Located along the Hangang River, Seoul has grown into a teeming metropolis with a population of more than 10 million (25 million in the greater metropolitan area). Over the years, the capital city has greatly expanded in the process of urbanization and industrialization and continues to grow as the thriving center of the country's political, economic, cultural, and educational activities.

Seoul is the world's 5th-largest city. Its past and present coexist in a fascinating way; centuries-old pal­aces, city gates, shrines, gardens and priceless art collections attest to the city's illustrious past, while the glistening facades of soaring skyscrapers and the bustling traffic represent its vibrant present.

The old city was encircled by four inner mountains and four outer mountains. Bugaksan in the north, Naksan in the east, Inwangsan in the west, and Namsan in the south are "the inner mountains" as they were originally inside the castle walls of the ancient capital of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). The four outer mountains are Bukhansan in the north, Yongmasan in the east, Deogyangsan in the west, and Gwanaksan in the south. Each mountain has a unique beauty of its own while boasting natural scenic landscapes and spectacular views overlooking the city of Seoul. There are also numerous mountain springs that freely provide clean, clear water to refresh weary hikers.

In Seoul, the must-see attractions are the ancient royal palaces of the Joseon Dynasty: Gyeongbokgung, Deoksugung, Changdeokgung, and Changgyeonggung Shrine, the royal ancestral shrine of the Joseon Dynasty, along with Changdeokgung's adjacent Huwon (the Rear Garden) are noted for their beauti­fully landscaped gardens and classical structures. Other attractions highly recommended for visitors include the National Museum, the National Center for Korean Traditional Performing Arts, the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, the Ho-Am Art Hall, and Korea House.

There is an abundance of parks within and around Seoul, such as Olympic Park, Seoul Grand Park, Citizens' Forest, and the Hangang River Trail, where tourists can relax, walk, or ride a bicycle. At Mt. Namsan Park, in the heart of Seoul, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city from N Seoul Tower and look around a re-creation of a traditional Korean village below.

Shopping in Seoul encompasses the ancient and the modern: from antique shops, art galleries, and traditional tea houses to modern bookstores, Western chain stores, and technology. Large open markets such as Dongdaemun and Namdaemun are teeming with people and products from all over the world and for all walks of life. Myeongdong is a fashion shoppers dream, while Insadong specializes in traditional Korean arts and crafts.

While eating a Korean dinner is a necessity, either at a modern restaurant or a courtly Korean-style restaurant, excellent Chinese and Japanese food is also available, as well as French, Italian, Pakistani and many other ethnic cuisines. Itaewon, a road made famous for its international population and clientele, specializes in delicacies from around the world. Yongsan International School of Seoul is lo­cated at the eastern end of Itaewon-ro.

The fantastic night scenery of Seoul can be experienced from the Seoul City Tour Bus or through a river cruise along the Hangang River, which slowly meanders through a valley flanked by high-rises.

Seoul’s diversity in ecology, economy, delica­cies, and culture make it a city that thrives on its eccentricities as well as its tradition.


*Excerpted and edited from the website for the Consulate of the Republic of Korea in California

**Excerpted and edited from the US Department of State Background Country Notes