Seoul, South Korea
Region: Seoul
Geographic Coordinates: 37.560000, 126.990000
Temperature Range: -20.0°C to 40.0°C (-4°F to 104°F)
Climate: Seasonal climate and weather patterns in Seoul, South Korea are influenced by its humid continental climate, with hot and humid summers, cold and dry winters, and mild spring and autumn seasons.
Population: 23016000
Language: Korean
Seoul, The capital city of South Korea, Is a bustling metropolis that blends traditional Korean culture with modern technology and architecture. With a population of over 10 million people, Seoul is one of the largest cities in the world and serves as the economic, Political, And cultural center of South Korea. One of Seoul’s most iconic landmarks is Gyeongbokgung Palace. Built in 1395 during the Joseon Dynasty, This palace was once home to Korean royalty. Visitors can explore its numerous courtyards, Pavilions, And gardens while learning about Korean history and culture.
In addition to historical sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul also boasts some of the most advanced technology in the world. The city is home to numerous high-tech companies such as Samsung and LG Electronics. Visitors can experience this technology firsthand by visiting places like Lotte World Tower – one of the tallest skyscrapers in Asia with an observation deck that offers stunning views of Seoul’s skyline. Another must-see attraction in Seoul is Namsan Tower (also known as N-Seoul Tower).
Located on top of Namsan Mountain at an elevation over 480 meters above sea level, It offers panoramic views over downtown Seoul from its observation deck. Visitors can take a cable car up to reach it or hike up through Namsan Park. Foodies will love exploring Seoul’s vibrant food scene which includes everything from traditional Korean dishes like bibimbap (mixed rice bowl) or bulgogi (marinated beef) to international cuisine such as Japanese sushi or Italian pasta.
Street food vendors are ubiquitous throughout various neighborhoods where you’ll find delicious snacks like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), Mandu (dumplings), Hotteok (sweet pancakes), Among others. – shopping! Shopping enthusiasts will be delighted by Myeong-dong – one of Korea’s busiest shopping districts. It’s a must-visit for fashionistas and beauty lovers looking to purchase the latest Korean cosmetics, Skincare products, And fashion trends. Seoul is a city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history and culture or cutting-edge technology and architecture, This vibrant city has it all.
From traditional palaces to high-tech skyscrapers, Seoul is a unique blend of old and new that will leave visitors with unforgettable memories.
- Information Technology: Many technology companies like Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, and SK Hynix are based in Seoul.
- Automotive: Two of the biggest automotive companies in South Korea – Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Motors – have their headquarters in Seoul.
- Finance: There is a robust financial sector with many banks and financial institutions located there such as the Korea Development Bank and Shinhan Financial Group.
- Retail: The city has a thriving retail industry with many department stores like Lotte Department Store and Hyundai Department Store.
- Tourism: With its rich history, culture, food scene, shopping districts like Myeong-dong or Gangnam area as well as popular attractions like Gyeongbokgung Palace or Namsan Tower – tourism is one of the main economic drivers in Seoul.
- Entertainment: The K-pop music industry is based largely out of Seoul along with other entertainment sectors such as film production houses or TV networks.
- Healthcare & Biotechnology: Several healthcare conglomerates such as Samsung Medical Center or Asan Medical Center along with biotechnology firms contribute significantly to the economy of Seoul.
History of Seoul
- The founding of Seoul in 1394 by King Taejo of the Joseon Dynasty.
- The Japanese occupation of Seoul from 1910 to 1945.
- The Korean War, which began with the North Korean invasion of South Korea in 1950 and resulted in the division of the city into North and South.
- The democratization movement in the 1980s, which led to free elections and a more open society.
Notable People from Seoul
- King Sejong the Great, who is credited with creating Hangul, the Korean alphabet.
- Admiral Yi Sun-sin, a naval commander who successfully defended Korea against Japanese invasion during the Imjin War (1592-1598).
- Syngman Rhee, South Korea’s first president after independence from Japan and leader during much of the Korean War.
- Park Chung-hee, who led a military coup in 1961 and served as president until his assassination in 1979.
- Kim Dae-jung, a pro-democracy activist who was imprisoned several times before becoming president from 1998 to 2003.
- Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations (2007-2016) and former Minister of Foreign Affairs for South Korea (2004-2006).
- Gyeongbokgung Palace
- National Museum of Korea
- Namsan Tower
- Bukchon Hanok Village
- Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden
- Myeong-dong shopping district
- Dongdaemun Design Plaza
- Seoul Arts Center
- War Memorial of Korea
- COEX Mall and Aquarium
- Seoul Samsung Thunders: The Seoul Samsung Thunders are a professional basketball team based in Seoul, South Korea. They were founded in 1997 and have won six Korean Basketball League championships.
- FC Seoul: FC Seoul is a professional football club based in Seoul, South Korea. They were founded in 1983 and have won six K-League titles and two Korean FA Cups.
