The epitome of Asia’s modern metropolis, South Korea’s cool and chic capital fascinates many and disgusts some. Mavis Teo shares the highlights of her recent trip so you can enjoy the best of the city.
I I fell asleep as I was lying on a soapy vinyl bed in my birthday suit while a stranger twisted my limbs with her exfoliating gloved hands to get to every nook and cranny of my body and gap.In a warm and humid room around the age of 34 Spend C, I am completely tired of this hand ajuma (Korean auntie). I didn’t expect to get along so well with her. Wearing a matching black bra and panties – apparently the standard “uniform” for what Koreans call a scrub hostess, the middle-aged, pint-sized therapist shoved me into a pretzel as she peeled dead cells from me down.
It could be her friendly and relaxed smile, or it could be the relaxed vibe of the Korean sauna at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul where I stayed. Outside my treatment room, some local women soaked in oversized hot and cold baths made of 18-karat Italian pizzaza gold mosaic tiles, between trips to the sauna or steam room. Most were enjoying a quiet time while the two ladies chatted softly between them.The atmosphere is a far cry from the traditional Korean bathhouses I’ve seen on TV – known as Jim Gibonpeople sat on the floor in spa-provided t-shirts and shorts, chatting and snacking.
But that’s the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, known for its unparalleled luxury, an oasis of tranquility in the capital city of Seoul – despite its location in the capital city of Seoul. Gwangjugate Located in the central area of Seoul. In this bustling and dense city, a quiet place is so coveted that many luxury hotels have private members’ clubs that are highly recognized by local wealthy individuals who need a place to relax or socialize.
Despite its nickname of “Land of Morning Calm,” South Korea’s Capital is nothing.quickly The growing city has put off some tourists. South Korea’s meteoric rise in just a few decades — devastated by a series of events such as poverty and 35 years of Japanese occupation, and the brutal Korean War that spread the country (and family) north and south — is an impressive feat.
although How modern it looks, and how many people think they are connected to Korean culture, Korea is actually pretty unique in itself. Ask any foreigner who has been to the destination, especially a non-oriental one, about their experience, and you’re likely to get a conflicting answer. Some see the country as still relatively isolated, resistant to foreign cultures, and seem reluctant to communicate in English, even if some can.
Such conservatism seems to be at odds with the vibrant modern character that South Korea presents to the world. But it’s real.even in seoul, isolation can be challenging, so people tend to stick together.as indifferent as some seoul On the surface, there are a lot of good souls – like anywhere, as I found myself and through their referrals, had a great time.
internal use – and foreign guests
Forming factions and belonging to one seems to be an important part of Korean social dynamics. Therefore, hotels with membership-only clubs are popular places for locals, especially the wealthy. For foreigners, there’s no better way to see and experience high-end Korean living than by parking in the city’s best hotels. As you know, I started with the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul.
Spacious rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows that are breezy and bathed in natural light even in the harsh winter, while enjoying panoramic views of the beautiful Gyeongbokgung Palace, the impressive N Seoul Tower and the picturesque Cheonggye River.
The hotel also has no shortage of first-class dining experiences. Yu Garden, a Chinese restaurant awarded one Michelin star from 2017 to 2021, is popular for its authentic Cantonese cuisine. Another must-see is Charles H, a speakeasy (fun to find a door) where head bartender Keith Motsi serves up so intoxicating and delicious cocktails that the establishment has become an annual fixture. The 50 Best Bars in the World list. While Korean fried chicken is easy to find all over the city, ordering it here is absolutely unforgettable because it’s the perfect combination of tender and crispy.
Opening in May 2021, Zhongshan Palace takes exclusivity to a whole new level. The Luxury Collection hotel in Gangnam recently launched a club limited to 150 people, where members can use its ultra-high-tech and high-end fitness club, as well as classes that many people haven’t seen before. These include group sessions accompanied by live music played by cellists. As of press time, many membership spots at the hotel, which is owned by the Lee family of Shinsegae, have been snapped up.
If you’re not a chaebol, don’t worry. Hotel guests can attend some courses for a fee. The property is also worth checking out for its extensive collection of local art, many of which were specially commissioned by the hotel. What else is different here? Even the most basic room has a steaming closet, providing added convenience for busy guests who often forget to put their dry cleaning away.
Before some of Seoul’s best luxury hotels sprouted south of the Han River that flows through the city, there was the InterContinental Grand Seoul Parnas. IHG Hotels opened in 1988, marking the entry of the first international hotel brand In Gangnam, too, a new standard was set for luxury living – inspiring the interior design of many residences at the time. In 2020, the hotel underwent a major renovation. While the interior now presents a refined and luxurious look and is more committed to sustainability, Some traditional crowd pullers still exist. One of them is afternoon tea served in the hotel lobby lounge. On any given weekday, the lounge is almost occupied by ladies eating lunch, many of whom also congregate in the morning at the hotel’s Korean spa and pool.
