City Name: Seoul
Where is it located?: Seoul is just south of the border to North Korea, on the Han River, just off the Yellow Sea.
Why do people go there?: Modern, loud, shop-filled, androgynous, traffic-clogged – all this in today’s ancient Seoul.
How do travelers get there?: Almost everyone arrives to Seoul from an airline. If you are already in the country, then all roads lead to Seoul.
Currency: Won
City Code: none
Population: 10.4 million
Languages: Korean 100%
Neighborhoods: Jongno-gu, Jung-gu & Dongdaemun-gu, Daehangno & Seodaemun-gu, Itaewon, Gangnam & Apgujeong-dong,
Attractions: Chogyesa Temple, Pongwosa Temple
Accommodations: Seoul Hostels
Tourist Office: South Korea Tourism Office
Off-the-beaten-path: Bukhansan National Park, Panmunjeom
Health Issues: No major Health Issues
When to go: Seoul can be visited most of the year, with fairly good weather. The summer months of June, July and August are full of tourists.
Common Phrases: Hello/ Good morning=Ahn-nyong-ha-se-yo; Do you speak English?=Yong-o-rul hahl-jool a-se-yo?; Thank you=Kamsa-ham-nee-da, Ko-mahp-ssum-nee-da; How much is it?= Ol-ma-im-nee-kka?; It is too expensive=Neomu Bisayo; Help me= Dowa-juseyo, Butak-hamnida
City Specific Events: Lunar New Year: January/February, Buddha’s Birthday: April/May
How to get around?: Buses aree everywhere, and so very cheap. Each ride costs about 700 won, and the buses run from every 5 to 15 minutes. English is written on the bus signs and on the maps inside the buses.
Good to know: Seoul has one of the most technologically sophisticated infrastructures in the world.
Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into Seoul is the Gimpo International Airport.
Need more information?: Check out the Seoul travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
