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Seoul

Seoul is the capital and largest city of South Korea, and the heart of the Seoul Metropolitan Area—one of the world's largest metropolitan economies. Home to millions of residents, it's a dynamic blend of historic sites, cultural festivals, and modern attractions.

Quick facts

Population
—
Currency
South Korean won (KRW)
Language
Korean
Timezone
KST (UTC+9)
Local time now
06:02:45

Hotels in Seoul

Seoul offers a range of accommodation options for visitors, from established hotels like 프레지던트호텔 and 호텔코리아나 to other well-known properties such as 뉴서울호텔. Whether you're visiting for business or leisure, you'll find suitable lodging across the city's diverse neighborhoods. See all hotels →

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

Airports in Seoul

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

Car Hire in Seoul

Seoul offers several car hire and rental options for visitors and residents. Major providers like 롯데렌터카 operate throughout the city, with various parking facilities including 중구초동공영주차장, 청구공영주차장, and 중구공영주차장 available to support your transportation needs. 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 a diverse range of attractions for visitors, from historical sites like 환구단 and 부민관폭파의거 터 to contemporary cultural spaces such as 서울도시건축전시관. Whether you're interested in exploring the city's rich heritage or modern urban design, Seoul has something for every traveler. 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

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

Swimming Pools in Seoul

Seoul offers several swimming pool facilities for locals and visitors, including options at Urban Island Shilla Hotel and various community centers. Whether you're looking for indoor or outdoor swimming facilities, the city provides accessible venues for aquatic recreation. 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

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

Bars in Seoul

Seoul offers a diverse bar scene with venues ranging from whisky bars to casual hangouts. Whether you're looking for a night out at BAR라스베가스, WHISKY LIVIN', 디어위스키, 마이시크릿덴, or 오비호프, the city's bar culture provides plenty of options for locals and visitors alike. 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 to local favorites. Whether you're looking for 스타벅스, 커피온리, or 공차, the city's cafes provide the perfect setting to relax and experience Korean hospitality. 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 world-class shopping experiences across diverse venues, from major department stores like 롯데백화점 to modern malls such as 시티스타몰 and underground shopping centers like 소공 지하쇼핑센터. Whether you're seeking luxury goods at 에비뉴엘 or duty-free shopping at 동화면세점, Seoul's retail landscape caters to every shopper's needs. See all shopping →

시티스타몰
131 m from centre
롯데백화점
중구 · 359 m from centre
소공 지하쇼핑센터
365 m from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Seoul

Seoul offers a blend of urban green spaces and natural areas where visitors can experience wildlife and nature within the city. From serene gardens to riverside walks, these natural attractions provide peaceful respites amid the bustling capital. See all nature & wildlife →

서울광장
130 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 four distinct seasons with cold winters and warm summers. Spring and autumn bring mild, comfortable weather ideal for exploring the city, while summer can be warm and humid, and winters are typically cold.

Interesting Facts About Seoul — Weird & Wonderful

  • Seoul has a 600-year history as the capital of South Korea, commemorated annually through the Seoul Citizens' Day held every October since 1994.
  • The Seoul Street Art Festival, held four times a year since 2003, celebrates seasonal street art and culture across the city.
  • Ultra Music Festival Korea, an annual dance music festival, takes place on the 2nd weekend of June.
  • Seoul's broader metropolitan area emerged as the world's sixth largest metropolitan economy in 2022, behind only New York, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Paris, and London.

Events & Festivals Not to Miss in Seoul

four times a year (spring, summer, autumn, and winter)
Seoul Street Art Festival
A seasonal cultural festival held in Seoul since 2003, celebrating street art. It is connected to the Seoul Citizens' Day, which has been held every October since 1994 to commemorate the 600 years of Seoul's history as the capital.
2nd weekend of June
Ultra Music Festival Korea
An annual dance music festival held in Seoul.
October
Seoul Citizens' Day
Held every October since 1994 to commemorate the 600 years of Seoul's history as the capital of the country.

Frequently Asked Questions About Seoul

What is the official name of Seoul?

The official name is Seoul Special Metropolitan City. It is the capital and largest city of South Korea.

How many people live in Seoul?

As of 2024, Seoul has approximately 9.6 million residents, though its population has gradually decreased since peaking at over 10 million in 2014.

What region is Seoul in?

Seoul is in Asia and is part of South Korea. The broader Seoul Metropolitan Area also encompasses Gyeonggi Province and Incheon.

What cultural festivals are held in Seoul?

Seoul hosts the Seoul Street Art Festival four times yearly (spring, summer, autumn, and winter), and Ultra Music Festival Korea, an annual dance music festival held in June.

What is significant about Seoul's history?

Seoul has served as the capital of South Korea for 600 years, a milestone commemorated through the Seoul Citizens' Day held every October since 1994.

Map of Seoul

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