Seoul

Capital of South Korea

This article is about the capital city of South Korea. For other uses, see Seoul (disambiguation).

Not to be confused with Soul.

Special metropolitan city in Seoul Metropolitan, South Korea

Seoul

Special metropolitan city

Seoul Special Metropolitan City
서울특별시
transcription(s)
• Hangul| 서울특별시
• Hanja[a]| 서울特別市
• Revised Romanisation| Seoul-Teukbyeolsi
• McCune–Reischauer| Sŏul-T'ŭkpyŏlsi

Skyline of Seoul at night

Deoksugung

Korean National Assembly

Lotte World and Lotte World Tower

Gwanghwamun

Seongsan Bridge over the Han River

Flag

Seal

Logo

Motto(s):

"Seoul, my soul"[1]

Anthem: none[2]

Show Seoul

Show South Korea

Coordinates: 37°33′36″N 126°59′24″E﻿ / ﻿37.56000°N 126.99000°E﻿ / 37.56000; 126.99000
Country| South Korea
Area| Seoul Metropolitan
Founded by| Taejo of Joseon
Districts| 25 districts
Government

• Type| Mayor–council
• Body| Seoul Metropolitan Government
Seoul Metropolitan Council
• Mayor| Oh Se-hoon (People Power)
• National Assembly| 49
Area

[3]

• Special metropolitan city

| 605.21 km2 (233.67 sq mi)
• Metro

| 12,685 km2 (4,898 sq mi)
Elevation

| 38 m (125 ft)
Highest elevation

(Bukhansan)

| 836.5 m (2,744.4 ft)
Lowest elevation

(Yellow Sea)

| 0 m (0 ft)
Population

(1Q 2025)[4]

• Special metropolitan city

| 9,602,826
• Rank| 1st
• Density| 16,000/km2 (41,000/sq mi)
• Metro

| 26,037,000
• Metro density| 2,053/km2 (5,320/sq mi)
• Demonym

| Seoulite
• Dialect

| Gyeonggi
GDP

[5]

• Special metropolitan city| KR₩ 548 trillion
(US$ 438 billion)
• Metro| KR₩ 1,258 trillion
(US$ 1.006 trillion)
Time zone| UTC+9 (Korean Standard Time)
ISO 3166 code| KR-11
Bird| Korean magpie
Color| Seoul Red[6]
Flower| Forsythia
Font| Seoul fonts (Seoul Hangang and Seoul Namsan)[7]
Mascot| Haechi
Tree| Ginkgo
Website| seoul.go.kr

Seoul,[b] officially Seoul Special Metropolitan City,[c] is the capital and largest city of South Korea. The broader Seoul Metropolitan Area, encompassing Seoul, Gyeonggi Province and Incheon,[8] emerged as the world's sixth largest metropolitan economy in 2022, trailing behind New York, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Paris, and London, and hosts more than half of South Korea's population. Although Seoul's population peaked at over 10 million, it has gradually decreased since 2014, standing at about 9.6 million residents as of 2024.[4] Seoul is the seat of the South Korean government.

Seoul's history traces back to 18 BC when it was founded by the people of Baekje, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. During the Joseon dynasty, Seoul was officially designated as the capital, surrounded by the Fortress Wall of Seoul. In the early 20th century, Seoul was occupied by the Empire of Japan, temporarily renamed "Keijō" ("Gyeongseong" in Korean). The Korean War brought fierce battles, with Seoul changing hands four times and leaving the city mostly in ruins. Nevertheless, the city has since undergone significant reconstruction and rapid urbanization.

Seoul was rated Asia's most livable city, with the second-highest quality of life globally according to Arcadis in 2015[d] and a GDP per capita (PPP) of approximately $40,000.[e] 15 Fortune Global 500 companies, including industry giants such as Samsung,[13] LG, and Hyundai, are headquartered in the Seoul Capital Area, which has major technology hubs, such as Gangnam and Digital Media City.[14] Seoul is ranked seventh in the Global Power City Index and the Global Financial Centres Index, and is one of the five leading hosts of global conferences.[15] The city has also hosted major events such as the 1986 Asian Games, the 1988 Summer Olympics, and the 2010 G20 Seoul summit, in addition to three matches at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Seoul is geographically set in a mountainous and hilly terrain, with Bukhansan positioned on its northern edge. Within the Seoul Capital Area lie five UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Changdeokgung, Hwaseong Fortress, Jongmyo, Namhansanseong, and the Royal Tombs of the Joseon dynasty.[16] Furthermore, Seoul has witnessed a surge in modern architectural development, with iconic landmarks including the N Seoul Tower, the 63 Building, the Lotte World Tower, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Lotte World, the Trade Tower, COEX, IFC Seoul, and Parc1. Seoul was named the World Design Capital in 2010 and has served as the national hub for the music, entertainment, and cultural industries that have propelled K-pop and the Korean Wave to international prominence.

## Toponymy

[edit]

Main article: Names of Seoul

Traditionally, seoul (서울) has been a native Korean (as opposed to Sino-Korean) common noun simply meaning 'capital city.' The word seoul is believed to have descended from Seorabeol (서라벌; historically transliterated into the Hanja form 徐羅伐), which originally referred to Gyeongju, the capital of Silla.[17][18]

Wiryeseong (위례성; 慰禮城), the capital settlement of Baekje, was located within the boundaries of modern-day Seoul. Seoul was also known by other various historical names, such as Bukhansan-gun (북한산군; 北漢山郡, during the Goguryeo era), Namcheon (남천; 南川,[19] during the Silla era), Hanyang (한양; 漢陽, during the Northern and Southern States period), Namgyeong (남경; 南京, during the Goryeo era), and Hanseong (한성; 漢城, during the Joseon era). The word seoul was used colloquially to refer to the capital as early as the 17th century.[20] Thus, the Joseon capital of Hanseong was widely referred to as the seoul.[21] Due to its common usage, French missionaries called the Joseon capital Séoul (/se.ul/) in their writings, hence the common romanization Seoul in various languages today.

