Seoul

Seoul welcomed 17.7 million international visitors in 2023, a 150% increase from 2021 driven largely by K-pop and K-drama tourism, and was named Asia's leading city destination at the 2024 World Travel Awards. Its Gangnam district alone contains 72 Michelin-recommended restaurants, while entry-level street food in Gwangjang Market -- bindaetteok pancakes, mayak gimbap -- costs under $2, making it one of the world's most accessible luxury food destinations.