Seoul, South Korea

Despite the fact that a flight between Oslo and Seoul takes 15-20 hours (and the only direct one is a noncommercial cargo plane carrying nothing but salmon), I have visited this incredible city 18 times and counting. Seoul is the definition of cool, and everything is where you least expect it. Gangnam might've gotten its music-fueled fame here, but that is so 2012. New neighborhoods regularly emerge here, and it forces the old hotspot 'hoods to up their game. Unusual places pop up before you can say kamsahamnida. It's a vicious circle in reverse, and one you should take advantage of it.

Not surprisingly, Korea is the leading exporter of culture in Asia: K-pop, Korean soap operas, expert video gamers, film, fashion and, of course, Psy. The rise of techno giants Samsung and LG hasn't hurt either. This city is about food, fun, and convenience. And always in a group. Koreans are very social, and you'll rarely see people sitting by themselves. I love the contradictions you see in Seoul, the mix of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology, the quirkiness and the correctness, the cool people and the wannabees. Luckily most of them are genuinely nice -- they define friendly. The only drawback of Seoul is the bloody traffic. And how far it is from where you currently live.