Centurion United Kingdom Autumn 2014

BLACKBOOK DISPATCH In

BLACKBOOK DISPATCH In terms of entertainment and culture, Seoul has traditionally lacked the kind of potency and richness that its country’s namesake BBQ cuisine has long had in abundance. Over the last couple of years, however, a new wave of bespoke clothes emporiums, contemporary galleries and hip bars have emerged that serve up an evening of more than just lager and karaoke. With the pace of openings now accelerating as fast as South Korea’s legendary broadband speeds, the city at last boasts some genuine cosmopolitan style to go with its prodigious technological prowess. SEOUL POWER Whether it’s dining, shopping, overnighting or gallery-hopping, South Korea’s capital is an electrifying cauldron of creativity. Rob Crossan provides the smart guide Where to eat and drink Exposed pipes and low hanging lights create a sepulchral feel to the basement bar in edgy Gyeongnidan that’s home to the Magpie Brewing Co (magpiebrewing.com), which makes its porters, ales and seasonal beers on site. For a serene location to accompany sublime epicurean know-how, Congdu (congdu.com) delivers with chef Vivian Han’s indulgent menu – think slow-cooked Jeju pork shoulder with aged kimchi – within the rooms and gardens of a former private home that belonged to the grandmother of the last king of Joseon. A gourmet take on homely local hansik cuisine is chef Kwon Woo-Joong’s mission at East Village (eastvillage.co.kr) where, surrounded by walls bedecked with multicoloured plates, diners can feast on delectable multicourse menus. Don’t miss the sensational Damyang-style tteokgalbislow cooked rib meat beef patties. Browsing around More a cultural hub than a simple clothing store, Daily Projects (dailyprojects.kr), located in chichi Cheongdam, is an eight-floor behemoth complete with lounge, cafe, gallery space and a revolving open-market sales area where local designers can showcase their wares. Also in Cheongdam lies concept fashion store Boon the Shop (boontheshop. com), so named after a fictional character, Mr Boon, whose globetrotting discoveries, including human skulls, wooden vitrines and tree trunks, are scattered amid the apparel. Among the embassies in Seongbuk-gu district, Villa del Corea ( villadelcorea.com) takes its inspiration from Italian sartorial splendour in a space that feels most like a gent’s private members’ club. Proprietor Seon Hwang also owns a must-visit boutique across the street that specialises in vintage mid-20th-century Scandi and American furniture. Clockwise from top: the shipping containers that comprise Platoon Kunsthalle; tofu custard with caviar from Congdu; the restaurant’s Dokdo sweet shrimps on pine leaves PHOTOS FROM TOP: © PLATOON KUNSTHALLE, © CONGDU (2) 36 CENTURION-MAGAZINE.COM CONTACT CENTURION SERVICE FOR BOOKINGS