Seoul is a city of contrasts in which the ancient and the modern coexist in harmony. In one sense, it is a hi-tech 21st-century city awash with neon lights and the sights and sounds of a 24-hour metropolis, while at the same time, a city retaining the majesty and graceful ambience of ancient dynasties that once ruled over it. Like the river Han on which it sits, Seoul is constantly moving as it strides boldly into the future, yet simultaneously managing to keep one foot firmly entrenched in its historical past.
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Facts| Population: | The City: 10 million (2024)
Metropolitan Area: 26 million (2024) |
| Currency: | South Korean Won (KRW) |
| Emergency Numbers: | Police: 112
Fire or Ambulance: 119
Red Cross: 1339 |
| Newspapers: | The Seoul Times: www.theseoultimes.com
The Korea Times: www.koreatimes.co.kr |
| Opening Hours: | Convenience stores are open 24/7; departments are open 9am to 8pm while small retail shops are open 10am to 8pm. Restaurant chains are open 24/7 while independent dining rooms are open until 10pm. Banks are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. |
| Tourist Information: | Gwanghwamun Tourist Information Center
149 Sejong-daero, Jongno District, Seoul (in front of Donghwa Duty Free)
Opening hours: Sun–Fri 10am–7pm
Languages: English, Chinese, Japanese, Thai
+82 2 735 8688
Korea Tourism Organization
40 Cheongyecheonno, Jung-gu, Seoul 100-180
Opening hours: Mon–Fri 9am–6pm, Sat & Sun closed
+82 2 729 9474
Korea Travel Hotline: +82 2 1330
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) |