Under subsequent Japanese colonization, Hanseong was renamed as Keijō (京城, literally 'capital city')[f] by the Imperial authorities to prevent confusion with the Hanja '漢' (a transliteration of a native Korean word 한; han; lit. great), which may also refer to the Han people or the Han dynasty in Chinese and is associated with 'China' in Japanese context.[22] After World War II and the liberation of Korea, Seoul became the official name for the Korean capital. The Standard Korean Language Dictionary still acknowledges both common and proper noun definitions of seoul.[23]

Unlike most place names in Korea, as it is not a Sino-Korean word, 'Seoul' has no inherently corresponding Hanja (Chinese characters used in the Korean language). Instead of phonetically transcribing 'Seoul' to Chinese, in the Chinese-speaking world, Seoul was called Hànchéng (汉城; 漢城), which is the Chinese pronunciation of Hanseong. On 18 January 2005, the Seoul Metropolitan Government changed Seoul's official Chinese name from the historic Hànchéng to Shǒu'ěr (首尔; 首爾). Shǒu'ěr is a phono-semantic match incorporating both sound and meaning (through 首 meaning 'head', 'chief', 'first').[24][25]

## History

[edit]

Main article: History of Seoul

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of Seoul.

### Prehistory

[edit]

Reconstructed umjip houses at Amsa-dong Prehistoric Site

There is evidence of human habitation in the area now corresponding to Seoul from 30,000 to 40,000 years before the present.[26] Around 4,000 B.C., people of the area lived in huts with lowered floors called umjip. There is evidence of the consumption of cooked grain and fish by 3,000 B.C. Around 1,500 B.C., communities began transitioning into the Bronze Age and farming at scale.[27]

Due to modern Seoul's significant urbanization, Amsa-dong Prehistoric Site is the only known major archaeological site in Seoul where Stone Age materials have been found,[28] although such materials have also been found in minor sites throughout the city (and all around the surrounding Han River basin),[29] often through rescue archaeology.[30]

### Samhan and Baekje periods

[edit]

See also: Samhan and Baekje

Around the collapse of Wiman Joseon (194–108 B.C.) in the northern part of Korea, numerous refugees went south to the Han River basin, which was then controlled by Jin (4th–2nd century B.C.). These diverse peoples brought with them culture and technology of the Chinese Warring States that accelerated the region's progress into the Iron Age. Their arrival destabilized the region; Jin disintegrated, and dozens of statelets emerged that competed for influence in the Han River basin.[31]

Baekje (18 B.C. – 660 A.D.), once one of the statelets in the Mahan confederacy, became the dominant local power by the 2nd century A.D.[32] Its capital was in Wiryeseong; Wiryeseong specific location is not known with certainty, but it is believed to have been within the bounds of the ramparts P'ungnapt'osŏng and Mongchontoseong.[33] This area is now in southeastern Seoul.[34][35]

### Silla period

[edit]

In July or August 553, Silla took the control of the region from Baekje, and the city became a part of newly established Sin Province (신주; 新州).[36][37] Sin (新) has both meaning of "New" and "Silla", thus literally means New Silla Province.

In November 555, Jinheung Taewang made a royal visit to Bukhansan, and inspected the frontier.[38] In 557, Silla abolished Sin Province, and established Bukhansan Province (북한산주; 北漢山州).[39] The word Hanseong (한성; 漢城; lit. Han Fortress) appears on the stone wall of "Pyongyang Fortress", which was presumably built in the mid to late 6th century AD over period of 42 years, located in Pyongyang, while there is no evidence that Seoul had name Hanseong dating the three kingdoms and earlier period.[40][41][42][43][44]

In 568, Jinheung Taewang made another royal visit to the northern border, visited Hanseong, and stayed in Namcheon on his way back to the capital. During his stay, he set Jinheung Taewang Stele, abolished Bukhansan Province, and established Namcheon Province (남천주; 南川州; lit. South River Province), appointing the city as the provincial capital.[19][45] Based on the naming system, the actual name of Han River during this time was likely Namcheon (Nam River) itself or should have the word ending with "cheon" (천; 川) not "gang" (강; 江) nor "su" (수; 水). In addition, "Bukhansan" Jinheung Stele clearly states that Silla had possession of Hanseong (modern day Pyongyang), thus Bukhansan has to be located north of Hanseong. Modern day Pyongyang was not Pyongyang, Taedong River was likely Han River, and Bukhansan was not Bukhansan during the three kingdoms period.[19][46] Moreover, Pyongyang was a common noun meaning capital used by Goguryeo and Goryeo dynasties, similar to Seoul.[47]

In 603, Goguryeo attacked Bukhansanseong, which Silla ended up winning.[48][49] In 604, Silla abolished Namcheon Province, and reestablished Bukhansan Province in order to strengthen the northern border. The city lost its provincial capital position and was put under Bukhansan Province once again.[50] This further proves that Bukhansan was located in the North of modern-day Pyongyang as changing the provincial name and objective would not be required if Bukhansan was located within Seoul.

In the 11th century Goryeo, which succeeded Unified Silla, built a summer palace in Seoul, which was referred to as the "Southern Capital". It was only from this period that Seoul became a larger settlement.[51]

### Joseon dynasty

[edit]

Further information: Joseon dynasty, Downtown Seoul, and Seongjeosimni

The Fortress Wall of Seoul Seongjeosimni was included in the five administrative divisions of Hanseong, in the late period of the Joseon dynasty

Seoul became the planned capital of Korea by Yi Seong-gye, the founding father of the Joseon dynasty. After enthroning himself as King at the capital of old Goryeo in 1392, Yi Seong-gye changed the name of his Kingdom from Goryeo to Joseon in 1393 and began his search for a place for a new capital. After several governmental debates, Yi Seong-gye chose Hanyang (Sindo) instead of Muak in September 1394. As Joseon's new capital, Hanyang was planned as a geographic embodiment of Korean Confucianism. Construction of the city began in October 1394. During its early construction stages, some major palaces, including Gyeongbokgung, were finished in 1395. The Fortress Wall surrounding Hanyang was partially finished around 1396.[52]: 96–111

