Local Information
Facts about Seoul
Facts about Seoul
- Official title: Seoul Metropolitan city
- Location: In the center of the Korean Peninsula near the West Coast.
- Topography: Seoul is a city surrounded by mountains 700-800 meters high. Namsan (Mount Nam) is situated in the center of the city home to the popular , one of the . The Han River flows across the city from East to West dividing the city into two main areas: North of the River and South of the River.
- Population: 10,464,051
- Area: 605.25 km2 (233.69 sq mi.) Second largest metropolitan area in the world after Tokyo, with over 25 million inhabitants.
- Language: Korean (Major tourist attractions offer language services in English, Japanese and Chinese).
- Religion: Christianity 25%, Buddhism 25%, Minor religios groups include confucianism and others.
- Climate: Four distinctive seasons: Cold and dry winters, hot and humid summers and rather clear and dry spring and fall.
History of Seoul
- Over half of Korea’s population is living in Seoul greater metropolitan area – the capital of South Korea and center of politics, finance, culture and creativity
- Seoul is divided by the Han River and surrounded by stony-crested mountains and harsh, yet beautiful landscapes.
- With the foundation of the Joseon Dynasty in 1394, Seoul became the capital city.
- Seoul acquired its name after Korea was liberated from colonial reign on August 15th, 1945.
- In 1946, Seoul was re-affirmed as the capital city when the Republic of Korea was founded.
- Seoul abounds with things to do, offering ample opportunities for tourists as well as local residents to explore and appreciate a mixture of modern and traditional Korean culture.