KOREA / 48 HOURS IN SEOUL
Seoul is Asia's most unique shopping destination with a thriving retail scene. Shops and concept stores have doubled since my first trip 4 years ago. With late night food markets and 24 hour shopping it really is a city that never sleeps. Visit the Itaewon area, a favorite of mine and a hot spot for the trendiest boutiques, cafes and restaurants lined along the main road and off the beaten track. A land of contrasts Cheongdamdong area is a mix of high end brands and flashy flagship stores, including the incredible Dior flagship noted for its flower petal architecture and quaint backstreet boutiques situated around Dosan Park.
STAY
Conrad Hotel Seoul, 10 Gukjegeumyung-ro (Yeouido) Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, 07326
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, 97 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03183
SHOP BEAUTY
Head to Sinsa Dong area where you'll find Garosu-gil, a small tree lined street full of great Korean beauty stores, boutiques and interesting things.
Skinfood for organic and natural beauty products derived from food.
Dr Jart won global recognition for its pharmaceutical approach to skincare. stock up on face masks and skin brightening formulas in the unique flagship filter space.
SHOP FASHION
D- DEPARTMENT by millimetre milligram known as MMMG, A design and homeware store that specialises in goods that have stood the test of time. Discover books, furniture, clothing and accessories as well as a trendy plant store a coffee shop and sustainable brand Freitag.
Beaker Store, high end international brands mixed with favourite Korean labels like Ader Error, Stereo Vinyls, Beyond Closet and more. These streetwear brands are like gold dust and are a fraction of the price compared to when you are in Europe.
By Mina With You, is situated in the backstreets of Itaewon. This store really is special with a personal shoe service, each shoe is made to order so you can pick your heel, heel height, fabric and colour. A favourite shoe brand of mine and of many Korean celebrities.
10 Corso Coma Mingle with the elite in the beautifully designed cafe & bookstore.
Andersson Bell, situated opposite the lush gardens of Dosan Park lays Andersson Bell’s first ever flagship store. This relatively young brand is is Koreas answer to MM6 or Balenciaga.
Kasina, into sneakers? Koreas largest sport and streetwear concept store featuring special collections from brands like Stussy, Nike and Adidas.
Raremarket, founded by Dami Kwon the sister of K-POP royalty G Dragon. Raremarket brings together unique cult designers from around the world as well as home grown Korean talents many of whom should be on your radar or are rising stars of the fashion scene. Not to be miss!
Common Ground is the most instagrammed location in Seoul, A super trendy shopping village made from 200 bright blue shipping containers filled with cafes, restaurants and shopping boutiques. About 25 min outside the city but worth the visit.
CAFE
Cafe culture is huge in Seoul, with each cafe being extremely insta worthy.
Low Coffee Hannam, A bloggers paradise with a minimal clean asthetic and great coffee.
One In A Million, This pink coffee & cake shop will often have a queue outside! You’ll also find a photo shoot or 5! However this place is great fun and a must visit to get into the swing of Seoul.
SPA
Korea is the capital of beauty so delve into Korean culture and experience a local bath house. I can highly recommend Spa Lei and its full body scrub, where women rub you down with a body scrub mitt until your skin rolls off. It is rather unconventional but its great for circulation after a long haul flight and you will never feel cleaner!
Feel like splashing out? Head to the The Four Seasons spa in Seoul. This is one of the most luxurious spas I have ever been too with views spanning over the whole city. An unforgettable experience.
CULTURE
The Dongdaemun Design Plaza ( DDP ) the most iconic landmark in South Korea. Designed by Zaha Hadid holds a host of amazing exhibitions as well as being one of my most favorite architectural buildings.
