Seoul
WORLD
TRAVEL
May/June 2016
Seoul An Insider’s Guide to the Trendiest Spots
MAGAZINE
100
LIST BEST HOTELS IN THE WORLD
2016 Luxurious Sights of
PROVENCE & RIVIERA
CANNES
MCI (P) 034/10/2015 KDN PPS 1858/2/2015(025588)
Chilling with the Stars
Unexplored
Singapore S$8 Malaysia RM 20 Thailand THB 200 Indonesia IDR 70,000 Vietnam VND 130,000 Hong Kong HK$ 48
Tuscany
SEOUL CITY ESCAPE
Clockwise from top, Designer Lie Sang of My Sweet; French wine displayed at Palais de Gaumont; DDP by night, the My Sweet; My Sweet entrance view
116 World Travel
S E O U L
AN INSIDER’S GUIDE WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHS BY VINCENT SUNG
World Travel 117
SEOUL CITY ESCAPE
This Page, Entrance of Palais de Gaumont Opposite Page from top Antique chair at Palais de Gaumont; Human lamps designed by 915 Industry Gallery; Table setting at Palais de Gaumont
118 World Travel
S
world attention with major events such as the 2002 FIFA World Cup and World Design Capital in 2010. Ranking in the top ten of the great Asian cities along with the likes of Tokyo and Singapore, Seoul remains relatively unknown to foreign visitors from the west. Many westerners are simply passing through the futuristic Incheon airport on their way to the USA or Japan, without taking the time to stop by the capital and become swept up in its bustling streets. Seoul is split in two distinctive sections divided by the Han River Northern Gangbuk, which was once the seat of the Chosun Dynasty and the old capital until 1910, and the Southern Gangnam commerce and large conglomerates since the late eighties. Seoul transportation system or by hailing a cab or deluxe taxi. Make sure to have the exact
in progress, evolving and surprising its visitors by reinterpreting its rich tradition, yet daring to dazzle with bold experimentation. Five-star hotels line broad boulevards alongside restored historic properties. Just in the past ten years, however, Seoul has been injected with a newfound sense of style and purpose and has taken on a cultural renaissance. World-famous architects such and revitalized Seoul’s urban landscape, but local architects and designers have continued the work those starchitects began and went beyond the aesthetic benchmarks set by the previous government.
Seoul topped the coveted list of the most fashionable and trendy city in Asia. To feel the pulse of and trendsetters and their top places to go. Lie Sang Bong
he became internationally recognized for his architectural collections that celebrate and enhance Fashion is where art and industry converge, it allows me to combine diverse Bauhaus design, 1930’s Film Noir heroines, and the natural world. My garment construction is geometric shapes began to show his Paris Prêt-a-Porter collections in 2002 and then has continued at Mercedes-
My favourite places for a drink are both located in Itaewon; Glam is where the internationally educated Koreans rub shoulders with well-dressed expats and clad dressed women showing their latest accessories, World Travel 119
SEOUL CITY ESCAPE
Clockwise from top left, A corner shop at Grandmother; Table setting at Tutti Bene Interior at ‘Grandmother of You Jiyoung’ restaurant; Fashion designer You Ji-young; Details of the intricate interior at Grandmother
120 World Travel
World Travel 121
SEOUL CITY ESCAPE
Clockwise from top left, Details of ‘Shop in Foret’; Gifts on display at ‘Shop in Foret’Outdoor patio at ‘Foret’; Inside of ‘Gwibuin bar’ in Hannam-dong; Artistic menu at ‘Secret bar’ in Hongdae; The garden area of Pizza Muzzo; Fire over pizza at Pizza Muzzo
122 World Travel
This luxury lounge, located in the District behind Hamilton Hotel, is adorned in black marble highlighted by golden accents and candles scattered around the main bar. Comfortable seating, exclusive private areas and a large bullet-shaped bar sets the scene for an intimate night of mingling with Seoul’s beautiful people. Accompanying the opulent interior of Glam, it offers guests VIP
and complementing their selection of specialty cocktails, wine, champagne and spirits. Also, it is important to note that this is one of the few places in Seoul where smoking indoors is permitted. Another pick from Lie Sang Bong, My Sweet, is a dessert cafe and restaurant bar located in
wide corner building. The roof opens up only for a special event or a party. The interior has unique touches with artwork and carefully selected furniture. Original artworks by celebrated pop artist Nancy Lang can be found on display throughout the space. The overall venue has a more casual atmosphere, especially in the basement where a ‘fun and even wild’ party can start spontaneously. Kim Yong-ho has