The city of Hanyang was governed by the Hanseongbu [ko] (한성부; 漢城府), an agency of the national government dedicated to affairs on the administration of the capital city. The Hanseongbu divided Hanyang into two major categories: areas inside the Fortress Wall, which were typically named Seong-jung (성중; 城中) or Doseong-an (도성 안; lit. Inside the fortress), and areas 10 Ri (Korean mile) around the Fortress Wall, which were named as Seongjeosimni (성저십리; 城底十里; lit. 10 Ris around the fortress). The Doseong-an area later gained the informal but popular name Seodaemun-an (사대문 안), which literally means 'areas inside of the Four Great Gates', and became the one and only downtown (city center) of Hanyang city.[53]: 90–100

In the late 19th century, after hundreds of years of isolation, Seoul opened its gates to foreigners and began modernization. Seoul became the first city in East Asia to introduce electricity in the palace, which was established by the Edison Illuminating Company.[54] A decade later the city also implemented electrical street lights.[55]

### Korean Empire

[edit]

Main article: Korean Empire

Seoul, capital city of the Korean Empire, in 1905

After Gojong's proclamation of Korea as the Korean Empire in 1897, Seoul was temporarily called Hwang Seong (황성; 皇城; lit. the imperial city). Much of modern development around this era was propelled by trade with foreign countries like France and the United States. For example, the Seoul Electric Company, Seoul Electric Trolley Company, and Seoul Fresh Spring Water Company were all joint Korean–U.S. owned enterprises.[56]

### Japanese annexation of Korea

[edit]

Main articles: Keijō and Korea under Japanese rule

March First Movement in Seoul, 1919

After the annexation treaty in 1910, Japan annexed Korea and renamed the city Gyeongseong ("Kyongsong" in Korean and "Keijō" in Japanese). The city saw significant transformation under Japanese colonial rule. Imperial Japan removed the city walls, paved roads, and built Western-style buildings.

Seoul was deprived of its special status as the capital city and downsized under imperial Japan, compared to the traditional notion among people of the Joseon dynasty that Seoul included the area of approximately 4 km (2.5 miles) radius surrounding the Fortress Wall (i.e., Seongjeosimni; 성저십리; 城底十里). On October 1, 1910, Imperial Japan demoted Seoul as no different than any other city within the Gyeonggi Province. After Imperial Japan's redistricting, Seoul only included the area inside the Fortress Wall and present-day Yongsan District. In the 1930s, as part of Imperial Japan's war efforts leading up to the Second Sino-Japanese War, Yeongdeungpo District was annexed into Seoul on April 1, 1936, to function as an industrial complex for steel and other metalworking factories.

The city was liberated by U.S. forces at the end of World War II.

### Contemporary history

[edit]

Commemoration of the Liberation of Korea in front of Seoul Station, 15 August 1945

In 1945, following the liberation from Japanese colonial rule, the American military assumed control of Korea, including its capital city, then referred to as Kyeongseongbu in line with Japanese nomenclature. The U.S. military government published the Charter of the City of Seoul in the official gazette on October 10 of the following year. The charter declared Seoul as the name of the city and established it as a municipal corporation. Seoul's status as a municipal corporation mirrored the independent cities in the United States that do not belong to any county, and Seoul was established as an independent administrative unit, separate from the existing provinces.[57] The Korean version of the Charter translated "municipal corporation" as "special free city" (특별자유시; 特別自由市),[g] which later became special metropolitan city (or special metropolitan city; 특별시; 特別市) in the Local Autonomy Act of 1949 [ko].[58] Seoul has retained its status as the only special metropolitan city in South Korea.[59][unreliable source?]

> The City of Seoul is hereby constituted a municipal corporation to be known as SEOUL. The boundaries of the municipal corporation are the present limits of the City of Seoul consisting of the following eight districts: Chong Koo, Chong No Koo, Sur Tai Moon Koo, Tong Tai Moon Koo, Sung Tong Koo, Ma Po Koo, Yong San Koo, and Yang Doung Po Koo, and as such may be extended as provided by law.

— U.S. Army Military Government in Korea, Charter of the City of Seoul[57]

Seoul under the U.S. military government between 1945 and 1948 was much smaller than it is today. It only covered the Fortress Wall, marked by the Eight Gates, and the districts incorporated during Japanese rule to prosecute imperial Japan's war efforts.[h]

U.S. Marines engaged in urban warfare during the battle for Seoul, part of the Korean War, in late September 1950.

During the Korean War, Seoul changed hands between the Soviet- and Chinese-backed North Korean forces and the American-backed South Korean forces four times: falling to the North Koreans in the June 1950 First Battle of Seoul, recaptured by UN forces in the September 1950 Second Battle of Seoul, falling to a combined Chinese-North Korean force in the January 1951 Third Battle of Seoul, and finally being recaptured once more by UN forces in Operation Ripper during the spring of 1951.[60][61] The extensive fighting left the city heavily damaged after the war. The capital was temporarily relocated to Busan.[51] One estimate of the extensive damage states that after the war, at least 191,000 buildings, 55,000 houses, and 1,000 factories lay in ruins. In addition, a flood of refugees had entered Seoul during the war, swelling the population of the city and its metropolitan area to an estimated 1.5 million by 1955.[62]

Bird's eye view of Seoul from the Namsan cable car, 1962

Following the war, Seoul began to focus on reconstruction and modernization. As South Korea's economy started to grow rapidly from the 1960s, urbanization also accelerated and workers began to move to Seoul and other larger cities.[62] In 1963, Seoul went through two major expansions that established the shape and size of the present-day Seoul—barring minor adjustments to the borders later in 1973 and 2000. In August 1963, Seoul annexed parts of Yangju-gun, Gwangju-gun, Siheung-gun, Gimpo-gun, and Bucheon-gun, expanding the northeastern borders of Seoul. In September, Seoul again annexed present-day Gangnam.[63][64] The two consecutive expansions more than doubled the size of Seoul from approximately 268 km2 (103 sq mi) to 613 km2 (237 sq mi).[65]

After annexation, Gangnam's development was spurred by key infrastructure projects: the construction of the Hannam Bridge (1966–1969) and Gyeongbu Expressway (1968–1970). As Seoul's population kept growing, Park's regime focused its development plans on Gangnam. The main hurdle for Gangnam's development was floods because the area is low-lying and prone to flooding. Then Seoul mayor Kim Hyun-ok ordered construction of an expressway that doubled as embankment, which became the present-day Gangbyeon Expressway. The construction started in March 1967 and completed in September of the same year. Similar projects transformed previously flood-prone areas into usable land for development. Such areas include the current Ichon-dong, the Banpo apartment complex, Apgujeong-dong and Jamsil-dong.

