Traveling back hometo Manila for the first time after almost three years, I wanted to make themost of my trip. So when I found a flight that had a 24-hour stopover in Seoul,I clicked book and immediately told my 8-year-old son, André, that we will begoing to the land of corn dogs and K-Pop! Seoul has always been on my list and,even if my stay there will be short but sweet, I was up to the challenge of makingmy 24 hours count.

Pro Tip #1: Pack Light

Having a long layovermeans that you don’t get your luggage at the carousel. You disembark, passimmigration and off you go! So make sure to pack all your essentials in your handluggage. Coming from the 12-degree weather in Paris to the minus 13-degreeweather in Seoul (yes, you read that right, 13 below 0) meant that we werealready wearing winter jackets, which saved more space in our hand-carry for a changeof clothes, some toiletries (liquids 100ml and below, of course) and room for pasalubongto bring home.

Pro Tip #2: Choose A Strategic Location

When choosing where tostay, I wanted a hotel that was close to the airport, because we had to catchan early flight the next day, but not too far from where some of the action is.I also wanted to experience 5-star luxury service (done the Asian way, and ifyou live in Europe, you know what I mean) so the Conrad Seoul was perfect forme and my travel buddy.

The hotel is located in the heart of the YeouidoBusiness District, less than an hour from the airport and just a bridge awayfrom the main city of Seoul. The Premium rooms are very spacious, with aking-sized bed, work and sitting areas, and an amazing view of the river. Oneof the best points of staying at the Conrad hotel when you’re on a short trip:it’s connected to the IFC Mall, one of Seoul’s most upscale shopping centers.

They have a mix of international and local brands here, plus an Olive Young (the Korean equivalent of Sephora) so shopping for all those essential Koreanbeauty products is so much easier. Aside from its 6 elegant restaurants, theConrad also has an Executive Lounge on the 37th floor – perfect for sippingon a cocktail while watching the city lights.

Pro Tip #3: Streamline Your Itinerary

So, what are youreally here for? Is it to shop, to experience the night life, or maybe go on aK-Pop walking tour? For us, it was the food! We must have tried most, if notall, of the Korean fried chicken and corn dog spots in Paris and we could notwait to try the real deal. The Myeongdong night market seemed to be the bestarea due to proximity and it did not disappoint.

The minute we got there, wewere greeted by the warm, wafts of smoke coming from the different carts thatlined the street. It was foodie heaven. Everything was on a stick: corn dogs, chicken, bacon on a stick, fish cakes, tornado potatoes, fruits! There was evenlobster tail thermidor - on a stick! Try a little bit of everything and makesure you have plenty of cash (no card machines here).

Conrad Seoul Flames Restaurant

Conrad Seoul Spa

Conrad Seoul Suite

Conrad Seoul Deluxe Room

Conrad Seoul Executive Room

Conrad Seoul Grand Corner King Suite

Conrad Seoul Penthouse

Conrad Seoul Penthouse

Conrad Seoul Queen Corner Premium

We will definitely goback, when the weather is more forgiving, to explore the temples and the otherfamous districts. For someone who has never been to South Korea, 24 hours inSeoul is definitely not enough. But as far as stopovers go, this one has a lotto offer.

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