Seoul's status as one of Asia's top business centers is easily matched by its history, culture and cuisine.

The efficient metro links up most of the city, from the northern Changdeokgung and Gyeongbokgung palaces to the Lotte World Tower -- currently the fifth tallest building in the world. Cycle or stroll along the Han River or enjoy a lazy afternoon in Yongsan Park.

The artsy Itaewon area is an excellent choice for street food and shopping, while the ancient Bukchon Hanok Village offers a peek into the past.

Onion in the gentrifying Seongsu-dong warehouse district has some of the city's best coffee and pastries.

Myeongdong is a chaotic shopping district worth visiting if only for hidden restaurants such as bibimbap specialists Jeonju Jungang Hoegwan and dumpling and buckwheat noodle joint Myeongdong Kyoja.

For fine dining, there's Kioku, where Andre Fu-designed interiors feel like a living bamboo forest.