Condé Nast Traveler readers vote Seoul as No. 1 big city
A vibrant mix of centuries-old tradition, hyper-modern technology, and unstoppable pop culture has officially shifted Asia’s travel center of gravity. Seoul has taken the crown as the world's best big city. In the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards published this week by Condé Nast Traveler, the capital of Korea dethroned Tokyo to secure the No. 1 spot for the very first time. The victory marks a…
Condé Nast Traveler's annual Readers' Choice Awards have crowned Seoul, the capital of South Korea, as the world's best big city for the first time in 2026. The transformation of Seoul's status comes after a dramatic shift from fifth place last year, surpassing established destinations like Tokyo, Shanghai, Sydney, Paris, and Singapore.
Over 798,000 readers participated in this year's 39th annual survey, reflecting a notable change in global travel preferences. The appeal of Seoul extends beyond the current global phenomenon of K-pop, Korean dramas, and skincare. Instead, the award-winning city is recognized for its unique blend of over 2,000 years of history and the contrast between its modern, technologically advanced landscape and traditional hanok architecture.
This juxtaposition allows visitors to experience everything from a bustling, neon-lit district to a serene courtyard, encapsulating the essence of Seoul's enduring allure.
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- Condé Nast Traveler readers vote Seoul as No. 1 big city koreatimes.co.kr
