Seoul: city of technology and futuristic design

Seoul, the capital of the Republic of Korea, has changed its name more than once in its rich history – being known as Wiryeseong, Hanyang, Hanseong, Gyeongseong, and Keijō… People began to settle here in the Neolithic era, and the city was one of Korea’s main administrative centres for about two thousand years.

Seoul is located in the northwestern part of South Korea. It covers an area of 605 square kilometres and has an elevation of 86 metres. The Hangang River divides the city into two parts, and the banks are connected by numerous convenient and stylish bridges.

Seoul is among the world's design capitals. This gigantic metropolis is home to modern skyscrapers and a high-tech subway, Buddhist temples, palaces and street markets. Seoul City Hall is one of the most notable attractions in the South Korean capital: thanks to its truly futuristic design, the building looks like a tsunami wave made of steel and glass. It was erected in 2012, the construction work lasted four years.

Seoul City Hall not just houses the city administration: it is also an attractive tourist sight and a place for cultural leisure. There is one of the tallest vertical gardens in the world in its lobby. The green wall covers an area of over 1,500 square metres and rises to the height of seven floors. It is carefully tended daily by a gardener. Installations – that resemble white vertical clouds symbolising the history of South Korea's development – are surrounding the garden. An exhibition centre is located on the eighth floor of the building.

Another landmark of the South Korean capital is Namsan Seoul Tower. Being one of the highest in Asia, it is almost 480 metres above sea level: 243m of Namsan Mountain and 236.7m of the tower itself.

In the midst of densely built-up Seoul skyscrapers, tourists can come across buildings in the traditional Korean style: locals cherish their history and cultural heritage.

Seoul is beautiful day and night. According to the city administration data, over 12 million foreign tourists visited the South Korean capital in 2024. By the way, the Republic of Korea is one of the safest countries to travel to. Tourists can safely walk along its streets at any time.

Other attractions worth visiting in Seoul:

– five royal palaces (Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and Gyeonghuigung)

– giant neo-futurist Dongdaemun Design Plaza

– Myeongdong Shopping Street 

– Kwangjang Market

– Bukhansan National Park