Home / South Korea / Seoul
Flag of South Korea Capital of South Korea

Seoul

Seoul, officially Seoul Special Metropolitan City, is the capital and largest city of South Korea, serving as the heart of the Seoul Metropolitan Area. Home to approximately 9.6 million residents, Seoul stands as a major global city and cultural hub in East Asia.

Quick facts

Population
—
Currency
South Korean won (KRW)
Language
Korean
Timezone
KST (UTC+9)
Local time now
04:07:32

Hotels in Seoul

Seoul offers a wide range of hotel accommodations for visitors, from well-established properties like 프레지던트호텔 and 호텔코리아나 to other options such as 뉴서울호텔. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, the city's hotels cater to diverse needs and preferences. See all hotels →

뉴서울호텔
140 m from centre
뉴서울호텔
144 m from centre
뉴 서울 호텔
147 m from centre

Airports in Seoul

Seoul is served by several airports providing connections to destinations worldwide. Gimpo International Airport and Seoul Airport are among the key aviation facilities serving the city and surrounding region. See all airports →

수색비행장
9.9 km from centre
김포국제공항
강서구 · 16.3 km from centre
서울공항
17.9 km from centre

Car Hire in Seoul

Seoul offers various car hire and rental options for visitors and residents. Services like 롯데렌터카 provide convenient vehicle rental throughout the city, while parking facilities such as 중구초동공영주차장, 청구공영주차장, and 중구공영주차장 offer designated parking solutions across different districts. See all car hire →

중구초동공영주차장
1.2 km from centre
롯데렌터카
용산구 · 1.8 km from centre
청구공영주차장
3.2 km from centre
중구공영주차장
3.4 km from centre

Things to Do in Seoul

Seoul offers visitors a rich array of attractions blending history, culture, and modernity. From historical landmarks like 환구단 and 서울도시건축전시관 to cultural sites throughout the city, there's something for every traveller to experience. See all things to do →

서울도시건축전시관
중구 · 142 m from centre
부민관폭파의거 터
152 m from centre
환구단 시민 광장
168 m from centre
환구단
221 m from centre
환구단
중구 · 222 m from centre
정관헌
중구 · 234 m from centre

Restaurants in Seoul

Seoul offers a vibrant culinary landscape with restaurants ranging from traditional Korean establishments to diverse international cuisines. Notable dining venues include 남촌회관, 금강산오리, 북경, 리북손만두, and 원주 추어탕, reflecting the city's rich gastronomic heritage. See all restaurants →

금강산오리
52 m from centre
남촌회관
52 m from centre
북경
chinese · 60 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Seoul

Seoul offers a variety of swimming pools for residents and visitors, from dedicated aquatic centres to hotel facilities like Urban Island Shilla Hotel. Whether you're looking for a public swimming facility or a hotel pool, there are several options available throughout the city. See all swimming pools →

수영장
2.5 km from centre
Urban Island Shilla Hotel
2.7 km from centre
연세대 수영장
3.8 km from centre

Spas in Seoul

We're still gathering spas listings for Seoul — check back soon.

Nightlife in Seoul

Seoul's nightlife is dynamic and diverse, offering everything from intimate bars to energetic clubs. Venues like 국일관, 성동차차차, 클럽데뷰, Faust, and Bolero represent the city's thriving after-hours scene, catering to different tastes and atmospheres throughout the city. See all nightlife →

국일관
1.1 km from centre
성동차차차
3.5 km from centre
클럽데뷰
3.9 km from centre

Bars in Seoul

Seoul offers a diverse bar scene catering to different tastes and atmospheres. From whisky-focused establishments like 디어위스키 and WHISKY LIVIN' to unique venues such as BAR라스베가스, 마이시크릿덴, and 오비호프, the city's bars provide options for both casual evenings and distinctive experiences. See all bars →

BAR라스베가스
157 m from centre
디어위스키
다동 · 188 m from centre
WHISKY LIVIN'
245 m from centre

Cafes in Seoul

Seoul offers a vibrant cafe culture with options ranging from international chains like 스타벅스 to local favorites such as 커피온리 and 공차. Whether you're seeking a quiet spot for coffee or a casual meeting place, Seoul's cafes provide welcoming atmospheres throughout the city. See all cafes →

스타벅스
coffee_shop · 67 m from centre
스타벅스
coffee_shop · 92 m from centre
시청광장돈까스
105 m from centre

Shopping in Seoul

Seoul offers diverse shopping experiences across modern malls and traditional markets. From 롯데백화점 and 시티스타몰 to the underground passages of 소공 지하쇼핑센터, visitors can explore everything from local fashion to international brands throughout the city. See all shopping →

시티스타몰
131 m from centre
롯데백화점
중구 · 360 m from centre
소공 지하쇼핑센터
365 m from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Seoul

Seoul offers visitors a variety of natural spaces and outdoor areas to explore, including scenic parks and gardens like 청계천이보이는쉼터 and 중명전. These green areas provide peaceful retreats within the vibrant capital city. See all nature & wildlife →

서울광장
120 m from centre
환구단
중구 · 219 m from centre
웨스틴조선호텔
290 m from centre
청계천이보이는쉼터
352 m from centre
중명전
507 m from centre
청진공원
536 m from centre

Climate snapshot

Seoul experiences distinct seasonal changes throughout the year. Spring and autumn bring mild, pleasant weather ideal for outdoor exploration, while summers are warm and winters can be cold with occasional snow.

Interesting Facts About Seoul — Weird & Wonderful

  • Seoul's Seoul Street Art Festival has been held four times yearly since 2003, celebrating spring, summer, autumn, and winter seasons.
  • The city's Seoul Citizens' Day, held every October since 1994, commemorates 600 years of Seoul as South Korea's capital.
  • Ultra Music Festival Korea, an annual dance music festival, takes place on the 2nd weekend of June.
  • The Seoul Metropolitan Area emerged as the world's sixth largest metropolitan economy in 2022, after New York, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Paris, and London.

Events & Festivals Not to Miss in Seoul

held four times a year every spring, summer, autumn, and winter
Seoul Street Art Festival
A seasonal cultural festival held in Seoul since 2003, arranged under the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
2nd weekend of June
Ultra Music Festival Korea
An annual dance music festival that takes place in Seoul.
October
Seoul Citizens' Day
Held every October since 1994 to commemorate the 600 years history of Seoul as the capital of South Korea.

Frequently Asked Questions About Seoul

What is the population of Seoul?

Seoul has approximately 9.6 million residents as of 2024, making it the largest city in South Korea and Korea overall.

What region of Asia is Seoul in?

Seoul is located in South Korea on the Korean Peninsula in East Asia, and is the capital of the country.

What major cultural events are held in Seoul?

Seoul hosts the Seoul Street Art Festival four times yearly (spring, summer, autumn, winter) and Ultra Music Festival Korea in June, among other cultural celebrations.

How long has Seoul been the capital?

Seoul has served as the capital of Korea for 600 years, a milestone commemorated annually on Seoul Citizens' Day in October since 1994.

Map of Seoul

View larger map · © OpenStreetMap contributors