Visit Seoul
Seoul is a fascinating mix of Korean tradition and global modernism. Originally adopted as the capital of all Korea in 1394, the city remains the capital city of South Korea today. It is the largest city in the country, and is the showcase for all that represents the glory of Korea’s past as well as its glowing future.
There are many links to Korea’s history within the surrounding metropolitan area. Remnants of the great wall that once surrounded the city still exist north of the Han River, the site of the original capital. The “Five Grand Palaces”, built by the Joseon Dynasty in the 15th century, remain virtually intact, despite damage incurred during the Japanese occupation. Museums and art galleries are housed in these palaces, including the Seoul Museum of History and the Art Annex.
There are also several temples and shrines that pay tribute to Seoul’s Buddhist tradition, as well as many traditional Korean villages, such as the Korean Folk Village, located within the metropolitan area.
The present and future of Seoul are reflected in the ultra-modern infrastructure that comprises the National Capital Area. The city represents the cutting edge of technological innovation with wireless mobile television and broadband internet service, and Digital Media City – located across the river in the Mapo district – is the world’s first testing city for IT and multimedia innovations.
Seoul is also one of the world’s largest and most diverse marketplaces. The Dongdaemun Market offers the gamut of traditional and modern merchandise.
The downtown shopping and entertainment district of Myeongdong features high-end retail and international brand stores, and also serves as headquarters for some of the Asia’s largest financial institutions. The COEX Mall in Gangnam and the Yongsan Electronics Market are two of the biggest retail outlets in Asia.