Seoul

If you want to see and experience old Korean life style this is the best way. Vinehouse is a 100-year-old traditional house located in central Seoul. This picturesque and cozy guesthouse has preserved all its charm. I recommend it every time.

Everything in Seoul is in constant flux: the buildings, the streets, even the way people think. So it’s nice to know that some things never change. Like my favorite “Gomtang” house, Hadongkwan. Made according to a recipe that has remained the same for almost 70 years, this popular beef soup served with sliced meat and rice is simply to die for!

Of the many outdoor markets in Seoul, Gwang-jang would have to be one of the oldest and biggest. I just love wandering through the endless rows of food stalls in the middle of the marketplace. Followed by a trip upstairs to satisfy my other appetite for vintage fashion. Whether you’re looking for something classical or just plain hip and trendy, this is definitely one of Seoul’s best-kept secrets!

'Want to catch a glimpse of the Korean countryside without leaving the city? The traditional wood and brick interior takes your thoughts far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. And the menu is just as authentic with many of my favorite traditional dishes and drinks.

Shinsegae stands on the site of Korea’s first department store, the former Japanese Misreukkosi that dates back to the 1930s. Major renovation works in 2007 have transformed it into a luxury hall, featuring a diverse range of brands from top international names to new designer labels. Head straight to the 5th floor for the latest Eastpak collections, including a few you might not find everywhere else.

If you’re like me, then your 3-course meal of choice would consist entirely out of desserts. Which is why I love the globalized take on traditional Korean sweets made here from home-grown ingredients. It’s hard to pick just one favorite, but if I had to choose, it is probably the sherbet on toast with traditional Korean rice cake.

Cheonggyecheon is a 7-mile-long creek that flows from West to East through downtown Seoul. The makeshift houses that used to line the banks after the Korean war have recently made way for a city park where you can enjoy a peaceful walk by the water and in the picturesque gardens. Cheonggyecheon road connects Myung dong, Jong no and Dongdaemun, some of the most popular places in Seoul.

There might not be a lot of space in the city for camping. But you can still “glamp” at one of Seoul’s newest and hippest restaurants. Enjoy a truly glamorous barbecue that is more than tasty enough to evoke the “great outdoors” from an urban point of view.

The word ‘Pocha’ used to refer to outdoor stalls. But these days, the best translation is “pub”. Pocha Blues is full of prints and other authentic memorabilia from the 1960s, giving visitors the distinct impression that time stands still in this lively downtown address. Best of all the food is both cheap and deliciously good! One of my personal favorites.