Young people watching the 2002 FIFA World Cup

Until 1972, Seoul was claimed by North Korea as its de jure capital, being specified as such in Article 103 of the 1948 North Korean constitution.[66]

Seoul was the host city of the 1986 Asian Games and 1988 Summer Olympics as well as one of the venues of the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

South Korea's 2019 population was estimated at 51.71 million, and according to the 2018 Population and Housing Census, 49.8% of the population resided in the Seoul metropolitan area. This was up by 0.7% from 49.1% in 2010, showing a distinct trend toward the concentration of the population in the capital.[67] Seoul has become the economic, political and cultural hub of the country,[51] with several Fortune Global 500 companies, including Samsung, SK Holdings, Hyundai, POSCO and LG Group headquartered there.[68]

## Geography

[edit]

Satellite picture of Seoul

Seoul is in the northwest of South Korea. Seoul proper comprises 605.25 km2 (233.69 sq mi),[3] with a radius of approximately 15 km (9 mi), roughly bisected into northern and southern halves by the Han River. The river is no longer actively used for navigation, because its estuary is located at the borders of the two Koreas, with civilian entry barred. There are four main mountains in central Seoul: Bugaksan, Inwangsan, Naksan and Namsan. The Seoul Fortress Wall, which historically bounded the city, goes over these mountains. The city is bordered by eight mountains, as well as the more level lands of the Han River plain and western areas.

### Parks

[edit]

Main article: List of parks in Seoul

Han River Park

Seoul has a large quantity of parks. One of the most famous parks is Namsan Park, which offers recreational hiking and views of the downtown Seoul skyline, especially via its N Seoul Tower. Seoul Olympic Park, located in Songpa District and built to host the 1988 Summer Olympics, is the largest park. The areas near the stream Tancheon are popular for exercise. Cheonggyecheon also has spaces for recreation. In 2017 the Seoullo 7017 Skypark opened, spanning diagonally overtop Seoul Station.

There are also many parks along the Han River, such as Ichon Hangang Park, Yeouido Hangang Park, Mangwon Hangang Park, Nanji Hangang Park, Banpo Hangang Park, Ttukseom Hangang Park and Jamsil Hangang Park. The Seoul National Capital Area also contains a green belt aimed at preventing the city from sprawling out into neighboring Gyeonggi Province. These areas are frequently sought after by people looking to escape from urban life on weekends and during vacations.

### Air quality

[edit]

See also: Air pollution in South Korea

The Seoul metropolitan area, Copernicus Sentinel-2 Satellite image taken on 3 December 2023. Air quality in Seoul's metropolitan area can be monitored in detail by the satellite.

#### Atmospheric pollution

[edit]

Air pollution is a major issue in Seoul.[69][70][71][72] According to the 2016 World Health Organization Global Urban Ambient Air Pollution Database,[73] the annual average PM2.5 concentration in 2014 was 24 micrograms per cubic meter (1.0×10−5 gr/cu ft), which is 2.4 times higher than that recommended by the WHO Air Quality Guidelines[74] for the annual mean PM2.5. The Seoul Metropolitan Government monitors and publicly shares real-time air quality data.[75]

Smog and Asian dust affecting Seoul in 2008.

Since the early 1960s, the Ministry of Environment has implemented a range of policies and air pollutant standards to improve and manage air quality for its people.[76] The "Special Act on the Improvement of Air Quality in the Seoul Metropolitan Area" was passed in December 2003. Its 1st Seoul Metropolitan Air Quality Improvement Plan (2005–2014) focused on improving the concentrations of PM10 and nitrogen dioxide by reducing emissions.[77] As a result, the annual average PM10 concentrations decreased from 70.0 μg/m3 in 2001 to 44.4 μg/m3 in 2011[78] and 46 μg/m3 in 2014.[73] As of 2014, the annual average PM10 concentration was still at least twice than that recommended by the WHO Air Quality Guidelines.[74] The 2nd Seoul Metropolitan Air Quality Improvement Plan (2015–2024) added PM2.5 and ozone to its list of managed pollutants.[79]

Investment in air quality improvement between 2007 and 2020 in the order of US$9 billion on the part of three key local authorities, namely Gyeonggi, Incheon and Seoul, delivered a clear legal framework of responsibility, publicly checkable results and a major focus on reduction of transport pollutants.[80] In July 2020, South Korea, then the 11th largest world economy, announced a US$35 billion position on ending investment in coal.[81] In November 2020, South Korea committed to a carbon-neutral economy by 2050.[81] Between 2005 and 2021 annual concentration levels of small particulate matter (PM10) fell by 30-40 % in Seoul, whilst concentrations of larger particulate matter (PM 2.5) in the same period fell by 19% across the country and more in Seoul and Gyeonggi.[82]

Asian dust, emissions from Seoul and in general from the rest of South Korea, as well as emissions from China, all contribute to Seoul's air quality.[70][83] Besides air quality, greenhouse gas emissions represent hot issues in South Korea since the country is among top-10 strongest emitters in the world. Seoul is the strongest hotspot of greenhouse gas emissions in the country and according to satellite data, the persistent carbon dioxide anomaly over the city is one of the strongest in the world.[84] Air quality is monitored by geo-stationary satellite measurements centred on Korea and its immediate neighbours.[85]

#### Air pollution inside the Metro system

[edit]

