Seoul City

Introduction
From Hermit Kingdom to Tiger Economy - Seoul is a city reborn. Seoul is an intriguing city transforming itself from the Yi Dynasty capital of the Hermit Kingdom to a major mover and shaker on the international scene, especially in the field of commerce and sports.
Nowhere else is the Korean drive to come to terms with a turbulent and fractured past so evident.

Seoul was battered by Japanese and Manchu invasions in the 16th and 17th centuries and flattened by the Korean War; most of its cityscape is modern. Overshadowed by high-rises and 12-lane freeways, it yet retains a hidden history of centuries-old temples, palaces, pagodas and pleasure gardens.

Seoul is in the northwest corner of South Korea. The border with North Korea is only about 40km (25mi) from the city centre. The central area is the most important for both sightseeing and accommodation, with Mt Namsan forming the southern perimeter. Tourists and shoppers are well at home in Itaewon, south of Mt Namsan. The Han River winds through the city, splitting it in two. The Gangnam-gu area on the south bank is Seoul's most exclusive neighbourhood, but on the whole, the southern areas have less interest to the traveller than the historic northern neighbourhoods. The World Cup stadium is to the west of the city, in Mapo-gu. Easily the most maddening thing about Seoul is the system of street addresses: there aren't any. If you've spent time in Japan, you might have some luck understanding the system, but probably have no better chance of actually finding anywhere without a detailed map; even the locals are baffled by the system. Addresses are not given according to consecutive numbers along a road, but as random numbers within an arbitrary block of land. You will need to wander around looking for your destination, as there are virtually no street signs (let alone street names). Most business cards have maps printed on the back.

Seoul is an intriguing city transforming itself from the Yi Dynasty capital of the Hermit Kingdom to a major mover and shaker on the international scene, especially in the field of commerce and sports. Nowhere else is the Korean drive to come to terms with a turbulent and fractured past so evident.

Destination Facts
Time zone: GMT +9
Area: 605
Coordinates: 37.54235077 latitude and 126.9352493 longitude
Population: 10300000
Currency: Won (W)
Area codes: 02

Getting there and away
Most major international airlines fly into Incheon International Airport (60km/37mi from Seoul), and the two Korean airlines, Asiana Airlines and Korean Air (KAL), fly both domestic and international routes. There are no international buses leading to or from Seoul, but there's no shortage of long-distance buses to get you across the country. The main station is the express bus terminal, on the southern side of the Han River. There are no international trains to Seoul, but South Korea has an extensive rail network operated by Korea National Railroad (KNR). Long-distance share taxis also operate from the station, Incheon ferry terminal, and the express bus terminal.

Getting around
Seoul's subway system is modern, fast, frequent, clean, safe and cheap, but try to avoid rush hour. Seoul also has a comprehensive and cheap city bus system that operates from around 05:30 to 24:00. Driving a vehicle is something to avoid in Seoul because of the traffic jams, the lack of street names, directional signs and parking places, and the unpredictability of other road users. Regular taxis are a good deal and are cheaper than the bus or subway for three people who want to make a short trip.

Weather
Korea has four distinct seasons, with a wet monsoon/summer in the middle of the year, and a very cold winter from November to March. Seoul is beautiful at all times of the year. Autumn (September to November) is the most popular time, with fine weather and amazingly colourful forests. Winter - if you can stand the cold - is also magnificent. The ice and snow show off Seoul in a flattering way. During spring (March to May) Seoul has mild temperatures and flowers, including the magnificent cherry blossom, bloom everywhere. Summer is probably the least attractive time to visit - it's warm, humid and very wet.