- Doosan Bears: The Doosan Bears are a professional baseball team based in Seoul, South Korea. They were founded in 1982 and have won six Korean Series championships.
- Hanwha Eagles: The Hanwha Eagles are a professional baseball team based in Daejeon but play some of their home games at the Jamsil Baseball Stadium located in the southeastern part of the city of Seoul. They were founded in 1985 and have won one Korean Series championship.
- Kia Tigers: The Kia Tigers are a professional baseball team based primarily in Gwangju but also play some of their home games at the Jamsil Baseball Stadium located within the southern part of the city limits of Seoul. They were originally established on December 27th, 1946 as Hwasun Baseball Team before changing its name to KIA Tigers on January 1st, 2001 after being acquired by KIA Motors Corp. They have been one of most successful teams having won eleven Korean Series championships which is more than any other teams except for Samsung Lions who has twelve championship titles to its name.
- Samsung Lions: The Samsung Lions are another Professional Baseball Team that plays its home games at Daegu Metropolitan City which is located about three hours away from Seoul via train. They were originally established as MBC Chungyong (MBC충영) before being renamed as Hyundai Unicorns (현대 유니콘즈) in 1996 and finally as Samsung Lions (삼성라이온즈) in 2001. They have won twelve Korean Series championships which is the most of any teams in the league.
- Seoul Lantern Festival is held in November and features thousands of lanterns lining the streets and bridges of the city.
- Boryeong Mud Festival takes place in July and is famous for its mud-based activities, attracting visitors from all over the world.
- Seoul Food and Hospitality Expo happens in May, showcasing traditional Korean cuisine as well as international food trends.
- Seoul Fashion Week occurs twice a year in March and October, highlighting the latest fashion trends from Korean designers.
- Lotus Lantern Festival takes place in May, celebrating Buddha’s birthday with parades and lantern lighting ceremonies.
- International Film Festival is held annually in October, showcasing both Korean and international films.
- Seoul Jazz Festival occurs every year in May or June, featuring local and international jazz musicians performing at various venues throughout the city.
- Hi-Seoul Festival happens annually in October or November, presenting traditional music performances, food stalls selling local delicacies, art exhibitions, among others cultural events.
- Busan International Fireworks Festival is one of Korea’s most popular fireworks festivals that takes place every year on Gwangalli Beach during fall season (usually late-October).
- Seoul Fringe Festival is an annual performing arts festival that showcases creative acts like dance performances to puppet shows across different venues around Hongdae area during September.
- Korean BBQ is a popular cuisine in Seoul, and some of the best restaurants to try it are Maple Tree House, Seorae Village, and Hanwoo Galbi.
- Bibimbap is a rice dish with vegetables and meat that you must try when visiting Seoul. Gogung, Jeonju Jungang Hoekwan, and Tosokchon Samgyetang are some of the famous bibimbap restaurants in the city.
- Fried chicken has become globally popular as a Korean dish, and you can try some of the best at Kyochon Chicken, BHC Chicken, or Kkanbu Chicken in Seoul.
- Kimchi stew is a spicy soup made with kimchi and pork or beef that you should not miss while visiting Seoul! Some famous kimchi stew restaurants include Baekje Samgyetang & Kimchi Jjigae, Sinseon Seolleongtang & Sundubu Jjigae, or Hwanggeum Kongbat Jip.
- Street food is an essential part of South Korean food culture that offers many delicious snacks like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), hotteok (sweet pancakes), odeng (fish cake), and mandu (dumplings) on the streets of Seoul.
- Traditional tea houses or dabangs are also very popular places in South Korea where you can enjoy traditional teas like green tea or barley tea with snacks such as yakgwa (honey cookies) or bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastry). Suyeonsanbang Tea House, O’sulloc Tea House Insadong Branch, Dawon Traditional Tea Garden Gahoe-dong Branch are some famous dabangs in Seoul worth checking out!
- Olympic Park: A large park with sports facilities, walking trails, and a lake.
- Namsan Park: A mountain park in the heart of Seoul with hiking trails and panoramic views.
- Gyeongbokgung Palace: An iconic palace that offers tours and traditional performances.
- Seoul Forest: A large urban park with gardens, playgrounds, and walking paths.
- Han River Park: A scenic riverside park with bike paths, picnic areas, and water sports.
- Bukhansan National Park: A beautiful mountainous area for hiking and camping near the city.
- Cheonggyecheon Stream: An urban stream that has been transformed into a public space for walking and relaxation.
- Lotte World Theme Park: An amusement park featuring attractions such as roller coasters, water rides, indoor ice-skating rink etc
- COEX Aquarium: A large aquarium located in the COEX mall featuring over 40k marine creatures from 600 different species
- Jamsil Baseball Stadium: A baseball stadium located in Jamsil Sports Complex which is home to two professional baseball teams – LG Twins & Doosan Bears
