IN SEOUL WITH LAURA JUNG
Welcome to our Seoul City Guide with Laura Jung, raised in Seoul and now dividing her time between the city and New York. Follow her to the restaurants she can’t live without, wander quiet neighborhoods, and step inside a must-visit museum and tucked-away boutiques that capture the city’s perfect mix of tradition and modernity.
How did growing up in Seoul influence your personal style and aesthetic?
Seoul is truly a mixed bag because of how cosmopolitan it is and how there are so many occasions to dress up or down for. Seoul is truly a one of one city. Historically extremely homogeneous (though that's changing), but incredibly globalized. Mountains surrounding the city. The fanciest of spots and the smallest holes in the walls. It's this balance of multitudes that truly shaped my personal taste.
How did you pick which Merlette pieces to pack on your trip?
I wanted pieces that reflected the high-low nature of Seoul and the cadence to my visits. A denim set for a more relaxed day out to a more feminine look for nights out. There's something for everyone and every kind of traveler in Seoul!
How would you describe your favorite neighborhood?
Jongno is a soulful corner of the world that is both quaint and stimulating at the same time.
What is your favorite restaurant? Do you have a go-to order?
The squid kimbap and perilla hand pulled noodles at Yetnal Guksi in Itaewon.
Which museum or cultural spot in Seoul do you visit again and again?
The National Museum of Korea. It's a temple to Korean art and history. I can get lost in a meditative trance walking through the galleries displaying Korean pottery and ceramics.
Are there local shops or artisans you love to visit?
Please visit the stalls at Janganpyeong in Dapsimni. These are all authentic artisans and shop owners that are being aged out and we must preserve their commitment to Korean craft! I got my moon jar from here.