In January 2024 Seoul Metro, whose passengers at the time numbered approximately 7 million a day, announced plans for extensive pollution reduction measures across the network. The target was to cut pollution to over 30% below the legal limit of 50 μg/m3. It was 32 μg/m3 by 2026. The outset actuality was 38.8 μg/m3 average concentration of pollution. Starting in 2024, ₩100 billion annually for three years was earmarked for air pollution reduction measures. These included installation of air conditioning, better ventilation systems and filters, replacement of dust-inducing gravel rail tunnel beds with concrete ones, dust-capture matting at turnstiles, and constant public readings for pollution within the system.[86]

### Climate

[edit]

Main article: Climate of Seoul

Seoul has a humid continental (Köppen: Dwa) or humid subtropical climate (Cwa, by −3 °C or 26.6 °F isotherm), influenced by the monsoons; there is great variation in temperature and precipitation throughout the year.[87][88] The suburbs of Seoul are generally cooler than the center of Seoul because of the urban heat island effect.[89] Summers are hot and humid, with the East Asian monsoon taking place from June until September. August, the hottest month, has average high and low temperatures of 30.0 and 22.9 °C (86 and 73 °F) with higher temperatures possible. Heat index values can surpass 40 °C (104.0 °F) at the height of summer. Winters are usually cold to freezing with average January high and low temperatures of 2.1 and −5.5 °C (35.8 and 22.1 °F), and are generally much drier than summers, with an average of 24.9 days of snow annually. Sometimes, temperatures drop dramatically to below −10 °C (14 °F), and on some occasions as low as −15 °C (5 °F) in the mid winter period of January and February. Temperatures below −20 °C (−4 °F) have been recorded.

Climate data for Seoul (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1907–present)

Month  | Jan  | Feb  | Mar  | Apr  | May  | Jun  | Jul  | Aug  | Sep  | Oct  | Nov  | Dec  | Year
Record high °C (°F)  | 14.4
(57.9)  | 18.7
(65.7)  | 25.1
(77.2)  | 29.8
(85.6)  | 34.4
(93.9)  | 37.2
(99.0)  | 38.4
(101.1)  | 39.6
(103.3)  | 35.1
(95.2)  | 30.1
(86.2)  | 25.9
(78.6)  | 17.7
(63.9)  | 39.6
(103.3)
Mean maximum °C (°F)  | 9.2
(48.6)  | 13.3
(55.9)  | 19.2
(66.6)  | 25.6
(78.1)  | 30.2
(86.4)  | 32.5
(90.5)  | 33.7
(92.7)  | 34.7
(94.5)  | 30.9
(87.6)  | 26.1
(79.0)  | 19.7
(67.5)  | 11.9
(53.4)  | 35.1
(95.2)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)  | 2.1
(35.8)  | 5.1
(41.2)  | 11.0
(51.8)  | 17.9
(64.2)  | 23.6
(74.5)  | 27.6
(81.7)  | 29.0
(84.2)  | 30.0
(86.0)  | 26.2
(79.2)  | 20.2
(68.4)  | 11.9
(53.4)  | 4.2
(39.6)  | 17.4
(63.3)
Daily mean °C (°F)  | −2.0
(28.4)  | 0.7
(33.3)  | 6.1
(43.0)  | 12.6
(54.7)  | 18.2
(64.8)  | 22.7
(72.9)  | 25.3
(77.5)  | 26.1
(79.0)  | 21.7
(71.1)  | 15.0
(59.0)  | 7.5
(45.5)  | 0.2
(32.4)  | 12.8
(55.0)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)  | −5.5
(22.1)  | −3.2
(26.2)  | 1.9
(35.4)  | 8.0
(46.4)  | 13.5
(56.3)  | 18.7
(65.7)  | 22.3
(72.1)  | 22.9
(73.2)  | 17.7
(63.9)  | 10.6
(51.1)  | 3.5
(38.3)  | −3.4
(25.9)  | 8.9
(48.0)
Mean minimum °C (°F)  | −12.7
(9.1)  | −10.7
(12.7)  | −4.9
(23.2)  | 2.1
(35.8)  | 8.7
(47.7)  | 14.5
(58.1)  | 18.9
(66.0)  | 18.4
(65.1)  | 12.1
(53.8)  | 3.1
(37.6)  | −4.7
(23.5)  | −11.2
(11.8)  | −13.9
(7.0)
Record low °C (°F)  | −22.5
(−8.5)  | −19.6
(−3.3)  | −14.1
(6.6)  | −4.3
(24.3)  | 2.4
(36.3)  | 8.8
(47.8)  | 12.9
(55.2)  | 13.5
(56.3)  | 3.2
(37.8)  | −5.1
(22.8)  | −11.9
(10.6)  | −23.1
(−9.6)  | −23.1
(−9.6)
Average precipitation mm (inches)  | 16.8
(0.66)  | 28.2
(1.11)  | 36.9
(1.45)  | 72.9
(2.87)  | 103.6
(4.08)  | 129.5
(5.10)  | 414.4
(16.31)  | 348.2
(13.71)  | 141.5
(5.57)  | 52.2
(2.06)  | 51.1
(2.01)  | 22.6
(0.89)  | 1,417.9
(55.82)
Average precipitation days (≥ 1 mm) | 3.3  | 3.4  | 4.7  | 6.5  | 6.8  | 7.6  | 13.3  | 11.8  | 6.5  | 4.8  | 6.4  | 4.2  | 79.3
Average snowy days  | 7.1  | 5.1  | 2.8  | 0.2  | 0.0  | 0.0  | 0.0  | 0.0  | 0.0  | 0.0  | 2.3  | 6.4  | 23.9
Average relative humidity (%)  | 56.2  | 54.6  | 54.6  | 54.8  | 59.7  | 65.7  | 76.2  | 73.5  | 66.4  | 61.8  | 60.4  | 57.8  | 61.8
Mean monthly sunshine hours | 169.6  | 170.8  | 198.2  | 206.3  | 223.0  | 189.1  | 123.6  | 156.1  | 179.7  | 206.5  | 157.3  | 162.9  | 2,143.1
Percentage possible sunshine | 52.3  | 53.6  | 51.0  | 51.9  | 48.4  | 41.2  | 26.8  | 36.2  | 47.2  | 57.1  | 50.2  | 51.1  | 46.4
Average ultraviolet index | 2  | 3  | 5  | 7  | 8  | 9  | 10  | 9  | 7  | 4  | 3  | 2  | 6
Source 1: Korea Meteorological Administration (percent sunshine 1981–2010)[90][91][92]
Source 2: Weather Atlas (UV),[93] Meteo Climat (record highs and lows)[94]

