Quick answer: Seoul was voted the world's best big city in Condé Nast Traveler's 2026 Readers' Choice Awards, rising from fifth place and displacing Tokyo, in a vote of more than 798,000 readers. It is a reader vote, not a measure of group service. Explera DMC Korea uses it as one dated line in a proposal, beside real programme detail.
What was reported
- The result. Seoul was voted the best big city in the 39th annual Readers' Choice Awards, up from fifth place, ahead of Shanghai, Sydney, Paris and Singapore.
- Tokyo displaced. It is the first time Seoul has ranked first, and Tokyo moves down.
- Who voted. More than 798,000 readers.
- Why. Voters cited about 2,000 years of history and the contrast between neon districts and quiet courtyards.
What it can add to a proposal
- A credible opener. A named, dated source gives a cover note something firmer than "popular".
- Both halves of Seoul. History and contrast let us build days that mix a palace with a modern district.
- Friendliness. A separate reader tally ranked Seoul third among the friendliest cities, a useful line for first-time groups.
- Jongno. Time Out separately named Jongno 3-ga the coolest neighbourhood, and our Jongmyo briefing covers that corner.
What it does not do
- It is a reader vote. It does not measure hotels, coaches, guides or group handling.
- It is not a guarantee. Rankings change each year, and the proposal should not lean on one.
- It tells the client nothing about their dates. Seasons, holidays and hotel supply still decide the plan.
- Quote it with its date. Say "voted No. 1 in the 2026 Readers' Choice Awards", not "the best city in the world".
Seoul programmes worth leading with
The Yulgok-ro restoration replaced an underground tunnel with a park of about 8,000 square metres and reconnected Changgyeong Palace and Jongmyo Shrine for the first time in 90 years. It makes a good walking day.
City officials say they plan to expand night-culture tours, market experiences and Han River leisure. We will report what is bookable once it is.
Planned with the agent
Explera DMC Korea plans Seoul programmes with the coach, a guide, venue bookings and a proposal the agent can send.
Send your dates, pax and group profile to b2b@explera.kr or WhatsApp +66 93 656 8090. Explera DMC Korea is IATA TIDS-registered (96215733) and an ASTA member (#900408341); our KTO and KATA registrations are in application.
Where this fits in our Korea programmes
The pages below carry the operational detail behind this briefing.
- Services: Group travel & GIT in Korea · Guide services in Korea · Tours & activities in Korea
- Destinations: Seoul · Incheon
Frequently asked questions
Which ranking named Seoul the best big city?
Condé Nast Traveler's 2026 Readers' Choice Awards, the 39th annual survey. Seoul ranked first for the first time, up from fifth the year before.
How many readers voted?
More than 798,000 readers took part in the vote.
Can agents quote the ranking to clients?
Yes, with its source and year: "voted No. 1 big city in Condé Nast Traveler's 2026 Readers' Choice Awards", not "the best city in the world".
Does the ranking say anything about group services?
No. It is a reader vote. Hotels, coaches, guides and dates decide a group programme, and Explera DMC Korea plans those with the agent.