for the past six years. He is still actively involved in commercial photography with brands ranging from Mercedes-Benz and Salvatore Ferragamo to Hyundai Motor and Hyundai Card. His exhibition / photo studio space 915 industry gallery, hosts edgy photography exhibitions and serves as an southern Seoul - once the most fashion-oriented areas in the capital - to the minds of those in their Cafe de Flore, a restaurant, wine bar and cafe that was the hottest spot among celebrities and locals. After several successful years,
His favourite place of all times is also located in Cheongdam-dong and has been at the same location since December 1999. Palais de Gaumont is a French classic haute cuisine restaurant with décor inspired by French palaces and libraries from the Victorian era. The owner, Seo Hyunmin design is classic with subdued lights and an overall French retro feel. The classy restaurant serves elaborately presented French-themed set menus made with quality ingredients changed seasonally is the perfect place to take a date or to bring your future business partners. Tutto Bene is the second restaurant by the talented Mr. Seo. Unlike the
often fully booked, and its strength lies in the in-house reinterpretations of Italian cooking. Fresh handmade fettuccine cooked al dente and served with grated Parmesan, egg yolk, sage and butter is among the top favourites. With the know-how inherited from Palais de Gaumont, the wine selection is as impressive as its sister restaurant. You Ji-young, a multi-talented artist and fashion designer, reopened ‘Grandmother’, her
perfect location in the Cheongdam area. In her new ‘home’, she created a multifunctional space where fashion, party, concert and culture blend together in harmony. Just as its name implies, World World Travel Travel 123 121
SEOUL CITY ESCAPE
Clockwise from top left, Counter bar at ‘Pizza Muzzo’; Garden section of ‘Satto’ Tapas served at Satto; Satto Orient Express
124 World Travel
Grandmother is a homey restaurant and wine bar where the fusion cuisine focuses on sharing The elegant, sensual venue is decorated with her paintings; blue and purple fabrics that she personally dyed are draped at strategic locations, while some of her haute-couture dresses hang nonchalantly next to antique wooden doors. Subdued lighting, grand chandeliers and mismatched chairs create a distinct atmosphere, matching her unique personality. Lee Kyung-min, recently renovated Shop in Forêt brass kitchenware that was reinterpreted with a modern twist, to cute gift objects, unique wallpaper, or digitized artsy LCD displays, these items are sourced locally as well as from Denmark, Italy,
Helena Flowers and a small café with a terrace to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while browsing the artwork displayed in the mini art gallery or while shopping for a tasteful gift. bar located in Hannam-dong. Gwibuin or ‘Femme Distinguée Shin Gui-ran, who is very much involved in fashion as fashion industry colleagues and friends. She made it happen with Gwibuin. The food menu leans Lady of Spain cava sexy-looking bottle of Spanish sparkling. They also carry the best gins and two types of champagne Recently opened at the former ‘Between’ location, in the heart of Itaewon, Pizza Muzzo celebrates contemporary, ingredient-focused cooking. Executive Chef, Cristian Gallarello, hailing recipes and family secrets. The sleek industrial-style restaurant, reminiscent of a London train station, serves rustic pizzas made from traditional, seasonal ingredients with homemade dough, made in-house every day. Cooked in a specially made wood-brick oven, the signature dish Romeo also offers fresh antipasti, handmade pastas and seasonally changing specials. Satto. Much more private and offering an immediate sense of occasion and glamour, the venue is split into three distinct sections, all with their own impression and individual design. As you enter through the sliding door, there is a large central bar and a marble-tiled hall; opposite of it, is a covered terrace more intimate yet exquisite setting; Satto ‘Orient Express’. Shaped and decorated as the modern version of the famed train, the chic atmosphere guarantees enjoyment in the most luxurious fashion. About twenty different kinds of signature cocktails are on offer and are made using the freshest ingredients available. The talented female bartenders can recommend or tailor a cocktail to your
premier crowd. The local fashionistas and trendsetters of Seoul have spoken. Visitors to this grand city have a cocktail, have a fusion dinner, rub shoulders with the rich and glamourous and discover the insider’s Seoul by trendy locals. World World Travel Travel 125 121
