Our managing editor, Jamie, took to Seoul last week with WOOYOUNGMI and their friendly brother brand SOLID HOMME for a few days immersed in Korean culture, and to celebrate WOOYOUNGMI’s shiny new Itaewon location (pictured above). It’s a behemoth metropolis, home to just over 10 million citizens – and it feels like it. Traffic, traffic, traffic! Nonetheless, a huge thanks to MADAME WOO, the erstwhile matriarch of Korean fashion, for the very generous hospitality. In case you find yourself in the capital, some recommendations.

■ If celebrating a special occasion, or just for the fun of it, MOSU is a must. It’s the first three-star restaurant in Korea, and for good reason. Super-refined, but with a nice friendly atmosphere. Delicious mould-covered rice balls (above)!

■ Beef, beef, beef – it’s everywhere! If you do indulge: head to SAMWON GARDEN in Gangnam for a barbeque banquet, or to SNY where it comes in all kinds of shapes and sizes (the best polpette al ragu I’ve had, inside or outside Italy).
■ A wander round Itaewon is essential for voracious shoppers. From the whopping five-story COMME DES GARÇONS store, to AMOMENTO (pick up some EXTREME CASHMERE), to the impeccable vintage menswear selection at NOBOUNDARIEZ and great streetwear tees at WARPED. And, of course, WOOYOUNGMI’s new home. 
■ And if all that eating and shopping has made you thirsty, here’s a list of places to quench it: VINCHAT, MINIBAR, LE CHAMBER, BUTO, and 232.

The Korean beauty business is certainly booming (move over Japan) and there’s really only one place you need to go to stock up on masks, masques and any number or serums, toners and supplements – OLIVE YOUNG. ■ Located on pretty much every street, these beauty emporiums have it all, at very reasonable prices. Buy a bunch, try them out, fill a suitcase with your favourites, and return completely rejuvenated. Or they have a handy webshop, with worldwide shipping, if you just can’t wait.

Pay a visit to Museum SAN, a 90-minute drive into the mountains of Wonju – aside from the stunning views, there’s loads TADAO ANDO structures, four excellent JAMES TURRELL works and ‘Ground’, a brand-new space by ANDO and ANTHONY GORMLEY. ■ Top tip: make sure to book a sound bath in the ANDO-designed meditation space. It’s quite remarkable. ■ Or, for something more local, pop up to the Yeonghwasa Temple. It’s a peaceful spot amidst the bustle of Seoul, and well worth a trip. MADAME WOO (one of the relatively few devout Buddhists still practicing in Korea) makes sure to visit almost every day.

And while Jamie’s been away, we’ve been busy here catching up with KRIS VAN ASSCHE (the Belgian designer has a great new line with Chinese sportswear giant ANTA), celebrating the debut of FANTASTIC MAN CHINA (more on that soon) and planning a fun shindig in Paris to launch our latest DROP BOOKS publication, ‘Wildness’, with MARK BORTHWICK and DURAN LANTINK:

Friday 14 November, 6-8pm
The Broken Arm, Rue Perrée

Paris 75003