How I Holiday: A Travel-Lover’s Guide To Korean-Style Rotisserie Chicken And Concept Stores In Seoul

Welcome to How I Holiday, a series of travel stories and recommendations shared by friends of Urban List from Aotearoa and Australia. With well-timed connections to Seoul via Singapore from key Aussie destinations, we've proudly partnered with Singapore Airlines to bring this story to life. 

You might recognise Maddy Ainsworth as the face of Urban List's many office vox pops, but outside of being our in-office, on-camera star, she's also our resident globetrotter—a travel-hungry explorer with 22 countries (Cambodia, Greece, Kuwait and Maldives, to name a few) under her belt. Her latest stand-out destination? Seoul. And thanks to Singapore Airlines, on a flight to the Korean capital you'll find comfy, spacious cabins, on-demand Korean dramas and K‑movies and dishes inspired by the region to set the mood for your time in South Korea. Ready to fly? Read on for all of Ainsworth's tips. 

What is it about Seoul that you love so much? 

There’s so much to love about Seoul; it is truly an incredible city that’s now one of my favourites. The transportation was so efficient, the food was incredible, the streets were clean, the people were beautiful, and the street style was elite. Seoul really surprised me, everything was so considered and well thought out and the food, oh the food! I can’t wait to go back.

What’s a core memory you have there? 

Walking around and seeing all the beautiful autumnal leaves everywhere. The colours were so vibrant! It’s unlike anything I’d even seen back home.

What surprised you the first time you visited Seoul? Why? 

The lack of tourists! Throughout the trip, we never had to fight through crowds to get around. I travelled to Osaka after Seoul, and the number of tourists everywhere took me off guard. I didn’t realise how good we had it. It's seemingly still an under-the-radar city, so if you’re contemplating it, I would book your flights ASAP!  

What’s the best meal you’ve had in Seoul? 

My sisters and I came across Korean-style rotisserie chicken, and now it’s the only way I ever want to eat chicken. They're roasted in a huge rotisserie at the front of the restaurant, so you can watch them cook while you wait for your table as the smell wafts down the street.

The menu is simple; it’s just chicken and some sides, but they do it so well. The chicken is stuffed with sticky rice, dates, nuts and garlic. Before it hits the table, it’s butterflied and seared on a hot cast-iron pan and topped with cheese, creating crispy golden edges and a beautiful crust of sticky rice.

Where can you find the best shopping in Seoul? 

Seongsu is the fashion district, and it's where you really understand how Koreans have changed the game for brick-and-mortar stores. Each one you walk into is an entirely new world. From giant Bratz dolls crawling out of the roof at Gentle Monster to mushrooms puffing smoke rings at Tamburins, it really blew my mind.

Hannam was also incredible for shopping. Seongsu is the trendy, loud little sister to Hannam’s more mature, mysterious older sister. The boutiques in Hannam are nestled between residential houses and winding streets, so it’s a little more difficult to find, but so rewarding once you do. A standout for me was the Maison Margiela boutique, which is part cafe, part store. You can walk through and experience the beauty of the store, then take a seat in the garden and indulge in a tabi-inspired pastry.  

Where are you heading first next time you touch down in Seoul? 

The home of Korean skincare, Olive Young. Koreans have mastered skincare. Their products are unlike anything you can get here, and when compared to Australian prices, they're so affordable. 

Where in Seoul would you go for a little creative inspiration? 

Whenever I’m travelling, I love to visit the local art galleries and Dongdaemun Design Plaza is at the top of my list. Not only is the art inside a feast for the eyes but the building itself is a thing of beauty. 

Where would you go to relax and reset? 

Headspas. After clocking thousands of steps from all the shopping, it’s the perfect way to wind down. 

What’s your non-negotiable on a trip to Seoul? 

Not being shy and experiencing all the food Korea has to offer. Go to the food markets, the hole-in-the-wall restaurants where you can’t read the menu and no one speaks English, I guarantee you’ll stumble across something amazing.

Where should people eat, drink, stay and play in Seoul? 

Eat: Oldies Tacos! You’d be surprised, but the Mexican food in Seoul is incredible.

Drink: Pky Seoul, It’s a vinyl and jazz bar, right nearby Oldies Tacos.

Stay: Chungmuro area, it was very central to everything.

Play: The entire city is a playground, honestly! Get lost and explore!

Finally, what's your number one flying tip to help you land feeling refreshed?

For long-haul flights, I use this app called Timeshifter to adjust my body clock to the timezone I'm travelling to. It's a lifesaver! The app creates a sleep plan for you and tells you when to wind down and sleep—and when to wake up to arrive well rested and make the most of your trip without the jetlag hangover.

Ready to explore Seoul for yourself? Connecting to the Korean capital multiple times a week from Australia, Singapore Airlines makes it easy breezy to lock in a long weekend or an extended stay. For the latest schedules, fares, and Kris Flyer redemption options, head here before you start mapping out your adventure. 

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Singapore Airlines and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.

Imagery: Supplied.