Places
Landmarks, cities and cultural sites.
Seoul
Capital of South Korea and megalopolis of over 10 million inhabitants (25 million in the metropolitan area), Seoul is the birthplace and driving force of the hallyu wave (K-pop, K-drama, K-beauty, Korean cinema). A striking blend of Joseon dynasty royal palaces, Buddhist temples, and ultra-modern districts like Gangnam, the city is a global center for technology, fashion, and entertainment. Seoul has undergone a spectacular transformation since the Korean War, going from ruins to one of the most dynamic and connected metropolises in the world.
Beijing
Capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the oldest cities in the world, with over 3,000 years of history and more than 21 million inhabitants. The country's political and cultural center, Beijing houses the Forbidden City (world's largest imperial palace), the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, and the Great Wall nearby. The city is a crossroads between millennia-old imperial China and dazzling modernity, illustrated by the Chaoyang business district and the 2008 Olympic venues.
Tokyo
Capital of Japan and largest metropolitan area in the world with over 14 million inhabitants (37 million in the greater metropolitan area). Nerve center of Japanese pop culture (anime, manga, video games), cutting-edge technology, and gastronomy (over 200 Michelin-starred restaurants). Tokyo is a unique blend of tradition and hypermodernity, from the ancient temples of Asakusa to the futuristic skyscrapers of Shinjuku, the electronics district of Akihabara, and the fashion mecca of Harajuku.