Local gourmands gather at Gramercy Kitchen for the discerning menu of classic Western dishes with an Asian twist. Although the restaurant is unrelated to the Gramercy Kitchen of New York City, it is by no means a knock-off. The heavy emphasis on classic Asian flavors distinguishes the establishment from other restaurants in the country. Try the "dirty steak," a thick slab of hanwu (an increasingly rare purebred Korean beef) grilled directly over natural oak charcoal.

For more information: Gramercy Kitchen

Located in the underground level of the Maison Hermès near Dosan Park, Café Madang is an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch or coffee break. The menu features light and delicate fare such as basil and bean custard with truffle tapenade, presented with the brand's own tableware and cutlery. Visitors should not miss the adjacent Promenade, a small exhibition of rare vintage Hermès products and antique objects.

Looking for Japanese food in Seoul may beside the point. Japan, after all, is only just a few hours away by plane. But Chiyo no yume offers a menu of traditional Kaiseki cuisine that can shame even the most proud stalwarts in Kyoto. Book one of the private dining rooms and a team of Japanese chefs will come in to prepare the sushi and tempura courses right by your side. Chiyo no yume also has a superbly international menu of wines and spirits, including the exclusive Conde de Garvey Brandy Solera Gran Reserva from Spain.

Currently the hippest club in the city, Circle organizes parties and events throughout the year and attracts the beautiful people. It is not uncommon to spot both Korean and international celebrities here; Jay-Z and Beyonce recently graced the dance floor and VIP rooms. Champagne is the beverage of choice for patrons who opt for full bottle service in the private booths that surround the main bar, positioned on a circular platform. The platform slowly rotates in a circle throughout the night, offering dancers a new view every time they pause to look up.

For more information: Circle

If your idea of a night out is elegant and relaxed, there's no better place than the Timber House. Part of the Park Hyatt Seoul, the bar/lounge boasts a stunningly beautiful interior that reinterprets various elements of traditional Korean architecture. Their Korean and Japanese snacks are the perfect accompaniments to one of the most comprehensive drink menus in the city, and there are live jazz performances from Monday to Saturday.

For more information: Park Hyatt Seoul

Although it also functions as a restaurant, Naos Nova is widely considered to be one of the hottest wine bars on the north side of River Han. And deservedly so—its location on the northern slope of Mt. Namsan allows a spectacular view of downtown Seoul at night. The modern décor is equally attention-grabbing. Called "Disneyland for adults designed by Dante" by its architect Shi hyung Jeon, it's kept hip Seoulites buzzing since day one.

For more information: Naos Nova

Also known as the Samsung Museum of Art, Leeum showcases a choice selection of Korean and international works of art, some of which come from the private collection of Samsung's owners, the Lee family. The museum complex is itself a sight to behold—the three buildings were designed by Rem Koolhaas, Jean Nouvel and Mario Botta—and its outstanding collection of Koryo-Dynasty celadon ware is often considered superior to that housed in the national museum.

For more information: Leeum

The latest addition to the burgeoning luxury shopping culture in Seoul, 10 Corso Como hails from Milan's celebrated specialty boutique of the same name, boasting an unmatched selection of products that will satisfy even the most discerning fashion-savvy traveler. Visitors should not miss the ready-to-wear and accessories by the legendary Parisian designer Azzedine Alaïa, as well as the small outpost of Paris' most famous vintage boutique Didier Ludot, featuring rare designer items from the last century.

For more information: 10 Corso Como Seoul