Experience the Vibrant Seoul of 2025

Seoul, the vibrant megacity, is bustling with excitement as the city gears up for a thrilling year ahead. The global interest in all things Korean, affectionately known as Hallyu, is in full swing, attracting millions of visitors who come to experience the city’s unique blend of traditional and modern culture. The city’s dining scene is also getting a boost, with the latest culinary additions that are sure to tantalize the taste buds. Vegan restaurant Légume, which opened in April 2023, has received its first Michelin star in 2025, offering innovative plant-based dishes that showcase the seasonality and terroir of South Korea. From ancient traditions to modern luxury, Seoul has something to offer for every kind of traveler. Here are some of the notable openings, updates, and must-dos to explore in the city this year:

1. Hot hotels to check into:

• The Link Seoul
• Nostalgia Hotel
• Grand Mercure Imperial Palace Seoul Gangnam

The Link Seoul, part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio brand, is a 141-room hotel that opened in October 2024 in Seoul’s southwest Sindorim district. The hotel’s bold decor mixes Scandinavian modernity with traditional Korean textile styles, while its public spaces are perfect for K-pop fans to mingle and socialize. The hotel also features locally inspired art installations and a 13th-floor indoor pool. Nostalgia Hotel, located in the heart of Seoul, is a stylish hotel that is styled like a traditional Korean hanok. The hotel consists of six individual hanoks, with a seventh opening in April 2025. The tranquil spaces blend streamlined, minimalist interiors with Korean architectural features like gently sloping tiled roofs and antique paintings and furniture. The Grand Mercure Imperial Palace Seoul Gangnam is a grande dame in Seoul’s hotel scene, which has undergone extensive rebranding after a 30-year closure. The property reopened in December 2024 with notable amenities, including The Club Imperial Lounge, designed to resemble a traditional Korean hanok, and an outdoor pool flanked by a Greek-inspired temple.

1. Restaurants to plan a trip around:

• Mingles
• Légume

Mingles is a Korean fine-dining restaurant that was named South Korea’s only three-Michelin-star restaurant in the 2025 Michelin Guide for Seoul and Busan. The restaurant is known for its innovative take on incorporating new technologies and sensibilities into Korean contemporary cuisine. Légume, on the other hand, is a vegan restaurant that received its first Michelin star in 2025. The restaurant offers tantalizing vegan fare that captures the seasonality and terroir of South Korea.

1. Essential must-dos in 2025:

• Seoul Museum of Art
• Gwangjang Market
• Seoul Hiking Tourism Center

The Seoul Museum of Art is set to open two new venues in 2025, including The Photography Seoul Museum of Art in the Dobong district in May and the Seo-Seoul Museum of Art in the Geumcheon district later this year. The former will be the first museum in Korea dedicated solely to the art and history of Korean photography. Gwangjang Market’s “Food Alley” is a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts. The market features a night tour of the market focused on pairing street food with traditional alcohol tasting. The Seoul Hiking Tourism Center aims to help visitors hit the trails by offering low-cost hiking gear rentals and programs such as the 2025 Global Hiking Mate challenge, which pairs foreign tourists with locals for group hikes.

“I’ve lived in Korea for four years and consider Seoul my second home. I’m excited to see what the city has in store for visitors this year,”

says a K-culture connoisseur. Whether you’re a foodie, a culture vulture, or an adventure-seeker, Seoul has something for everyone in 2025. With its unique blend of tradition and modernity, this vibrant city is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.

Getting Around

Fly into Incheon Airport (ICN), which was rated number three on the Skytrax Top 100 Airports for 2024. The airport has undergone significant improvements, including the expansion of Terminal 2, which features two outdoor gardens, a kinetic art installation, and robot assistants that can transport luggage and even deliver food to passengers at their gates.

More to Explore

From ancient traditions to modern luxury, Seoul has something to offer for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, Seoul is the perfect destination for you. With its vibrant culture, delicious food, and stunning scenery, Seoul is a city that will leave you with unforgettable memories. So why not start planning your trip to Seoul today and experience the vibrant city of 2025 for yourself?

Accommodation

Seoul has a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget and preference. From luxurious hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses, Seoul has something for everyone.

Getting Around

Incheon Airport (ICN) is the main entry point for visitors to Seoul. The airport is well-connected to the city center by public transportation, making it easy to get around.