Seoul: Overview

From Hermit Kingdom to Tiger Economy - Seoul is a city reborn.

Seoul is an intriguing city transforming itself from the Yi Dynasty capital of the Hermit Kingdom to a major mover and shaker on the international scene, especially in the field of commerce and sports. Nowhere else is the Korean drive to come to terms with a turbulent and fractured past so evident.

Seoul was battered by Japanese and Manchu invasions in the 16th and 17th centuries and flattened by the Korean War; most of its cityscape is modern. Overshadowed by high-rises and 12-lane freeways, it yet retains a hidden history of centuries-old temples, palaces, pagodas and pleasure gardens.

Fast Facts

Population

10,300,000

Currency

Name: South Korean Won
Code: KRW
Symbol: ₩

Electrical Plugs

European plug with two circular metal pins
220V 60Hz

Languages Spoken

Official: Korean

Time Zones

GMT/UTC +9 (Standard Time)

Country Dialing Code

+82

Weights & Measures

Metric

Seoul - Free Guidebook Chapter

Seoul - Pick & Mix Chapters

Download the free Getting Started chapter or buy individual chapters from our Seoul guide, in our online Shop.
› Go to the Seoul download page.

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Disclaimer: We've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before you travel.

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