## Government

[edit]

Main article: Seoul Metropolitan Government

Seoul City Hall

The Seoul Metropolitan Government is the local government for Seoul, and is responsible for the administration and provision of various services to the city, including correctional institutions, education, libraries, public safety, recreational facilities, sanitation, water supply, and welfare services. It is headed by a mayor and three vice mayors, and is divided into 25 autonomous districts and 522 administrative neighborhoods.[95][96]

### Administrative districts

[edit]

Main article: List of districts of Seoul

Districts of Seoul

Seoul is divided into 25 "gu" (구; 區) (district).[97] The gu vary greatly in area (from 10 to 47 km2 or 3.9 to 18.1 sq mi) and population (from fewer than 140,000 to 630,000). Songpa has the most people, while Seocho has the largest area. The government of each gu handles many of the functions that are handled by city governments in other jurisdictions. Each gu is divided into "dong" (동; 洞), or neighborhoods. Some gu have only a few dongs while others like Jongno District have a very large number of distinct neighborhoods. Seoul has 467 administrative dongs (행정동; 行政洞) in total.

## Demographics

[edit]

Historical populationYear| Pop.| ±%

|
|

1949| 1,437,670| —
1960| 2,445,402| +70.1%
1970| 5,433,198| +122.2%
1980| 8,364,379| +53.9%
1990| 10,612,577| +26.9%
2000| 9,895,217| −6.8%
2010| 9,794,304| −1.0%
2020| 9,586,195| −2.1%
Source: [98]
Percentage surviving to certatin ages in Seoul in 2023. Life expectancy in this region is one of the highest in the world, reaching 85.0 years in 2023.[99]

Seoul proper is noted for its population density, which is almost twice that of New York City and eight times greater than Rome. Its metropolitan area was the most densely populated among OECD countries in Asia in 2012, and second worldwide after that of Paris.[100]

The population of Seoul has been dropping since the early 1990s, with reasons including high costs of living, especially housing; urban sprawl to Gyeonggi region's satellite cities; and an aging population.[101] Seoul also has an extremely low birth rate. In 2023, Seoul's fertility rate was recorded at 0.55, low even in comparison to the nationwide fertility rate of 0.72.[102]

As of 2016, the number of foreigners living in Seoul was 404,037, 22.9% of the total foreign population in South Korea.[103] As of June 2011, 186,631 foreigners were Chinese citizens of Korean ancestry. This was an 8.84% increase from the end of 2010 and a 12.85% increase from June 2010. The next largest group was Chinese citizens who were not of Korean ethnicity; 29,901 of them resided in Seoul. The next highest group consisted of the 9,999 United States citizens who were not of Korean ancestry. The next highest group were Taiwanese citizens, at 8,717.[104]

### Religion

[edit]

Religion in Seoul (2024)[105]

1. Not religious (51.0%)
2. Protestantism (22.0%)
3. Catholicism (13.0%)
4. Buddhism (13.0%)
5. Others (1.00%)

The two major religions in Seoul are Christianity and Buddhism. Other religions include Muism (indigenous religion) and Confucianism. Seoul is home to one of the world's largest Christian congregations, Yoido Full Gospel Church, which has around 830,000 members.[106] According to the 2015 census, 10.8% of the population follows Buddhism and 35% follows Christianity (24.3% Protestantism and 10.7% Catholicism). 53.6% of the population is irreligious.[107] Seoul is home to the world's largest modern university founded by a Buddhist Order, Dongguk University.[108] The city also features Seoul Central Mosque, opened in 1976.[109]

### Education

[edit]

Further information: Education in South Korea and List of universities in Seoul

Entrance of Seoul National University

Compulsory education lasts from grade 1–9 (six years of elementary school and three years of middle school).[110] Students spend six years in elementary school, three years in middle school, and three years in high school. Secondary schools generally require students to wear uniforms. There is an exit exam for graduating from high school and many students proceeding to the university level are required to take the College Scholastic Ability Test that is held every November. Although there is a test for non-high school graduates, called school qualification exam, most Koreans take the test.

Seoul is home to various specialized schools, including three science high schools, and six foreign language High Schools. Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education comprises 235 College-Preparatory High Schools, 80 Vocational Schools, 377 Middle Schools, and 33 Special Education Schools as of 2009[update].

Seoul is home to the majority of South Korea's most prestigious universities, including the three SKY Universities: Seoul National University, Yonsei University and Korea University. Seoul ranked 2nd on the QS Best Student Cities 2023.[111]

## Economy

[edit]

Main article: Economy of Seoul

See also: Economy of South Korea

Gangnam Commercial Area The Bank of Korea is seated in Sogong-dong of Jung District, composing financial district of the Downtown Seoul. Lotte World and Lotte World Tower Samsung Town in the Gangnam station area of Seoul Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Seoul is the business and financial hub of South Korea. Although it accounts for only 0.6 percent of the nation's land area, 48.3 percent of South Korea's bank deposits were held in Seoul in 2003,[112] and the city generated 23 percent of the country's GDP overall in 2012.[113] In 2008 the Worldwide Centers of Commerce Index ranked Seoul No.9.[114] The Global Financial Centres Index in 2015 listed Seoul as the 6th financially most competitive city in the world.[115] The Economist Intelligence Unit ranked Seoul 15th in the list of "Overall 2025 City Competitiveness" regarding future competitiveness of cities.[116]

### Manufacturing

[edit]

See also: Manufacturing in South Korea

The traditional, labor-intensive manufacturing industries have been continuously replaced by information technology, electronics and assembly-type of industries;[117][118] however, food and beverage production, as well as printing and publishing remained among the core industries.[117] Major manufacturers are headquartered in the city, including Samsung, LG, Hyundai, Kia and SK. Notable food and beverage companies include Jinro, whose soju is the most sold alcoholic drink in the world, beating out Smirnoff vodka;[119] top selling beer producers Hite (merged with Jinro) and Oriental Brewery.[120] It also hosts food giants like Seoul Dairy Cooperative, Nongshim Group, Ottogi, CJ, Orion, Maeil Holdings, Namyang Dairy Products and Lotte.

