A city flattened by the Korean War, Seoul is very much a modern metropolis with huge multi-laned roads running through a vertical city of glittering skyscrapers. Yet there is another more hidden side to Seoul, the ancient temples and pagodas that you stumble upon unexpectedly, the traditional tea houses where a cup of tea is taken very seriously and the ceremony of it all becomes as much a delight as the tea itself. 

The cuisine is comparable in quality to any big city and you are sure to over indulge yourself on Korean delights. Still, you can always walk off lunch by meandering around the markets or through some of the beautifully maintained gardens with lotus ponds. Even better, take the hour long walk uphill to see the fortress walls and Buddhist temples and shrines. 

For a spot of true relaxation it is a must to try the Korean bath houses where you alternate between hot and cold baths until you are refreshed and ready for anything! This is a part of authentic Korean lifestyle. Then take a water taxi down the Han River and finish your day with a taste of old style culture by taking in a traditional Korean dance performance.