Seoul tourist information
Seoul is the capital city of Korea, located at a longitude of 126 degrees east and latitude of 37 degrees north. The city lies at the center of the Korean peninsula. It is 605,522 square kilometers in size and covers 0.61% of South Korea. The population of Seoul was 10,320,000 in 2000. Seoul consists of a total of 25 wards (gu) and 522 dongs (a smaller municipal division) and is classified as a special municipality, with the local government being directly controlled by the central government.
The Hangang River flows east to west through Seoul, and the mountain range stretching from the north contributes to the city landscape. The center of the city is mostly flat, but beautiful, spectacular mountains are situated in the suburbs and serve as a refuge for Seoul citizens. Since Seoul is the capital city of Korea, there are plenty of great cultural establishments and government offices, including the first integrated Government Building, the constitutional court, the National Assembly, various courts of law and Cheongwadae (the Presidential residence).
It is presumed that the Amsa-dong Prehistoric Settlement Site and the Misari Prehistoric Remains from about 6,000 years ago (B.C. 4000) are what is left of the initial establishment of what is now Seoul. After Lee Seong-Gye, who established the Joseon Dynasty, determined to settle down in the Hangang River basin, this area began to develop as the capital of the country. In the late 17th Century, Seoul played a central role for the rapid development of commerce around the Hangang River and went through significant changes including a gravitation of the population to the area. Seoul was finally designated as the capital when the Korean Government was established in 1948 after independence was declared on August 15, 1945. The rapid industrialization accompanied by economic growth in the 1960s and 70s helped the city establish itself as one of the centers for international commerce and trade in East Asia. The Seoul Asian Games and the Seoul Olympics were held in 1986 and in 1988 respectively.
Seoul features distinct four seasons. It is best to travel the city during the spring and fall when it is warm and doesn't often rain. However, in the summer, hot and humid weather lasts from June to the middle of September, as the average temperature ranges from 20 to 27 degrees Centigrade (68 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit). Winter is rather cold compared to other cities located at the same latitude, with the average temperature ranging from -5 to 0 degrees Centigrade (23 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit). We recommend that you carry a jacket in the spring and fall because daily temperature ranges are broad. We also recommend a warm coat for winter. Keep in mind that sunglasses and an umbrella can protect you against strong sunlight or sudden rainfall in the summer.
by Tour 2 Korea
Seoul aerial map
Please click on any icon on the Seoul aerial tourist map, to find close by places, offering hotels and tourist information. You can zoom in and zoom out our touristical map as well as switch between satelite and map view of Seoul.
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