The Park Hyatt Seoul is understated and understated, making it the ideal place for many of the city’s celebrities to meet (and as we discover them). Discreet staff don’t talk about their guests, but waiting 10 minutes for a friend at the hotel entrance gave me a glimpse of the car, and the owner of the car who frequented the hotel. Many of them are said to have met at the log cabin. Privacy aside, the dark and cavernous basement bar also offers some of the best and rarest cigars in Seoul. Design lovers will also appreciate the room’s minimalist granite and light wood interior, which was conceived by Japanese firm Super Potato.
pursuit of beauty
Every self-respecting Seoul woman has her cosmetologist (or plastic surgeon) number on the speed dial. It’s so common to have tweaks or cuts in Korean women that there’s rarely any shame in whether it’s minor or major. Ask any Seoulite the secret to her radiant skin and you’ll break the ice and learn her secret.
At the recommendation of an unnamed socialite, I went to the Oracle Clinic for a non-invasive 10Thera treatment, which includes overseas royals and celebrities among the patients of plastic surgeon Dr. Jae Kwon Wang. Using the latest High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) technology, said to be not yet available in Singapore, it restores skin elasticity and promotes collagen growth. Developed in-house by Oracle, the therapy promises twice as much efficacy in half the treatment (half the price of traditional HIFU treatments). I’m happy to report that its claims are true and my jawline has been visibly lifted and more defined after a week. 
For more pampering, fans of the ultra-luxury The History of Whoo beauty brand may want to check out its products while in Seoul. While flagship stores are closed during the pandemic and have yet to reopen (despite plans), customers will still get the first deals on new product launches at the counters of major department stores in Seoul. There are overseas customers who come to Seoul to visit MyeongUiHyang, the only professional skincare line for ultra-sensitive skin that Singapore does not have, as well as The History of Whoo’s special exhibition during the country’s annual Royal Culture Festival in October.
Food Discovery
There is much more to Korean cuisine than kimchi and bulgogi, although these are delicious for many people. While there are now more sophisticated Korean restaurants in Seoul and internationally, Chef Uhm Jung-sik is largely considered a pioneer of new Korean cuisine.
Two years after opening the city’s eponymous restaurant, the Culinary Institute of America alum ventured back to the US to open an outpost in 2011. His goal: to introduce the world to a modern interpretation of Korean food by combining Korean ingredients with Western techniques and plating.
Three years after opening, Chef Yim’s New York restaurant has been awarded two Michelin stars. For a taste of the master craftsmanship, book a table at the Seoul restaurant, as this dashing chef is currently based in the capital.
Want to learn about the best Korean food – new or traditional, Including chicken with ginseng, raw crabs marinated in soy sauce, and even the exquisite court food favored by the royal family of the Joseon Dynasty – contact Choi Jia, founder of O’ngo Food Communications, who runs food tours (and ex-cooking classes – Pandemic) . Choi, who holds a Ph.D. in Food and Nutrition, is a well-known Korean food expert in China and has close ties with many famous people in the industry.
Since Koreans are big foodies, there is also a lot of good international food with a high standard. It was also in this city that Stefano di Salvo found his home (and wife) — and his Italian restaurant in the upscale Hannam area. Chef di Salvo first traveled to Seoul in 2007 to work at various hotels in Seoul and Busan, including Park Hyatt Seoul. He was also Executive Chef at the JW Marriott South Beach. He then returned to Seoul, where he opened Borgo Hannam in December 2019. Just last November, the agency received a mention in the 2022 Seoul Michelin Guide. The stucco interior of his 32-seater restaurant has a rustic style, transporting diners to a very chic country home. The walls are filled with bottles of lemonade and other grappa made by di Salvo themselves.Must order is tuna saucea plate of thinly sliced Han Yu (Indigenous Korean beef) served cold with lingonberries and tuna mayo. Three months later, I still remember the taste and texture of this dish.
Gathering is also a popular activity among wealthy people in Seoul. Regardless of everyone’s religious beliefs, Korean temple food is a year-round choice. There’s even a Korean Temple Food Institute called Hyangjeoksegye, where visitors can take cooking classes, learn about the Korean tea ceremony, and discover unique temple customs, including meal pairings and pacing, and eco-friendly cooking practices.
The city’s most popular temple food restaurant is Balwoo Ram, run by the Jogye Sect of Korean Buddhism and helmed by Chef Ji-young Kim. It features original traditional recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. The gourmet beauty of the Balwoo Ram comes not only from its simplicity, but also from the plating, making dining here a visually rich experience. Only seasonal ingredients are used, taking into account the needs of the body, while dishes are prepared with minimal seasoning. The best way to enjoy a meal? Meditate slowly and quietly. Advance booking is recommended.
This story first appeared in the March 2022 issue Singapore Prestige.
