Seoul Capital of Korea
Seoul is one of the world’s largest cities. The Seoul National Capital Area - which includes the major port city of Incheon and satellite towns in Gyeonggi-do, has almost 23 million inhabitants and is the world’s second largest metropolitan area. The city is very modern, with a highly developed transportation system and international cuisine and shopping. As a major world economic and cultural center, Seoul is considered a global city. The city has hosted the 1988 Summer Olympics and the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Seoul is consistently placed among the world’s top ten financial and commercial cities and is the global headquarters of numerous multinational companies, such as Samsung, LG and Hyundai. It is one of the five most expensive cities in the world and the second most expensive in Asia. Seoul has also done a good job preserving it’s culture heritage, with several of the old city gates and places well preserved and blending in nicely with the surrounding city.? There is a well-developed nightlife as well. Seoul covers both sides of the Han River, and there are great places to visit on both sides of the river.? On the north side of the river is Namsan Mountain with the Seoul Tower as well as Itaewon and “downtown” Seoul with it’s many palaces and markets.? South of the river are Apgujeung, Jamsil and Gangnam; up and coming areas with great shopping and nightlife. The metro system in Seoul is very easy to use and is a great option for traveling all over the city.? Traffic can be very bad, especially during rush hours, so driving and taxis can be a hassle. From Seoul, tours can easily be arranged to many of Korea’s natural beauty and more traditional countryside. The De-Militarized Zone (DMZ) marking the current border with North Korea is a common tourist destination as well. In recent years, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has undertaken major environmental projects, including the nearly $1 billion restoration of Cheonggyecheon. At the same time, the city has promoted the Seoul Digital Media City, the world’s first complex for high-tech digital technologies in IT, multimedia and entertainment, and the proposed future site of the world’s second tallest building.
