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Seoul

Seoul is the capital and largest city of South Korea, and the centre of the world's sixth largest metropolitan economy. Home to nearly 9.6 million residents, this dynamic city blends cutting-edge modernity with deep cultural heritage spanning 600 years as Korea's capital.

Photo: Eunmi Park (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Quick facts

Population
Currency
South Korean won (KRW)
Language
Korean
Timezone
KST (UTC+9)
Local time now
17:36:55

Hotels in Seoul

Seoul offers a range of hotels to suit different travel needs and budgets. Popular choices include 뉴서울호텔, 프레지던트호텔, and 호텔코리아나, each providing accommodation options for visitors exploring South Korea's 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 various car hire options for visitors and residents needing vehicle rentals. Services like 롯데렌터카 provide convenient access to vehicles, while the city features multiple parking facilities including 중구초동공영주차장, 청구공영주차장, and 중구공영주차장 for secure 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 visitors a diverse range of attractions blending history, culture, and architecture. From historical landmarks like 환구단 to contemporary exhibitions at 서울도시건축전시관, the city provides experiences that showcase both its rich heritage and modern character. 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 pools for residents and visitors, from dedicated facilities like 수영장 and 연세대 수영장 to hotel pools such as Urban Island Shilla Hotel. Whether you're looking for indoor or outdoor swimming options, Seoul's pools provide accessible recreational facilities 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

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

Bars in Seoul

Seoul's bar scene offers diverse venues for every taste, from whisky-focused establishments like 디어위스키 and WHISKY LIVIN' to unique cocktail bars such as 마이시크릿덴. Whether you're looking for a lively atmosphere at BAR라스베가스 or exploring the upscale drinking culture at 오비호프, Seoul's bars provide memorable experiences in the heart of South Korea's vibrant capital. 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 well-known international brands like 스타벅스 to beloved local establishments such as 커피온리 and 공차. Whether you're seeking a quiet spot for work or a social gathering place, Seoul's diverse cafe scene has something for every visitor. 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, department stores, and underground shopping centers. From luxury retailers at 에비뉴엘 and 롯데백화점 to convenient shopping hubs like 시티스타몰 and 소공 지하쇼핑센터, the city 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 diverse natural attractions where visitors can explore green spaces and wildlife habitats. From the scenic Cheonggyecheon stream and its viewing areas to historic gardens and public squares, the city provides numerous opportunities to experience nature amidst urban surroundings. 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 offer mild, pleasant weather ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions, while summers can be humid and winters bring occasional snowfall.

Interesting Facts About Seoul — Weird & Wonderful

  • Seoul has been the capital of Korea for over 600 years, commemorated annually through the Seoul Citizens' Day held every October since 1994.
  • The broader Seoul Metropolitan Area is home to more than half of South Korea's entire population.
  • Seoul Street Art Festival has been held four times a year—every spring, summer, autumn, and winter—since 2003.
  • Ultra Music Festival Korea, an annual dance music festival, takes place on the 2nd weekend of June in Seoul.

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 and based on the Seoul Citizens' Day tradition.
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 the country.

Frequently Asked Questions About Seoul

What is the current population of Seoul?

Seoul has approximately 9.6 million residents as of 2024, though this has gradually decreased since peaking at over 10 million.

What language is spoken in Seoul?

Korean is the official language spoken in Seoul, South Korea.

What currency is used in Seoul?

The South Korean won is the official currency used in Seoul and throughout South Korea.

Is Seoul part of a larger metropolitan area?

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

What timezone is Seoul in?

Seoul operates on Asia/Seoul timezone.

Map of Seoul

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