South Korea’s capital is a city of contrasts – on the one hand a high-tech, cutting-edge, skyscraping metropolis that’s on the go 24 hours a day, and on the other a place of deep tradition with a population who are as comfortable with spirituality as being fashion forward.

Nestled amongst the modern architecture and streets full of buzzing cafes, bars and boutiques, you’ll find ancient Buddhist temples, palaces full of fascinating history, neighbourhoods of traditional wooden houses and lovely, leafy parks. Seoul is also surrounded by mountains – 4 of which are the city’s guardians, feng shui on the grandest scale – which are interlaced with trails which the locals use to escape their urban existence at the weekend.

Must visit attractions include Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces and the Dongdaemun Design Plaza & Park, whilst Seoul’s culinary scene is very much alive and well – get yourself to a street food market!