TRAVEL
May/June 2016
Seoul An Insider’s Guide to the Trendiest Spots
MAGAZINE
100
LIST BEST HOTELS IN THE WORLD
2016 Luxurious Sights of
PROVENCE & RIVIERA
CANNES
MCI (P) 034/10/2015 KDN PPS 1858/2/2015(025588)
Chilling with the Stars
Unexplored
Singapore S$8 Malaysia RM 20 Thailand THB 200 Indonesia IDR 70,000 Vietnam VND 130,000 Hong Kong HK$ 48
Tuscany
SEOUL CITY ESCAPE
Clockwise from top, Designer Lie Sang of My Sweet; French wine displayed at Palais de Gaumont; DDP by night, the My Sweet; My Sweet entrance view
116 World Travel
S E O U L
AN INSIDER’S GUIDE WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHS BY VINCENT SUNG
World Travel 117
SEOUL CITY ESCAPE
This Page, Entrance of Palais de Gaumont Opposite Page from top Antique chair at Palais de Gaumont; Human lamps designed by 915 Industry Gallery; Table setting at Palais de Gaumont
118 World Travel
S
world attention with major events such as the 2002 FIFA World Cup and World Design Capital in 2010. Ranking in the top ten of the great Asian cities along with the likes of Tokyo and Singapore, Seoul remains relatively unknown to foreign visitors from the west. Many westerners are simply passing through the futuristic Incheon airport on their way to the USA or Japan, without taking the time to stop by the capital and become swept up in its bustling streets. Seoul is split in two distinctive sections divided by the Han River Northern Gangbuk, which was once the seat of the Chosun Dynasty and the old capital until 1910, and the Southern Gangnam commerce and large conglomerates since the late eighties. Seoul transportation system or by hailing a cab or deluxe taxi. Make sure to have the exact
in progress, evolving and surprising its visitors by reinterpreting its rich tradition, yet daring to dazzle with bold experimentation. Five-star hotels line broad boulevards alongside restored historic properties. Just in the past ten years, however, Seoul has been injected with a newfound sense of style and purpose and has taken on a cultural renaissance. World-famous architects such and revitalized Seoul’s urban landscape, but local architects and designers have continued the work those starchitects began and went beyond the aesthetic benchmarks set by the previous government.
Seoul topped the coveted list of the most fashionable and trendy city in Asia. To feel the pulse of and trendsetters and their top places to go. Lie Sang Bong
he became internationally recognized for his architectural collections that celebrate and enhance Fashion is where art and industry converge, it allows me to combine diverse Bauhaus design, 1930’s Film Noir heroines, and the natural world. My garment construction is geometric shapes began to show his Paris Prêt-a-Porter collections in 2002 and then has continued at Mercedes-
My favourite places for a drink are both located in Itaewon; Glam is where the internationally educated Koreans rub shoulders with well-dressed expats and clad dressed women showing their latest accessories, World Travel 119
SEOUL CITY ESCAPE
Clockwise from top left, A corner shop at Grandmother; Table setting at Tutti Bene Interior at ‘Grandmother of You Jiyoung’ restaurant; Fashion designer You Ji-young; Details of the intricate interior at Grandmother
120 World Travel
World Travel 121
SEOUL CITY ESCAPE
Clockwise from top left, Details of ‘Shop in Foret’; Gifts on display at ‘Shop in Foret’Outdoor patio at ‘Foret’; Inside of ‘Gwibuin bar’ in Hannam-dong; Artistic menu at ‘Secret bar’ in Hongdae; The garden area of Pizza Muzzo; Fire over pizza at Pizza Muzzo
122 World Travel
This luxury lounge, located in the District behind Hamilton Hotel, is adorned in black marble highlighted by golden accents and candles scattered around the main bar. Comfortable seating, exclusive private areas and a large bullet-shaped bar sets the scene for an intimate night of mingling with Seoul’s beautiful people. Accompanying the opulent interior of Glam, it offers guests VIP
and complementing their selection of specialty cocktails, wine, champagne and spirits. Also, it is important to note that this is one of the few places in Seoul where smoking indoors is permitted. Another pick from Lie Sang Bong, My Sweet, is a dessert cafe and restaurant bar located in
wide corner building. The roof opens up only for a special event or a party. The interior has unique touches with artwork and carefully selected furniture. Original artworks by celebrated pop artist Nancy Lang can be found on display throughout the space. The overall venue has a more casual atmosphere, especially in the basement where a ‘fun and even wild’ party can start spontaneously. Kim Yong-ho has
