Seoul, Korea has been named as one of the top cities to visit in 2017 by  both Lonely Planet 'Best in Travel 2017' and  the National Geographic Traveller Magazine' Best of the World List for 2017'.

Recent statistics show good increases for Australian travellers to Korea for the period January-October 2016 with 124,250 Australian travellers visiting Korea, showing an increase of 12.7% over the same period in 2015.

Known for its urban design Seoul has change greatly in the past decade.  The city has become a much greener, more people friendly city with less cars and new architectural wonders like  Dongdaemun Design Plaza  being built as well as Cheongyecheon Steam where an aging  elevated highway was torn down  and replaced with a beautiful stream bringing nature back to the centre of the city.

In 2017, Seoul will launch the latest in Seoul's urban renewal projects, the new Seoul Skygarden near Seoul  station.  Designed by the Dutch architecture firm MVRDV the Skygarden will be similar to New York's High Line.  The elevated garden promenade will be built on an old almost one kilometre long, 17 metre tall highway overpass next to Seoul's main transport hub of Seoul Station.  It will become a platform on which trees, shrubs and flowers will grow to create an arboretum of local species.

Despite its rush to modernise, Seoul has maintained the beauty of its ancient past, the royal palaces and  shrines, Buddhist temples and ancient city walls are still there to enjoy alongside all the latest urban design wonders. 

In recent years the Seoul city walls have been restored and reopened to the public.  Today, hiking Seoul's fortress walls is one of the best ways to experience the city's ancient history, its natural beauty and enjoy some amazing views of the city along the way.

For visitors the best of Seoul can be found on the 'Top 10' lists of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's 'Visit Seoul'  website - your top ten attractions, nightlife, shopping, traditional culture experiences, walking tours, family tours and much more. 

The Seoul City free walking tours cover all aspects and areas of the city from markets to museums and traditional culture and modern design.  Visitors can book to join the tours via the Seoul Metro Government website.

At the same time visitors can check all the latest festivals and events happening in Seoul and plan their holiday for maximum enjoyment. 

Seoul Metropolitan Government:  www.visitseoul.net 

Korea Tourism Organization Sydney office: www.visitkorea.org.au 

Lonely Planet:   https://www.lonelyplanet.com/best-in-travel 

National Geographic:  http://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/features/best-trips-2017/#top 

Dated:  24 November, 2016

Further Information:  Jennifer Doherty, PR/Marketing Manager, Korea Tourism Organization

Ph:  02/9252-4147/8  Fx:   02)9251-2104

Email:  jenny@knto.org.au Website:  www.visitkorea.org.au

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