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Seoul

Seoul is the capital and largest city of South Korea, and the largest city in the whole of Korea. The Seoul Metropolitan Area has emerged as one of the world's major economic centres, hosting more than half of South Korea's population.

Quick facts

Population
Currency
South Korean won (KRW)
Language
Korean
Timezone
KST (UTC+9)
Local time now
19:33:40

Hotels in Seoul

Seoul offers a range of hotel accommodations to suit different travellers. From established properties like 뉴서울호텔, 프레지던트호텔, and 호텔코리아나, visitors can find places to stay throughout South Korea's vibrant capital city. 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 options for visitors and residents looking to explore the city and surrounding areas. Major rental providers like 롯데렌터카 operate throughout Seoul, with convenient parking facilities including 중구초동공영주차장, 청구공영주차장, and 중구공영주차장 available for vehicle storage. 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 diverse attractions for visitors, from historic sites like 환구단 and 부민관폭파의거 터 to modern cultural spaces such as 서울도시건축전시관. Whether you're interested in architecture, history, or urban exploration, the city provides numerous experiences to explore. 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 a variety of swimming facilities for residents and visitors. From the Urban Island Shilla Hotel to public pools like 수영장 and 연세대 수영장, the city provides options for swimming and aquatic activities throughout different neighborhoods. 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 vibrant bar scene with establishments ranging from whisky-focused venues to unique themed bars. Whether you're looking for a sophisticated whisky experience at 디어위스키 or WHISKY LIVIN', or prefer exploring distinctive venues like BAR라스베가스, 마이시크릿덴, and 오비호프, the city has something for every taste. 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 diverse café culture 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, the city's café scene provides options throughout its neighbourhoods. 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, traditional markets, and luxury department stores. From 롯데백화점 to 에비뉴엘, visitors can find everything from international brands to local goods throughout the city. 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 visitors a variety of natural spaces and outdoor areas to explore. From the scenic Cheonggyecheon to historic garden sites like Jogyesa and Gyeongbokgung Palace grounds, the city provides opportunities to experience nature within an urban landscape. 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 distinct seasons with cold winters and warm summers. Spring and autumn offer mild, pleasant weather, making these seasons popular times to visit the city.

Interesting Facts About Seoul — Weird & Wonderful

  • Seoul has served as the capital for over 600 years, commemorated annually through the Seoul Citizens' Day held every October since 1994.
  • The city's population peaked at over 10 million but has gradually decreased since 2014, standing at approximately 9.6 million residents as of 2024.
  • Seoul Street Art Festival has been held four times a year since 2003, celebrating spring, summer, autumn, and winter seasons across the city.
  • Ultra Music Festival Korea, an annual dance music festival, takes place on the 2nd weekend of June and draws international audiences.

Events & Festivals Not to Miss in Seoul

every October since 1994
Seoul Citizens' Day
Commemorates the 600 years history of Seoul as the capital of South Korea.
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 held in Seoul.

Frequently Asked Questions About Seoul

What is the capital of South Korea?

Seoul is the capital and largest city of South Korea, and the largest city in the whole of Korea.

How large is Seoul's population?

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

What region is Seoul in?

Seoul is located in South Korea. The broader Seoul Metropolitan Area, encompassing Seoul, Gyeonggi Province and Incheon, is one of the world's major metropolitan economies.

What cultural festivals are held in Seoul?

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

Map of Seoul

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