Seoul

The South Korean capital is a magnet in every sense. 23 million people live in and around here. Remarkable contrasts are everywhere you look, as soaring skyscrapers jostle with proudly restored buildings from antiquity. And, as one of the few cities to have hosted both an Olympic Games and a World Cup, it has an outward-looking and welcoming feel; packed with enthusiastic and vibrant locals.

Must See:
Take a trip to the northern suburbs and take in the might of Gyeongbokgung, the truly impressive palace of the Joseon dynasty. This awe-inspiring complex houses the imperial throne-room to this day.

Must eat at:
Well known and well loved, Itaewon Galbi in Itaewon Street, is not to be missed for a flavour of your host nation. From beef rib stew to traditional ox tongue, it’s been serving-up a real essence of Seoul for years.

Must be there for:
Say Happy Birthday to Buddah in the annual Feast of the Lanterns, with a spectacular evening lantern parade. Precise dates vary with the lunar calendar, happening on the 8th day of the 4th moon... meaning April or May in the western calendar.

Well-travelled facts:
· Seoul has ‘Special City’ status in South Korea, meaning it is run not by a local council but directly by the national government.
· Seoul is the world’s fifth most expensive city to live in – and the second most expensive in Asia (after Tokyo).

Visa:
British citizens travelling to South Korea as tourists or on business do not normally need a visa for short-term visits of 90. Conditions apply, so for more information, visit http://www.koreanembassy.org.uk/engsub2_1.html