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Asia

SeoulSouth Korea

Palaces beside skyscrapers, 24-hour food markets, bathhouses and a huge café culture.

The vibe

EnergeticHistoricAction-packedFood-focusedArtsy

Derived from Seoul’s strongest Destination DNA attributes.

Where is Seoul?

Map showing the location of Seoul, South KoreaSeoul, South Korea is in Asia. The marker shows its approximate position.
Simplified location map: Seoul, South Korea, Asia.

Seoul is in the northwest of South Korea, on the Han river not far from the Yellow Sea.

At a glance

Country
South Korea
Region
Asia
City size
Mega city
English
Moderate

Why you might like Seoul

  • Wellness & spas
  • Food
  • Shopping
  • Nightlife
  • History
  • Museums

Seoul mixes Joseon palaces and hanok lanes with department stores, gaming cafés and hillside neighbourhoods. Barbecue restaurants and Gwangjang market cover the food, jjimjilbang bathhouses the recovery, and Hongdae and Itaewon the nights out. Public transport is fast and cheap.

Seoul in facts

Country
South Korea
Region
Asia
City size
Mega city · ~10M residents

Urban area population · UN World Urbanization Prospects and national statistics offices, 2024

English proficiency
Moderate · 522/800

Country-level score · EF English Proficiency Index 2025

Why Seoul stands out

  1. Gyeongbokgung Palace hosts a formal changing-of-the-guard ceremony reenacting Joseon dynasty tradition.

  2. Seoul's subway system is one of the most extensive in the world, with signage and announcements in multiple languages.

  3. Myeongdong and Hongdae represent two distinct scenes: mainstream shopping and cosmetics versus indie music and street art.

  4. The city straddles the Han River, with parks and cycling paths running along both banks.

  5. Korean barbecue, street tteokbokki and 24-hour jjimjilbang bathhouses are part of everyday city life.

Good to know

  • Seoul has four distinct seasons, with hot humid summers and cold, dry winters.
  • The subway is generally the fastest way to move between districts, and cards can be used across most transit.
  • Many bars and restaurants operate late, particularly in Hongdae and Gangnam.

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