Seoul, South Korea’s capital, is a city of incredible history and culture juxtaposed with the cutting edge techie modern world. The capital of South Korea is not just the political and economic powerhouse in the country but also a center of culture and a cauldron of innovation. Seoul, with its breathtaking past — and lively present — has never ceased to amaze visitors and locals.
A GLIMPSE INTO SEOUL’S HISTORY
Seoul dates to more than 2,000 years ago. It was soon renamed to Taejosan, and subsequently reclaimed the name of its predecessor in 2005. Seoul has undergone such changes through the ages by dynasties- not only was it made Korea capital in 1394 by Chosŏn dynasty. A few of the grand old palaces are still with us, Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung among them, to stand in arresting relief against that indefensible loss.
Despite invasions, warfare and rapid modernization, Seoul has managed to retain its historic charm as a modern mega-city today. The history of the city is all about resiliency and reinvention, and self-reinvention remains part of its DNA to this day.
POPULATION AND LANGUAGE
Seoul is one of the world’s largest cities, with a population around 9.7 million. Think New York and it’s pretty much the same as the number in the ‘greater’ area: more than five times that amount of men women and children which makes sure one thing clear – this is a big city. To counterbalance the native Koreans, a burgeoning expatriate population helps maintain the city’s multicultural vibe.
Seoul The official language in Seoul is Korean. The Korean quick language is the very unique and easy to learn as well because of its easy pretty scientific telegraphed 15th century vest made alphabet. “Korean still dominates, but English is heavily used across the city and especially in business and for travel and study,” he said.
CURRENCY AND ELECTRICAL STANDARDS
When you visit Seoul, you will pay for things in the South Korean won (KRW). Banknotes and coins change hands easily, and electronic payments are widespread: Many people who live here use mobile payment apps that have been thoroughly integrated into daily life.
Electric; Currency Seoul uses a 220-volt and 60 hertz system, the same that is used in most parts of Asia and Europe. If you’re coming from a country that uses a different voltage or plug type, bring the right adapter and/or voltage converter with you to charge your devices safely.
CLIMATE: SEASONS AND WEATHER
Seoul has some of the qualities of seasons that are affected by specific climatic conditions. Cold winters (December to February) are the norm and temperatures fall below freezing Spring (March to May): One of the best times to go, with cherry blossoms and other flowers blooming in parks and along streets.
Summers (June to August) are hot and humid with heavy downpours — monsoon rains drenches the city, adorn autumn (September to November), where moderate temperatures and colorful foliage turn fall landscapes into splashy displays of reds and golds. This climatic variation provides tourists with countless activities and sights whenever they choose to travel.
CULINARY DELIGHTS. TYPICAL FOOD OF SEOUL
And plenty of eating, because this is a visit to Seoul. Korean cuisine is perfect in delivering a punchy flavour as well as the freshest ingredients and plenty of choice whether you want something extra spicy or on the very savoury side.
At every meal, there is kimchi, the classic fermented vegetable dish often of cabbage or radishes. More popular Korean dishes include bibimbap (a mixed rice dish with vegetables, meat and gochujang, or spicy chili paste) and bulgogi, which is grilled marinated beef that actually does melt in your mouth.
Street food is another reason to get excited in Seoul, where you’ll see vendors offering tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), hotteok (sweet filled pancakes) and odeng (fish cake on skewers). The food culture of Seoul represents the city’s dynamic energy, tradition implying its grain into recipes crafted for modern taste buds.
GETTING AROUND: TRANSPORTATION IN SEOUL
Seoul has one of the world’s most efficient and best-integrated public transportation systems. The sunway is extensive and covers almost all of the city, its also extremely easy to use /cheap for old fogie’s & tourists. The subway stations are clean, and in both English and Korean signage – sometimes with shops or cafes.
Aside from the subways, bus routes will take you to the more far-flung parts of the city where trains don’t reach. And just to be more convenient, and less confusing, most people have a card for both the subway and bus system.
There are also plenty of taxis, although they’re not as cheap and reliable as public transpo, and you can find them at any hour of the day or night. Seoul has been busy constructing more bike lanes and rentals for all you bikers out there, encouraging a greener mode of touring the city.
SAFETY IN SEOUL
Seoul is actually one of the safest cities in the world Why is Seoul so safe? And this information isn’t misleading. Crime is low, and violent crime tends to be extremely rare. The streets are subjected to strict policing, public spaces are brightly illuminated and under surveillance.
That said, like any big city it’s a good idea to keep your guard up, especially after dark or in crowded tourist areas. Petty crime such as pickpocketing is rare. Emergency services are good and English help can be found at hospitals or police stations.
TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Whatever they are, there’s plenty of fun unique things to do in Seoul for every type of traveler.
Gyeongbokgung Palace – Don’t miss this beautiful palace and all of its stunning architecture and gardens. If you do it as a visitor to the site, all you can see is some pathetic changing of the guard thing and visit the National Palace Museum.
Bukchon Hanok Village: Cute little streets of hanoks, traditional Korean houses. Walking through its narrow alleys was like traveling back in time to Seoul.
N Seoul Tower-Perched atop Namsan Mountain, this iconic tower provides panoramic views of the sprawling city. You might especially feel its magic at night, twinkling in the city lights below.
Myeongdong Shopping Street: Crowded shopping street with fashion, cosmetics and street eats. It’s a great jumping off spot for an exploration of Seoul’s lively urban culture.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza: This architecture marvel is more than just a futuristic building and functions as both cultural space during the day and night market.
Insadong: Good vibe, old-style tea houses, antique shops and art galleries.
Han River Parks Spanning picnic spots, bike riding and water sports, these parks are Seoul pockets of nature at its finest.
OTHER IMPORTANT ASPECTS
Seoul is a city of opposites — where ancient palaces lie in the shadows of high-rises, and tranquil temples share real estate with flashing neon signs of the city’s raucous night life. The city is a tech-minded metropolis as well, where Wi-Fi service is virtually ubiquitous and the response to smart technology has been enthusiastic.
They esteem edcuation very highly some of Soth Korea’s top universities are in Seoul and it is an educated society! The city also is green-oriented, featuring abundant recycling provisions and environmentally friendly urban planning.
Seoul is the epicenter of a global pop culture phenomenon — K-pop music, film and fashion. From lantern festivals to music fests – the city brings itself alive with an effervescent energy at all times of the year.
Seoul is a lot more than just the type of city you visit — it’s the kind of place that visits you, layers stripped away to reveal history, culture and urban living woven into an astounding urban tapestry. Whether you are wandering inside its ancient palaces, sampling some streetside spicy snack or just gazing at the future-forward skyline, Seoul is only too happy to play backdrop to its next chapter.
