Seoul is the capital and largest city of South Korea. With a population of over 10 million, it represents roughly a quarter of the total population of the Republic of Korea, while making up for only 1% of the country’s geographic size. Clustered around Seoul are a number of cities, which form a continuous and sprawling urban area with nearly 30 million inhabitants, forming the second largest metropolitan area in the world. Seoul is located at the heart of the Korean Peninsula, sitting in a natural basin surrounded by a number of peaks and being bisected by the river Han (Hangang) from east to west. Moreover, Seoul is conveniently placed in the middle of several major northeast Asian metropolises, such as Tokyo, Beijing, Shanghai and Taipei. The city also hosted the Summer Olympics in 1988.
Given these facts, it is no surprise that Seoul constitutes the centre of all political, economic, and cultural activities in South Korea and beyond. In and around Seoul is the largest concentration of the nation’s industries. As the hub of South Korea’s transportation networks, the capital area serves as South Korea’s gateway to the world. Furthermore, Seoul is considered to be a leading global city, as it is one of the world’s top ten financial and commercial centres and home to major multinational corporations such as Samsung, LG and Hyundai-Kia. In addition, Seoul has a highly technologically advanced infrastructure, which, for instance, makes the city a global pioneer in high-speed mobile internet and broadband penetration.
As a city of this magnitude and due to the fascinating coexistence of past and present, Seoul offers a huge variety of attractions, events and activities. There are not less than four UNESCO World Heritages, like the Changdeokgung Royal Palace, in Seoul. A diverse cultural and arts scene has traditionally been cultivated very much in Korea. Of course, Seoul offers a vibrant nightlife, with arguably the most 24-hour restaurants in the world, the Dongdaemun and Namdaemun night markets, and as well clubbing and bar districts featuring a great variety of music.
Seoul has been a major settlement for over 2,000 years, with its foundation dating back to 18 B.C. when Baekje, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, established its capital in what is now south-east Seoul. It continued as the capital of Korea during the Joseon Dynasty and the Korean Empire.
Obviously, we can only cover a small glimpse of what makes Seoul such an extraordinary city, for further information please visit Seoul's official web page.