for the past six years. He is still actively involved in commercial photography with brands ranging from Mercedes-Benz and Salvatore Ferragamo to Hyundai Motor and Hyundai Card. His exhibition / photo studio space 915 industry gallery, hosts edgy photography exhibitions and serves as an southern Seoul - once the most fashion-oriented areas in the capital - to the minds of those in their Cafe de Flore, a restaurant, wine bar and cafe that was the hottest spot among celebrities and locals. After several successful years,
His favourite place of all times is also located in Cheongdam-dong and has been at the same location since December 1999. Palais de Gaumont is a French classic haute cuisine restaurant with décor inspired by French palaces and libraries from the Victorian era. The owner, Seo Hyunmin design is classic with subdued lights and an overall French retro feel. The classy restaurant serves elaborately presented French-themed set menus made with quality ingredients changed seasonally is the perfect place to take a date or to bring your future business partners. Tutto Bene is the second restaurant by the talented Mr. Seo. Unlike the
often fully booked, and its strength lies in the in-house reinterpretations of Italian cooking. Fresh handmade fettuccine cooked al dente and served with grated Parmesan, egg yolk, sage and butter is among the top favourites. With the know-how inherited from Palais de Gaumont, the wine selection is as impressive as its sister restaurant. You Ji-young, a multi-talented artist and fashion designer, reopened ‘Grandmother’, her
perfect location in the Cheongdam area. In her new ‘home’, she created a multifunctional space where fashion, party, concert and culture blend together in harmony. Just as its name implies, World World Travel Travel 123 121
SEOUL CITY ESCAPE
Clockwise from top left, Counter bar at ‘Pizza Muzzo’; Garden section of ‘Satto’ Tapas served at Satto; Satto Orient Express
124 World Travel
Grandmother is a homey restaurant and wine bar where the fusion cuisine focuses on sharing The elegant, sensual venue is decorated with her paintings; blue and purple fabrics that she personally dyed are draped at strategic locations, while some of her haute-couture dresses hang nonchalantly next to antique wooden doors. Subdued lighting, grand chandeliers and mismatched chairs create a distinct atmosphere, matching her unique personality. Lee Kyung-min, recently renovated Shop in Forêt brass kitchenware that was reinterpreted with a modern twist, to cute gift objects, unique wallpaper, or digitized artsy LCD displays, these items are sourced locally as well as from Denmark, Italy,
Helena Flowers and a small café with a terrace to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while browsing the artwork displayed in the mini art gallery or while shopping for a tasteful gift. bar located in Hannam-dong. Gwibuin or ‘Femme Distinguée Shin Gui-ran, who is very much involved in fashion as fashion industry colleagues and friends. She made it happen with Gwibuin. The food menu leans Lady of Spain cava sexy-looking bottle of Spanish sparkling. They also carry the best gins and two types of champagne Recently opened at the former ‘Between’ location, in the heart of Itaewon, Pizza Muzzo celebrates contemporary, ingredient-focused cooking. Executive Chef, Cristian Gallarello, hailing recipes and family secrets. The sleek industrial-style restaurant, reminiscent of a London train station, serves rustic pizzas made from traditional, seasonal ingredients with homemade dough, made in-house every day. Cooked in a specially made wood-brick oven, the signature dish Romeo also offers fresh antipasti, handmade pastas and seasonally changing specials. Satto. Much more private and offering an immediate sense of occasion and glamour, the venue is split into three distinct sections, all with their own impression and individual design. As you enter through the sliding door, there is a large central bar and a marble-tiled hall; opposite of it, is a covered terrace more intimate yet exquisite setting; Satto ‘Orient Express’. Shaped and decorated as the modern version of the famed train, the chic atmosphere guarantees enjoyment in the most luxurious fashion. About twenty different kinds of signature cocktails are on offer and are made using the freshest ingredients available. The talented female bartenders can recommend or tailor a cocktail to your
premier crowd. The local fashionistas and trendsetters of Seoul have spoken. Visitors to this grand city have a cocktail, have a fusion dinner, rub shoulders with the rich and glamourous and discover the insider’s Seoul by trendy locals. World World Travel Travel 125 121
