Tourist Guide Seoul
With over ten millions inhabitants, Seoul, the capital of South Korea, represents
the country's centre for business, education, and modern culture.
Seoul is located in north-western South Korea and is circled by mountains on
all sides with Namsan (South Mountain) springing up in the centre.
Although the Han River once marked the southern boundary, the city has sprawled
across to the southern side with some 2 dozen bridges crossing it and one subway
tunnel underneath. Across the Han River the modern city is dominated by Korea's
World Trade Center, and the Coex Mall, a shopper's delight.
The name of Seoul comes from the ancient word 'Seorabeol' or 'Seobeol', meaning
"capital".
Seoul was an early fortress and a trade centre during the Paekche Kingdom, more
than 1,500 years ago.
But the city's true genesis occurred in 1394, when it became the capital of
the Chos n Dynasty, which ruled Korea until the country became a colony of Japan
in 1910 (the vestiges of the Chos n Dynasty are still today prominent features
of the city's landscape).
Seoul became the capital of South Korea in 1948. North Korean forces captured
the city on June 28, 1950 during the Korean War. The capital then changed hands
several times until UN troops took it in March, 1951, and it became the headquarters
of the UN command in Korea.
Today, Seoul has grown into a cosmopolitan city replete with a variety of modern
facilities and world renowned shopping areas such as Namdaemun Market, Dongdaemun
Market, Itaewon and Insa-dong. The nightlife is brilliant.
Seoul is about 30 miles from Incheon International Airport.
Max: 36° F
Min: 18° FRelated Contents
More Travel Guides in South Korea:
Incheon (About 16.8 mi)
More information South Korea:
All cities in South Korea - South Korea Photos - South Korea Map
| Incheon - 16.8 mi | |
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Incheon Metropolitan City is a major seaport on the west coast of South Korea near Seoul. Incheon is now home to almost 2.5 million people, and is also under the control... |
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| Kaesong - 35.8 mi | |
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Kaesong is a city in the North Hwanghae Province in North Korea. Located near the Kaesong Industrial Region, the city is home to a populace of around 150,000 inhabitants. The ... |
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