Seoul

Seoul combines royal heritage with cultural acceleration. Palaces, design districts, technology, fashion, music and food culture create a city whose contemporary influence now reaches far beyond Korea.

Seoul has been the capital since 1394, when the Joseon dynasty laid out its city between the mountains north of the Han River. Five royal palaces survive, among them Gyeongbokgung and the UNESCO-listed Changdeokgung with its secret garden. Between them, the tiled roofs of Bukchon’s hanok houses climb the hillside, and the old city walls still trace the ridgelines above.

South of the river, Gangnam and its neighbours hold the flagship stores, galleries and clinics of contemporary Seoul, while Seongsu and Hannam-dong have become the city’s design and café districts. Zaha Hadid’s Dongdaemun Design Plaza, the markets of Gwangjang and the view from Namsan Tower show how easily Seoul moves between the historic and the brand new.

Spring and autumn are the finest seasons. Cherry blossom arrives in early April along the Han and around Yeouido, and the Lotus Lantern Festival lights the streets ahead of the Buddha’s Birthday. From October into early November, the palace gardens and the slopes of Bukhansan turn red and gold, and the air is clear and dry.

Summer is hot and humid, with the jangma monsoon rains through late June and July. Winter is cold and bright, often below freezing, and suits palace visits without crowds, steaming street food and the ski slopes a short drive east. Chuseok, the autumn harvest holiday, quietens the city for several days as families return to their home towns.

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul stands at Gwanghwamun, a few minutes from Gyeongbokgung, and The Shilla Seoul occupies a garden site on the slopes of Namsan. South of the river, Signiel Seoul fills the upper floors of the Lotte World Tower, and Josun Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seoul Gangnam brings the heritage of Korea’s oldest hotel name to Teheran-ro.

LVXVRY books Four Seasons through Four Seasons Preferred Partner and Josun Palace through Marriott STARS & Luminous — at the official hotel rate, with the privileges each programme attaches to the stay. For The Shilla and Signiel, LVXVRY advises on and arranges the stay directly, and can combine Seoul with Busan or Jeju.