Jae Suk Kim may just be the most recognized fashion illustrator anywhere. His fun and fancy illustrations, depicting elegant women in couture gowns with splashes of paints, colors, and flowers, have appeared in brand campaigns from Chanel to Cartier. A Seoul native, he splits his time between South Korea, Singapore, and Sydney.
This interview is part of The World Made Local, a global collaboration between the seven international editions of Condé Nast Traveler in which 100 people in 100 countries tell us why their home turf should be your next destination.
Describe Seoul to us.
Seoul is an exciting city full of new ideas, creative energy, and people who appreciate the beauty in things. It has so many different energies from district to district, and the Han River divides the old from the new, the raw from the glam, from the chill to the intense. Seoul is a place of dichotomies.
What is your all-time favorite spot to return to again and again?
I love a staycation, and for me, a room with a photogenic view is a must. I'm a city person, so I love the Park Hyatt Seoul to endlessly stare at the urban view. It looks at the Coex and other tall buildings with a huge LED screen that usually plays fashion advertisements to cuts of K-pop music videos. They recently showcased David Hockney’s new video art, and the screen also went viral with the media artwork titled Wave, which made the display panel seem like it was a gigantic tank holding the wave.
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Coffee is having a moment in Seoul. Where are we sipping it?
This place called Approach is in the newly hip neighborhood of Sinyongsan, which does a nice job of channeling Seoul’s mix of modern and historic—though different neighborhoods of Seoul have different coffee scenes. Do Seongsu-dong for trendy coffee shops; think Brooklyn in Seoul. The cafés in Hannam-dong are very sophisticated, while those in Yeonnam-dong are highly Instagrammable and filled with young locals and artists.
This city is known for its high energy. Where do we go to chill out?
For spiritual relaxation, go to Bongeunsa Temple, located in the very busy center of Seoul. It offers a nice contrast between traditional Seoul and the modern skyscrapers all around it. The Seoul Forest is popular with young couples and groups of friends for picnics. Finally, the Han River is where to go for a beautiful sunset; my tip would be to order food right to where you are sitting.
Give us the elevator pitch: Why should we travel to your country?
It is undoubtedly the most happening place when it comes to food, music, entertainment, technology, and consumer culture. Why wouldn't you?
Follow Jae Suk Kim on Instagram @jaesukkim
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