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Seoul

Seoul is the capital and largest city of South Korea, serving as the heart of the Seoul Metropolitan Area—one of the world's major economic centers. This dynamic city blends traditional Korean heritage with cutting-edge modernity, attracting millions of visitors each year.

Quick facts

Population
—
Currency
South Korean won (KRW)
Language
Korean
Timezone
KST (UTC+9)
Local time now
19:32:29

Hotels in Seoul

Seoul offers a range of accommodation options for visitors, from established hotels like 뉴서울호텔, 프레지던트호텔, and 호텔코리아나 to modern lodging across the city. Whether you're visiting for business or leisure, Seoul's hotels cater to various preferences and budgets. See all hotels →

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

Airports in Seoul

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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 options for visitors and residents needing vehicle rentals. Major providers like 롯데렌터카 operate throughout the city, while public parking facilities such as 중구초동공영주차장, 청구공영주차장, and 중구공영주차장 provide convenient parking solutions for rental vehicles. 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 wealth of attractions blending history, culture, and modern architecture. From historic sites like 환구단 and cultural venues such as 서울도시건축전시관 to other notable landmarks, the city provides diverse experiences for visitors. 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

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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 visitors and residents. From dedicated swim centers like 연세대 수영장 and 청소년센터 수영장 to hotel facilities such as Urban Island Shilla Hotel, you'll find aquatic options 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

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's bar scene offers diverse venues for locals and visitors alike. From whisky bars like 디어위스키 and WHISKY LIVIN' to unique establishments such as BAR라스베가스, 마이시크릿덴, and 오비호프, the city has options for every taste and occasion. 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 a diverse range of options for visitors and locals alike. Whether you're looking for international chains like 스타벅스, specialty coffee at 커피온리, or bubble tea at 공차, the city has plenty of cafes to explore. 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 the city, from upscale department stores like 롯데백화점 to expansive underground shopping centers such as 소공 지하쇼핑센터. Whether you're browsing luxury boutiques at 에비뉴엘, exploring modern malls like 시티스타몰, or shopping duty-free at 동화면세점, Seoul caters to every shopper's needs. 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 diverse natural spaces where visitors can experience wildlife and green areas throughout the city. From the tranquil setting of 청계천이보이는쉼터 to historic natural sites like 환구단, nature enthusiasts can discover various outdoor destinations within the capital. 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 seasons with cold winters and warm summers. Spring and autumn bring mild, pleasant weather ideal for outdoor exploration and sightseeing.

Interesting Facts About Seoul — Weird & Wonderful

  • 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.
  • Although Seoul's population peaked at over 10 million, it has gradually decreased since 2014 to approximately 9.6 million residents as of 2024.
  • The Seoul Street Art Festival has been held four times a year since 2003, running every spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
  • Seoul was designated as the capital over 600 years ago, commemorated annually through the 'Seoul Citizens' Day' held every October since 1994.

Events & Festivals Not to Miss in Seoul

Four times a year in 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 hosted in Seoul.
October
Seoul Citizens' Day
Held every October since 1994 to commemorate the 600 years history of Seoul as the capital of the country.

Frequently Asked Questions About Seoul

What is the official name of Seoul?

Seoul is officially known as Seoul Special Metropolitan City. It is the capital and largest city of South Korea.

How large is Seoul's metropolitan area?

The broader Seoul Metropolitan Area encompasses Seoul, Gyeonggi Province, and Incheon, and hosts more than half of South Korea's population.

What is Seoul's current population?

Seoul has approximately 9.6 million residents as of 2024, having gradually decreased from a peak of over 10 million in 2014.

What region of Asia is Seoul in?

Seoul is located in South Korea on the Korean Peninsula in East Asia.

How long has Seoul been the capital?

Seoul has served as the capital for over 600 years, as commemorated by the 'Seoul Citizens' Day' held annually every October since 1994.

Map of Seoul

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