Fiona Wilson
Apgujeong
Seoul is shaking off its reputation as an architectural eyesore, with the southern district of Apgujeong leading the charge. Discover its open-air cafés, boutiques and sought-after apartments near Dosan Park.
Bag for life
For 50 years, Inujirushi has supplied robust canvas bags with leather trimmings, thriving on customer loyalty. Only recently has it opened a shop in Asakusa, the Tokyo neighbourhood it has always called home.
Bread winner
After 40 years of selling Danish pastries in Japan, Andersen has opened in Denmark. The firm is giving rivals a run for their money using only the best natural ingredients.
Fukuoka: retail city
Friendly, cosmopolitan Fukuoka is tiny in comparison to Tokyo, but it beats the Japanese capital hands down with its cuisine and shopping. That’s why itis Monocle’s choice for our best retail city award.
Bangkok call-in
From putting expectant mothers in touch with midwives to finding you a snake-catcher, Bangkok’s ‘quality of life’ radio station RDCK provides a lifeline in a city where public services are haphazard at best.
Asia
Why Asia's capitals have that sinking feeling, the return of the Seoul hank, and why you shouldn't apply make-up on Tokyo's subway.
Robot college
The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology is Asia’s MIT or Cambridge, determined to be as well-known. Its innovation and robot humanoids prove it worthy of the task.
Up for sail
Japan’s recreational boat market has been in the doldrums due to an antipathy to ostentation. But now the ‘nation of rice farmers’ is finally finding its sea legs at its annual boating fair.
Site seeing
Tokyo's Marunouchi district is in the latest stage of a 20-year transformation. The next phase includes Mitsubishi’s Marunouchi Park Building, a 34-floor office tower, shops, a rose garden and an art gallery.
Inventory no. 12
A Japanese inn special: the Masuichi Kyakuden Brewery hotel in Obuse, plus our great spring gift guide.
