Great news for Seoul lovers and travelers everywhere.
Seoul has just been named the No. 1 big city in the world.
The result comes from the Condé Nast Traveler 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, announced in October 2026. It is the first time Seoul has ever taken the top spot. Just one year ago, it was in fifth place.
Where Does This Ranking Come From?
Condé Nast Traveler is one of the most famous travel magazines in the world. It started in New York in 1987.
Every year, the magazine runs the Readers’ Choice Awards. This is one of the longest-running and most trusted awards in travel.
The special thing about it? Editors and experts do not pick the winners. Real travelers do.
In 2026, readers cast 798,867 votes for their favorite cities, hotels and resorts, according to the Kyunghyang Shinmun. In the “Best Big Cities in the World” category, Seoul came out on top.
The 2026 Top 5 Big Cities
| 1 | Seoul, South Korea |
| 2 | Tokyo, Japan |
| 3 | Phnom Penh, Cambodia |
| 4 | Shanghai, China |
| 5 | Sydney, Australia |
Why Did Travelers Choose Seoul?
So what makes Seoul so special? Here are the reasons travelers keep talking about.
1. Old and New, Side by Side
Seoul has more than 2,000 years of history.
It became the capital of the Joseon Dynasty in 1394, and five royal palaces still stand in the city center.
But step outside a palace gate, and you are surrounded by glass towers and neon lights. Turn one corner, and you are back in a quiet hanok alley.
Start at Gyeongbokgung Palace, walk to Bukchon Hanok Village, and end your day at the futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza. You will feel the contrast right away.
2. K-Culture Everywhere
For many visitors, K-pop, K-dramas, K-beauty and K-food are the reason they book their first trip.
2026 has been an especially big year. BTS released their new album ARIRANG and held a free comeback concert at Gwanghwamun Square in March.
But K-culture is only the beginning. Travelers say the city itself is what makes them come back.
Fans can visit HYBE headquarters in Yongsan. Beauty lovers should check out our Olive Young shopping guide. And foodies can’t miss Myeongdong street food.
3. Mountains and a River in the City
Not many big cities let you hike a mountain in the morning and relax by a river in the afternoon.
Seoul is surrounded by mountains like Bukhansan and Inwangsan. The Han River runs right through the middle of the city.
Along the river, you will find parks, bike paths, picnic spots and night markets.
Try biking or water sports at Ttukseom Hangang Park, or lie on the grass at Olympic Park.
4. Friendly and Safe
Seoul is not only the best big city. It is also one of the friendliest.
This year, Condé Nast Traveler UK ranked Seoul No. 3 on its list of the Friendliest Cities in the World 2026.
The magazine pointed to small, everyday kindness. Restaurant owners explain dishes to visitors. Locals stop to help with subway directions.
Seoul is also safe to explore at night, and its subways are clean and on time. Earlier this year, it was even named the world’s most walkable city.
5. Neighborhoods Full of Character
Just a few weeks before this award, Time Out named Jongno 3-ga the coolest neighbourhood in the world.
Here, you can sip coffee in a hanok café in Ikseon-dong, then eat at red plastic tables at the street food tents along Donhwamun-ro.
Office workers, grandparents and young creatives all share the same streets. It feels real, not made for tourists.
What This Means for Travelers
Seoul is ready for you. Here are a few tips to enjoy the best big city in the world.
- Book early. Spring (April–May) and autumn (October–November) are the busiest seasons.
- Go beyond the famous spots. Try Jongno 3-ga, Seongsu or Mangwon for a more local feel.
- Get a T-money card. Buy one at any convenience store and use it on the subway and buses.
- Visit palaces early. Go at opening time to avoid crowds. Wear hanbok and entry is free.
- Ask for help. Call the Korea Travel Hotline at 1330 for free help in English.
- Add another city. Pair Seoul with Busan for beaches and seafood. Here’s how to get from Seoul to Busan.
If Seoul has been on your travel list, now is the perfect time to come and see why the world voted it number one.