A vibrant mix of centuries-old tradition, hypermodern 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 dramatic surge from its fifth-place finish last year, placing Seoul ahead of established global hubs like Shanghai, Sydney, Paris and Singapore. More than 798,000 readers cast votes in this year's 39th annual survey, signaling a clear shift in how global travelers view the Asian metropolis. While the worldwide frenzy surrounding K-pop, K-dramas and skin care initially put Seoul on the bucket list for millions of travelers, voters cited the city’s complex, 2,000-year history and its balance of contrast as the real key to its enduring appeal. Within a single neighborhood, visitors can step from a neon-lit smart district straight into a quiet courtyard surrounded by traditional Korean architecture.