### Business and finance

[edit]

See also: Yeouido and Korea Exchange

Yeouido, the main financial district of Seoul

According to the Global Financial Centerss Index report released in 2024, Seoul ranked 10th. The city ranked 13th in business environment and financial sector development, seventh in human capital, 10th in infrastructure and 12th in reputation.[121]

Seoul has three central business districts; the Downtown Seoul(CBD), Gangnam(GBD), and Yeouido(YBD).[122] The Downtown Seoul, which has 600 years of history as unparalleled business district in entire Korea, is now a densely concentrated area around Gwanghwamun and Cheonggyecheon with headquarters of major companies, foreign financial institutions, largest news agencies and law firms. Other two business districts are developed in 1970s and have different characteristic; while Gangnam is well known for tech, luxury and private education industries, Yeouido is famous for securities exchange and asset management.[123][124]

In 2023, the city announced plans to invest $44.7 million over six years to create a dedicated area to attract foreign investment.[121]

### Commerce

[edit]

Main article: Shopping in Seoul

Myeong-dong is one of the most popular destinations in Seoul.

The largest wholesale and retail market in South Korea, the Dongdaemun Market, is located in Seoul.[125] Myeongdong is a shopping and entertainment area in downtown Seoul with mid- to high-end stores, fashion boutiques and international brand outlets.[126] The nearby Namdaemun Market, named after the Namdaemun Gate, is the oldest continually running market in Seoul.[127]

Insadong is the cultural art market of Seoul, where traditional and modern Korean artworks, such as paintings, sculptures and calligraphy are sold.[128] Hwanghak-dong Flea Market and Janganpyeong Antique Market also offer antique products.[129][130] Some shops for local designers have opened in Samcheong-dong, where numerous small art galleries are located. While Itaewon had catered mainly to foreign tourists and American soldiers based in the city, Koreans now comprise the majority of visitors to the area.[131] The Gangnam district is one of the most affluent areas in Seoul[131] and is noted for the fashionable and upscale Apgujeong-dong and Cheongdam-dong areas and the COEX Mall. Wholesale markets include Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market and Garak Market.

The Yongsan Electronics Market is the largest electronics market in Asia. Electronics markets are Gangbyeon station metro line 2 Techno mart, ENTER6 MALL & Shindorim station Technomart mall complex.[132] Times Square is one of Seoul's largest shopping malls, and contains the world's largest permanent 35 mm cinema screen, the CGV Starium.[133]

Korea World Trade Center Complex, which comprises COEX mall, congress center, 3 Inter-continental hotels, Business tower (Asem tower), Residence hotel, Casino and City airport terminal was established in 1988 in time for the Seoul Olympics. The 2nd World trade trade center is being planned at Seoul Olympic stadium complex as MICE HUB by Seoul. Ex-Kepco head office building was purchased by Hyundai motor group with 9billion USD to build 115-storey Hyundai GBC & hotel complex until 2021. Now ex-kepco 25-storey building is under demolition.

Further information on the logistics and shipping company: Ilyang Logistics

### Technology

[edit]

See also: South Korean robotics

Seoul has been described as the world's "most wired city",[134] ranked first in technology readiness by PwC's Cities of Opportunity report.[135] Seoul has a very technologically advanced infrastructure.[136][137]

Seoul is among the world leaders in Internet connectivity, being the capital of South Korea, which has the world's highest fiber-optic broadband penetration and highest global average internet speeds of 26.1 Mbit/s.[138][139] Since 2015, Seoul has provided free Wi-Fi access in outdoor spaces through a 47.7 billion won ($44 million) project with Internet access at 10,430 parks, streets and other public places.[140] Internet speeds in some apartment buildings reach up to 52.5 Gbit/s with assistance from Nokia, and though the average standard consists of 100 Mbit/s services, providers nationwide are rapidly rolling out 1Gbit/s connections at the equivalent of US$20 per month.[141] In addition, the city is served by the KTX high-speed rail and the Seoul Subway, which provides 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, and DMB inside subway cars. 5G will be introduced commercially in March 2019 in Seoul.

A panoramic view of Seoul

## Culture

[edit]

### Architecture

[edit]

See also: List of tallest buildings in Seoul and Architecture of South Korea

The traditional heart of Seoul is the old Joseon dynasty city, now the downtown area, where most palaces, government offices, corporate headquarters, hotels, and traditional markets are located. Cheonggyecheon, a stream that runs from west to east through the valley before emptying into the Han River, was for many years covered with concrete, but was recently restored by an urban revival project in 2005.[142] Jongno street, meaning "Bell Street", has been a principal street and one of the earliest commercial streets of the city,[143][144] on which one can find Bosingak, a pavilion containing a large bell.

Sungnyemun (commonly known as Namdaemun)

Seoul has many historical and cultural landmarks. In Amsa-dong Prehistoric Settlement Site, Gangdong District, neolithic remains were excavated and accidentally discovered by a flood in 1925.[145]

Urban and civil planning was a key concept when Seoul was first designed to serve as a capital in the late 14th century. The Joseon dynasty built the "Five Grand Palaces" in Seoul—Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, Gyeongbokgung and Gyeonghuigung—all of which are located in the Jongno and Jung Districts. Among them, Changdeokgung was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997 as an "outstanding example of Far Eastern palace architecture and garden design". The main palace, Gyeongbokgung, underwent a large-scale restoration project.[146] UNESCO also recognizes Seoul as a "Design City."

