Seoul: City of Contradictions

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a study in contradictions. One the one hand it’s flashy: think Psy’s glitzy Gangnam with its towers bearing neon-lit signs advertising everything from Samsung to Hyundai.

On the other hand, the city fiercely clings on to its regal past: rebuilt palaces are dotted across this metropolis. It’s here where you might see traditionally dressed soldiers re-enacting the changing of the royal guard before looking for the latest fashion in a mall that doesn’t shut till 4am. It’s here where the cashed-up can splash out on a fancy Michelin-star feast while just across the street, vendors throng the local markets hawking local comfort food. It’s here where soaring glass skyscrapers overlook centuries-old Hanok houses. Seoul is old and new, glamorous and down-to-earth, all at the same time. And really, is that a bad thing?

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