramas. To prolong your visit, drop by the revolving restaurant, and for couples in love, don’t forget to add your own ‘lock of love’ to lock-laden gates here.
<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-shopping.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-59113" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-shopping.jpg" alt="Gafencu Magazine Seoul Searching South Korea’s capital city shopping" width="700" height="446" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-shopping.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-shopping-200x127.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-shopping-439x280.jpg 439w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-shopping-120x76.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-shopping-500x319.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-shopping-400x255.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gafencu-Magazine-Seoul-Searching-South-Korea’s-capital-city-shopping-600x382.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></a>
Gangnam 
Heading back into town, no visit to Seoul is complete without visiting the bustling neighbourhood of Gangnam. Made famous with singer Psy’s viral 2012 hit, Gangnam Style, it’s brimming with trendy restaurants, upscale cocktail bars and much more. The area is also home to the COEX Mall, the world’s largest underground shopping complex, where you’ll find hundreds of stores, a mammoth book store, a Megabox movie theatre and even the COEX Aquarium. Fans of K-pop should also head to SM Town, a museum dedicated to the country’s modern musical culture. Here, you can even watch full hologram renditions of past concerts – a wonderfully quirky way to experience the modern side of South Korea.

Gafencu Magazine Seoul Searching South Korea’s capital city

Seoul Searching: Exploring the countless sights of South Korea’s capital city

With less than one month until Christmas, the holiday countdown has officially begun! But if you’ve been too wrapped up with work and family to make plans, there’s no need to panic. Check out our guide to last-minute Christmas getaways for a bit of inspiration.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-29561" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Niseko-opti-421x280.jpg" alt="Christmas Getaways Niseko Japan" width="601" height="400" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Niseko-opti-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Niseko-opti-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Niseko-opti-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Niseko-opti-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Niseko-opti-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Niseko-opti-600x399.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Niseko-opti.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 601px) 100vw, 601px" />
Niseko, Japan
Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, transforms into a snow-covered wonderland every winter. Niseko, in particular, is dotted with golf courses, hot springs and ski resorts aplenty. For a truly unique experience, treat your family to a stay at the <a href="http://www.lightfoottravel.com/property/glass-house-ski/?utm_source=PR">Glass House</a>, an intimate five-bedroom chalet in Hirafu’s Lower Village. Huddle up by the fireplace, relax in the outdoor Jacuzzi, or have the private concierge drive you to nearby ski resorts.&nbsp;
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-29558" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/gyeongbok-palace-opti-421x280.jpg" alt="Christmas Getaways Seoul South Korea" width="601" height="400" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/gyeongbok-palace-opti-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/gyeongbok-palace-opti-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/gyeongbok-palace-opti-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/gyeongbok-palace-opti-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/gyeongbok-palace-opti-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/gyeongbok-palace-opti-600x399.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/gyeongbok-palace-opti.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 601px) 100vw, 601px" />
Seoul, South Korea
The Korean capitol is another great winter escape. Meander through its streets and try local favourites like deokbokki and pajeon pancakes, or treat your kids with a trip to Lotte World’s indoor amusement park. Then head to the hills for some brisk outdoor ice skating at the <a href="https://seoul.grand.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html">Grand Hyatt Seoul</a>. Or escape the city and head 50 minutes away to the popular Bearstown ski resort in Gyeonggi-do.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-29559" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Koh-Samui-opti-421x280.jpg" alt="Christmas Getaways Vana Belle Koh Samui" width="600" height="399" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Koh-Samui-opti-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Koh-Samui-opti-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Koh-Samui-opti-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Koh-Samui-opti-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Koh-Samui-opti-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Koh-Samui-opti-600x399.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Koh-Samui-opti.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" />
Koh Samui, Thailand
If the thought of snow sends a shiver down your spine, why not head to the tropics instead? The picturesque island of Koh Samui in Thailand features stunning vistas, pristine beaches and plenty of water sports to keep your kids occupied. For truly staggering views, check out <a href="http://www.vanabellekohsamui.com/">Vana Belle, a Luxury Collection Resort</a>’s Ocean View Pool Suites, replete with outdoor bathtubs to soak in the sea panorama.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-29556" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Cambodia-opti-421x280.jpg" alt="Christmas Getaways Siem Reap Cambodia" width="600" height="399" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Cambodia-opti-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Cambodia-opti-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Cambodia-opti-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Cambodia-opti-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Cambodia-opti-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Cambodia-opti-600x399.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Cambodia-opti.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" />
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Home to the legendary Angkor Wat temple complex, Siem Reap gives you plenty of cultural bang for your buck. Trek through ancient temples, sightsee in the sky with a hot air balloon ride or take in a traditional Apsara dance show at the <a href="http://www.raffles.com/siem-reap/">Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor</a>. &nbsp;
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-29555" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Amanbaghh-opti-421x280.jpg" alt="Christmas Getaways Amanbagh Rajasthan India" width="600" height="399" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Amanbaghh-opti-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Amanbaghh-opti-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Amanbaghh-opti-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Amanbaghh-opti-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Amanbaghh-opti-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Amanbaghh-opti-600x399.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Amanbaghh-opti.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" />
Rajasthan, India
Although slightly further afield, December is the perfect month to visit Rajasthan. With summer’s intense heat waning and monsoon rains a distant memory, enjoy balmy weather as you visit the Red Fort, City Palace and Jantar Mantar astrological monument. Switch up your itinerary and head to the Sariska Tiger Reserve for a personal encounter with majestic felines. Nearby is the luxury resort <a href="https://www.aman.com/resorts/amanbagh">Amanbagh</a>, whose Christmas celebrations feature Babu, the resident camel, in the role of Rudolph, Santa’s trusty reindeer.
Text: Tenzing Thondup

Tag: seoul

Sensational Seoul: Beyond K-pop hype, the city’s glorious palaces and majestic surrounding mountains endure

Seoul Searching: Exploring the countless sights of South Korea’s capital city

Christmas Getaways: Gafencu’s guide to last-minute Christmas escapes

Tag: seoul

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Sensational Seoul: Beyond K-pop hype, the city’s glorious palaces and majestic surrounding mountains endure

Seoul Searching: Exploring the countless sights of South Korea’s capital city

Christmas Getaways: Gafencu’s guide to last-minute Christmas escapes