Interior Architect Teo Yang’s Guide to Seoul

As the art world prepares to descend on the South Korean capital next month for Frieze Seoul and KIAF, we thought what better guide than designer, art collector, interior architect and Seoul resident Teo Yang.

He finds his soju is best paired with Korean barbecue at Samwon Garden Restaurant, chills at the Changdeokgung Palace and discovers the next big artists at the Kumho Museum of Art.

My home is Bukchon, which can be translated as Northern Village, which means north side of the Cheonggyecheon Stream. It’s a traditional Korean village within Seoul and has a long history dating back more than 500 years. I find a true sense of balance in this neighbourhood: it’s a place where you can find respite from the daily hustle and bustle of the city.

Seoul has almost 10 million residents, and with such a multitude of people, change, innovation and enhancement become everybody’s business. It’s a hugely energetic and fun place to be today, but you also must find an equilibrium for the busy lifestyle.

For authentic Korean food I love Onjium, a top Korean restaurant in the Jongno-gu district with a Michelin star. But if you can get invited to a friend’s house for a home-cooked meal, that would be the finest way to taste truly authentic cuisine.

Best soju in the city? I find Soju goes best with Korean barbecue and for this I’d recommend Samwon Garden Restaurant, which first opened in 1976. Make sure to sample their traditional Andong Soju.

My go-to place to stay is the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul. Its prime location overlooks the Gyeongbok Palace and I love exploring the surrounding neighbourhood on foot.

For the best fashion in the city, the Hyundai – the largest mall in Seoul – has everything you need. But those looking for a trendy and hipster vibe should check out Musinsa Terrace. For the best in luxury fashion, don’t forget to visit Boon the Shop, a multi-brand retailer with locations across the city.

To discover emerging artists, I try to visit Whistle Gallery and Kumho Art Museum, whose exhibition programmes always feature exciting new talents.

Something a visitor can’t leave without seeing? Grab a drink and walk around Gwanghwamun Square to experience the layers of the surrounding Bukhan Mountain and glimpse the old glories of Seoul. Take in the traditional architecture in the neighbourhoods of Bukchon and Samcheong-dong.

When I want to get away from everything, I visit the peaceful Changdeokgung Palace. It’s a traditional building with charming architecture and a secret garden.

As for my favourite art institution, I love the SongEun Art space in the Gangnam district. Not only is its impressive architecture designed by Herzog & de Meuron, but you can also see some of the best contemporary exhibitions in the city. Also check out Leeum Museum of Art: its shop is a must for special souvenirs and crafts.

Regarding the people of Seoul, there’s always a strong sense of respect for one another. But what’s unique about the city is that there’s always two sides of things: traditional and contemporary. It’s this coexistence and contrast that make it a truly beautiful place to live.