Seoul

State

Seoul

Country

South Korea

Continent

Asia

Size

605 KM²

Population

Spending Budget

$100 - $200

Famous For

It is also a major world entertainment capital, entertaining hundreds of millions of fans with the K-pop and K-drama that is produced through the region.

Best Time to Visit

January
March
April
May
September
October
November

History

While the story of the Korean Kingdom itself started around the 3rd millennium BC, the story of the Seoul region as a capital city started around 18 BCE when it became the capital of the Baekje Kingdom. After that, it kept changing hands through different Kingdoms over the centuries. When the entire Korean land was unified as a nation, General Yi Sŏng-gye, the founder of the Chosŏn dynasty, made Seoul the capital once again in 1394. During this time, Seoul was known as Hanyang-bu and was later renamed Hanseong-bu. The Chosŏn (Yi) dynasty lasted from 1392 till 1910 and many of the structures and buildings that they erected are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Hanseong-bu under Korean governance grew and developed fast. By 1904, it was the first city in East Asia to have electricity, streetcars, running water, and telephone systems simultaneously. When American historian Angus Hamilton visited the city in 1904, he noted that “Hanseong-bu is within measurable distance of becoming the highest, most interesting and cleanest city in the East.” In 1905, the Japanese forced Gojong, the Emperor of Korea to sign the Japan–Korea Treaty, also known as the Eulsa Treaty, Eulsa Unwilling Treaty or Japan–Korea Protectorate Treaty. By 1910 Korea was successfully annexed by Japan and Hanseong-bu was made the Japanese headquarter and it came to be known as “Keijo” in Japanese, or “Gyeonseong” in Korean. By the end of World War II, in 1945, Hanseong-bu was occupied by US troops who had established their headquarters there. They, along with the Soviets, “liberated” Korea from the Japanese colonial rule. The Korean peninsula was subsequently divided in half, with the north under Soviet rule and the south under American occupation. In the same year, Hanseong-bu became the capital of South Korea and was renamed Seoul. After this, the divisive Korean War that led to the city being destroyed again was one of the deadliest wars in modern history, with at least 2.5 million people losing their lives. Seoul would remain in ruins while millions of its citizens suffered due to a lack of resources. Things got better when the city was reconstructed and industrialized in between 1960-70 and beyond.

Present Day

Seoul is the current national capital of South Korea or the Republic of South Korea. In Korean, it is called “Sŏul” informally, and formally as “Sŏul-t’ŭkpyŏlsi” (“Special City of Seoul”). It is located in the north-western part of the country on the Han River (Han-gang), over which lies the longest bridge fountain in the world, the Banpo Grand Bridge Fountain (1140 m). It is also a super look conscious city, having the highest per capita rate of cosmetic surgery in the world. It is also a major world entertainment capital, entertaining hundreds of millions of fans with the K-pop and K-drama that is produced through the region. Seoul residents are also one of the most hard-working people and spend long hours working than any other city residents in the world. Thus, it is not surprising that Seoul has. Other sources of revenue in the city are manufacturing, IT, food processing, publishing and printing and electronic industries besides the age-old textile, clothing, machinery and chemical industries. Trade, business and finance employ a huge portion of the population in Seoul. For now, much of Seoul’s economy and activities are processed through its first-class internet.

Future

The transformation of Seoul from third-world poverty to a booming export-oriented economy, coupled with extreme wealth, massive population growth and expanded global cultural power, means that Seoul isn’t just a phenomenon in its own right; it’s also a model for cities in China.

Must Visit Places ------------

Lotte World

Lotte World has the world’s largest indoor theme park, an outdoor amusement park called “Magic Island”, an artificial island inside a lake linked by monorail, shopping malls, a luxury hotel, a Korean folk museum, sports facilities, and movie theatres.

Cheonggyecheon Stream

You can walk along the whole 10.9 km length of this stream in the city that offers a relaxing break from all the shopping and sightseeing.

Seoullo 7017

It is a re-purposed highway overpass overlooking Seoul Station. Copied from New York’s High Line Sky Park, this one-kilometre pedestrian walkway houses different types of plants, a foot pool, and boasts stunning views of the city.

NANTA Theater Show

The Nanta Show is Korea’s most popular theatre performance that takes place in a non-verbal musical setting. In the show, you will be thoroughly entertained with a culinary-themed comedic performance that includes acrobatic moves and rhythmic melodies.

Mount Namsan

This mountain is home to the N Seoul Tower, which can be reached by a cable car. The N Seoul Tower’s observatory on the tower is a prime spot to get a sweeping view of the beautiful city.

Lotte World Tower

At 1,819 foot in height, it is the fifth tallest building in the world and nearly twice the height of the Shard in London.

Everland

It is South Korea’s largest outdoor theme park and houses five unique zones of rides and attractions. It has the world’s steepest wooden roller coaster and also South Korea’s only safari!

Jimjilbang

It is a traditional gender-separated bathhouse where Koreans would get cleaned up for the week. These days, they are mostly run as spa retreats for locals and foreigners alike with hot and cold-soaking pools, saunas, massage rooms, lounges and even communal sleeping areas that provide affordable lodging. You will have to get naked though.

Hongik University (Hongdae)

Pleasant and great for walking, it is also one of Seoul’s biggest nightlife destinations, with some of the city’s biggest bars and craziest nightclubs are located in the area.

Banpo Grand Bridge Fountain

Located on the Han River (Han-gang), at 1140 metres long, it is the longest bridge fountain in the world. Running along its length are 380 nozzles that send 54 tonnes (60 tons) of water cascading 43 m (140 ft) horizontally and 20 m (65 ft) down into the river every minute. The LED lights that illuminate the water spray are turned on and they “dance” in time to 100 different pieces of music.