Seoul (Seoul Special City)
Area: 605.25 km2 (233.69 sq mi.)
Population: 10,464,051
Language: Korean (English, Japanese and Chinese are widely spoken).
Religion: Christianity 25%, Buddhism 25%, Muism, Confucianism and others.
Seoul - the capital city and largest metropolis of the Republic of Korea (commonly called South Korea); is the business, financial and political hub of the country. The special city offers a blend of old traditions and modern culture, economy and cutting-edge technology. It is noted for its population density (almost twice that of New York and Eight times greater than Rome) and sometimes called ‘New Tokyo’ because it has all the thrill and excitement of Japan’s Capital but more affordable and less hectic.
Surrounded by mountainous and harsh, yet beautiful landscapes, the Seoul Special City area sits on the Han River, which flows across and divides the city into two areas – North and South of the River. The residents, Seoulites are hard working, sociable and passionate.
Major modern landmarks include the iconic N Seoul Tower, the gold-clad 63 Building and Dongdaemun Design Plaza. The city also contains five UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Changdeok Palace, Hwaseong Fortress, Jongmyo Shrine, Namhansanseong and the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty.
Seoul was the host city of the 1986 Asian Games and 1988 Summer Olympics as well as one of the venues of the Football World Cup 2002.