The New York Times has ranked the South Korean capital of Seoul number three in its article "The 31 Places to Go in 2010" after Sri Lanka and the Patagonia Wine Country in Argentina.

The paper said Seoul's designation as the 2010 World Design Capital means a year’s worth of design parties, exhibitions, conferences and other revelries.

According to the paper, design aficionados are drawn to Seoul by its "glammed-up cafes and restaurants, immaculate art galleries and monumental fashion palaces."

Seoul officials of late have been determined to promote the city to the world and to attract more foreign tourists.