Special report - Seoul: design destiny

Seoul: design destiny
"Timeless elegance in keeping with the image of Seoul": Frédéric Boulin, Park Hyatt Seoul
Seoul: address book

Seoul: address book

By The Editor -

Published on 18/09/2012

Identity card

Formalities : Passport valid for six months after the date of entry.

Currency : the won. 1 € = 1384 won (August 2012)

Time difference : +7 h in summer, +8 h in winter.

Area code : + 82

How to get there

SkyTeam members Korean Air and Air France offer two daily codeshare flights to Seoul, one departing Paris at 9pm (Korean Air), the second at 1.30pm (Air France). Korean Air offers three classes on its Boeing 747s, while Air France offers a superior economy class - Premium Voyageur - in addition to Première, Affaires and Voyageur on board its Boeing 777s.

Tel.: 0820 320 820 or 0800 916 000

Internet: www.airfrance.fr or www.koreanair.com

Asiana Airlines, the other South Korean carrier, operates three direct flights a week between Paris CDG and Seoul, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. These flights are operated by Boeing 777 and offer three classes of service.

Tel.: 01 53 43 79 07

Internet: www.flyasiana.com

Hotels

Park Hyatt Seoul

It is the symbol of discreet elegance and good taste. The 185 rooms, with their refined design, their size - they are the largest in Seoul - and their spectacular bathrooms, give the impression of a private flat. The Park Hyatt has one of the most popular bars in Seoul, the Timber House, with its traditional Korean decor.

606, Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu

Tel: +82 2 2016 1234 `

E-mail : seoul.park@hyatt.com

Internet : www.seoul.park.hyatt.com

Westin Chosun

Named one of the world's best hotels by Institutional Investors magazine, the Westin Chosun is a luxury hotel particularly well suited to business guests. The hotel, which has 320 rooms, was completely remodelled in 2007.

87 Sogong-Dong, Jung-gu

Tel.: +82 2 771 05 00

E-mail : email@westinchosun.co.kr

Internet: www.echosunhotel.com

JW Marriott

Close to the COEX convention centre in Gangnam, the JW Marriott offers 487 classically styled, luxurious guest rooms and is conveniently located within the Central City Complex shopping centre and directly connected to the metro network.

19-3 Banpo-Dong, Seocho-gu

Tel.: +82 2 6282 62 62

Internet: www.marriott.com

Millenium Seoul Hilton

The comprehensive Millenium Hilton Seoul even has a golf driving range.

Its anthracite structure stands in the heart of the metropolis, close to the new arts centre at Seoul Station. Among the 681 rooms, those on the upper floors offer a beautiful view of Mount Namsan. The hotel features a spa, casino and a choice of nine restaurants and bars.

395, 5-ga, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu

Tel.: +82 2 753 77 88

E-mail : seoul@hilton.com

Internet: www.hiltonhotels.com/fr_FR

Banyan tree club & spa

As if leaning against Mount Namsan, this urban resort of the Thai chain rises high into the Seoul sky, in a tower designed in the 1960s by the architect Kim Swoo Geun. Only 49 rooms, all in a feng shui spirit, but a multitude of relaxation and leisure areas with an outdoor swimming pool and a spa, Banyan Tree's great speciality.

Jang Chung Dan-Ro 60, Jung-Gu

Tel.: +82 2 2250 8000

E-mail : clubandspa-seoul@banyantree.com

Internet : www.banyantree.com

Novotel Ambassador Gangnam

Just a short distance from COEX and the World Trade Centre, this hotel offers 332 good-value rooms, with a French touch to boot! There are seven bars and restaurants and numerous meeting rooms.

603 Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu

Tel.: +82 2 567 1101

E-mail : novotel.gangnam@ambatel.com

Internet : www.novotel.com

Restaurants

Gosang

Recently opened, Gosang presents the traditional cuisine served in temples, in a setting enhanced by works by Korean artists. On the menu: tofu in a range of subtle flavours and an infinite variety of vegetables and mushrooms seasoned with delicate spices. After all, you can eat vegetarian here!

B2F, Center 1 Building, 67, Suha-dong, Jung-gu

Tel.: +82 2 6030 8955

Internet: www.baru-gosang.com

Cornerstone

The Park Hyatt restaurant is renowned for its seafood, fish and grilled meats. Italian flavours are recommended for travellers looking for quality Western cuisine.

606, Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu

Tel: +82 2 2016 1220

E-mail : seoul.park@hyatt.com

Internet :www.seoul.park.hyatt.com

Maple Tree Restaurant

In the heart of Itaewon, the district popular with expatriates due to the nearby presence of the US army base, this restaurant is known for its beef and pork barbecue specialities. Despite the presence of tourists, this restaurant is authentic and of high quality. What's more, the service is provided by English-speaking staff, which is not always the case in Seoul. Not to be missed!

Yongsan-gu. Itaewon1-dong 119-25

Internet : www.mapletreehouse.co.kr

Ryunique

Exquisite fusion cuisine created by chef Tae Hwan Ry. Each dish is a true work of art, with the guarantee of only organic ingredients!

1F, 520-1, Shinsa-dong, Gangnum-gu

Tel.: +82 2 546 9279

Min's Kitchen

A small, contemporary restaurant serving light, inventive Korean cuisine.

651-4 Sinsa-Dong, Gangnam-gu

Tel.: +82 2 544 1007