 | Seoul today With almost 11 million people, Seoul is the largest city of the Republic of Korea and is also the economic, political and cultural hub of the country. Though it had a bit of a reputation for pollution, strict emission laws have brought that into control. With a superb subway system, residents and tourists can easily traverse the city efficiently and without much hassle. Seoul is a like a gem in the Republic and is well worth a visit. Divided by the Han River, its vastness can be overwhelming. However, once one gets used to the urban expanse, the city tur |
 | Seoul back then The history of the city dates back as far as 18BC, when it was established as a small settlement. The Wiryeseong site found inside the boundaries of modern day Seoul hints that it was once the capital of Baekje, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. After that, it is believed that Seoul also became the capital of the Joseon Dynasty, which is also one of the world's longest running monarchies, lasting for almost 5 centuries. It was the last royal and imperial dynasty of Korean history and was declared the Korean Empire in 1897. The dynasty ended in 1910 when the Japanese annexed the land. |
 | Lotte Hotel Located at the hub of Seoul's premier business and shopping districts, Lotte Hotel Seoul is within w |  | JW Marriott With the hotel being situated in an ideal location within central city, Korea's largest and most pop |
 | Park Hyatt Hotel A sleek glass tower with a modern interior, this is truly a hotel of the 21st century. The Park Hyat |  | Imperial Palace Hotel The European-style Imperial Palace Hotel (former Hotel Amiga) is located in the heart of Gangnam bus |
 | Millenium Seoul Hilton Hotel This hotel is situated at the foot of Mt. Namsan and is only a mile and a half away from the busines |  | Jamsil Tourist Hotel Jamsil Tourist Hotel is a modern eight-storey building housing 44 rooms with the finest amenities av |
 | Gangnam (Also known as Kangnam) The Gangnam or Kangnam area though upscale is very popular. The famous COEX mall is also in th |  | COEX COEX Mall in the heart of Seoul is where shopping, culture, education and leisure are integrated wit |
 | Boon the Shop This multi-brand boutique with an ambience of a sleek urban fashionista is a favorite haunt of the K |  | Galleria If you are the type that eats, breathes, sleeps and lives fashion, then this is one place you simply |
 | Jewel Button Two top Seoul designers create hand-made jewelry in award-winning designs which are available at thi |  | Taste maximum Kim Gyu-sik, the up and coming Seoul fashion designer and his associates have set up this little bou |
 | Dano Festival One of the three largest holiday celebrations in the country, the Dano Festival is a traditional foo |  | Hi Seoul Festival
This festival aims at preserving the city's unique history and tradition as w |
 | Boryeong Mud Festival Daecheon Beach becomes a war zone and therapeutic massage parlor of mud every July. The Mud Festival |  | Insadong Festival The Insadong festival in April and October showcases the folk music or pungmulnori of Seoul. A delig |
 | Food Korea This festival is when people enjoy traditional food and introduce new Korean food and culture. It is |  | Insadong Festival The Insadong festival in April and October showcases the folk music or pungmulnori of Seoul. A delig |
 | Taco Five types of Mexican munchies are served in this low-cost, colorful and cheerful eating place which |  | Gio The menu here is sweet and short, literally. Only two dishes are served and that too both are cooked |
 | Salam Tucked away next to the mosque, Salam restaurant is Turkish in everything. From the cuisine, the mus |  | Santorini Get a taste of Greece in this truly Greek restaurant with authentic Greek flavors. A winner, no less |
 | Thai Orchid With prices that will suit your pocket, the Thai Orchid is the place to go to for genuine, good and |  | Sosim At Sosim you will be served what is known as Buddhist food; traditional diet, purely vegetarian, wit |
 | Fast Facts - Location The west coast of the Republic of Korea. Dialing code Country: +82 Area: +2 Emergency numbers Police: 112 Fire Dept: 119 Ambulance: 1339 Population 11 Million Languages Korean (Official) Time zone GMT/UTC + 9 Average January temperatures High: 1°C (33°F) Low: -6°C (21°F) Average: -2°C (28°F) Average July temperatures High: 28°C (82°F) Low: 22°C (71°F) Average: 25°C (77°F) Annual rainfall 112mm (4.5 inches) |