Seoul has been surrounded by walls that were built to regulate visitors from other regions and protect the city in case of an invasion. Pungnap Toseong is a flat earthen wall built at the edge of the Han River, which is widely believed to be the site of Wiryeseong. Mongchon Toseong is another earthen wall built during the Baekje period that is now located inside the Olympic Park.[147] The Fortress Wall of Seoul was built early in the Joseon dynasty for protection of the city. After many centuries of destruction and rebuilding, about 2⁄3 of the wall remains, as well as six of the original eight gates. These gates include the south gate Namdaemun and the east gate Dongdaemun. Namdaemun was the oldest wooden gate until a 2008 arson attack, and was re-opened after complete restoration in 2013.[148]

### Museums

[edit]

Main article: List of museums in Seoul

See also: List of museums in South Korea

The National Museum of Korea

Seoul is home to 115 museums,[149] including four national and nine official municipal museums. The National Museum of Korea has a collection of 220,000 artifacts.[150] The National Folk Museum is located on the grounds of Gyeongbokgung and focuses on the daily life of historical Koreans.[151] Bukchon Hanok Village and Namsangol Hanok Village are old residential districts consisting of hanok (traditional Korean houses).[152][153]

The War Memorial covers the history of wars that Korea has been involved with, especially the Korean War.[154][155] Seodaemun Prison is a former prison built during the Japanese occupation, and is used as a historic museum.[156] The Seoul Museum of Art, Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, and Ilmin Museum of Art are art museums in the city.

### Festivals

[edit]

See also: List of South Korean festivals

Seoul Street Art Festival concert in Seoul City Hall Square

In October 2012, KBS Hall in Seoul hosted major international music festivals – First ABU TV and Radio Song Festivals within frameworks of Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union 49th General Assembly.[157][better source needed][158] Seoul Street Art Festival is a seasonal cultural festival held four times a year every spring, summer, autumn, and winter in Seoul, South Korea since 2003. It is based on the "Seoul Citizens' Day" held on every October since 1994 to commemorate the 600 years history of Seoul as the capital of the country. The festival is arranged under the Seoul Metropolitan Government. As of 2012[update], Seoul has hosted Ultra Music Festival Korea, an annual dance music festival that takes place on the 2nd weekend of June.[159]

### Media

[edit]

Further information: Media of South Korea

KBS headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul

Seoul is home of the major South Korean networks KBS, SBS, and MBC. The city is also home to the major South Korean newspapers The Chosun Ilbo, The Dong-A Ilbo, JoongAng Ilbo, and Hankook Ilbo. In Seoul, there is a digital news operation for the New York Times. It can accommodate up to 50 employees. It has about 20 editors and staff.[160] The Washington Post Seoul Hub is one of the key bases of the Wall Street Journal along with that of London.[161]

### Sports

[edit]

Main article: Sports in Seoul

Seoul Sports Complex

Seoul is a major center of South Korean sports, and has the largest number of professional sports teams and facilities in the country. In the history of South Korea's major professional sports league championships, which include the K League, KBO League, KBL and V-League, Seoul had multiple championship winners during the same season twice; in 1990, when Lucky-Goldstar FC (currently FC Seoul) won the 1990 K League and the LG Twins won the 1990 KBO League, and in 2016, when FC Seoul won the 2016 K League Classic and the Doosan Bears won the 2016 KBO League.[162]

Seoul hosted the 1986 Asian Games, also known as Asiad, 1988 Olympic Games, and Paralympic Games. It also served as one of the host cities of the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Seoul World Cup Stadium hosted the opening ceremony and first game of the tournament. Taekwondo is South Korea's national sport and Seoul is the location of the Kukkiwon, the world headquarters of taekwondo, as well as the World Taekwondo Federation.

## Transportation

[edit]

Main article: Transportation in Seoul

Seoul has a well developed transportation network. Its system dates back to the era of the Korean Empire, when the first streetcar lines were laid and a railroad linking Seoul and Incheon was completed.[163] Seoul's most important streetcar line ran along Jongno until it was replaced by Line 1 of the subway system in the early 1970s. Other notable streets in downtown Seoul include Euljiro, Teheranno, Sejongno, Chungmuro, Yulgongno, and Toegyero. There are nine major subway lines stretching for more than 250 km (155 mi), with one additional line planned. As of 2010[update], 25% of the population has a commute time of an hour or longer.

### Bus

[edit]

Main article: Seoul Buses

Seoul buses

Seoul's bus system is operated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government (S.M.G.), with four primary bus configurations available servicing most of the city. Seoul has many large intercity/express bus terminals. These buses connect Seoul with cities throughout South Korea. The Seoul Express Bus Terminal, Central City Terminal and Seoul Nambu Terminal are located in the district of Seocho District. In addition, East Seoul Bus Terminal in Gwangjin District and Sangbong Terminal in Jungnang District handles traffics mainly from Gangwon and Chungcheong provinces.

### Urban rail

[edit]

Seoul Station

Main article: Seoul Metropolitan Subway

Seoul has a comprehensive urban railway network of 21 rapid transit, light metro and commuter lines that interconnects every district of the city and the surrounding areas of Incheon, Gyeonggi province, western Gangwon Province, and northern South Chungcheong Province. With more than 8 million passengers per day, the subway is one of the busiest subway systems in the world and the largest in the world, with a total track length of 940 km (580 mi). In addition, in order to cope with the various modes of transport, Seoul metropolitan government employs several mathematicians to coordinate the subway, bus, and traffic schedules into one timetable. The various lines are run by Korail, Seoul Metro, NeoTrans Co. Ltd., AREX, and Seoul Metro Line 9 Corporation.

### Train

[edit]

KTX Sancheon

Seoul is connected to every major city in South Korea by rail. Most major South Korean cities are linked via the KTX high-speed train, which has a normal operation speed of more than 300 km/h (186 mph). The Mugunghwa and Saemaul trains also stop at all major stations. Major railroad stations include:[citation needed]

* Seoul Station, Yongsan District: Gyeongbu line (KTX/ITX-Saemaeul/Nuriro/Mugunghwa-ho)
* Yongsan station, Yongsan District: Honam line (KTX/ITX-Saemaeul/Nuriro/Mugunghwa), Jeolla/Janghang lines (Saemaul/Mugunghwa)
* Yeongdeungpo station, Yeongdeungpo District: Gyeongbu/Honam/Janghang lines (KTX/ITX-Saemaeul/Saemaul/Nuriro/Mugunghwa)
* Cheongnyangni station, Dongdaemun District: Gyeongchun/Jungang/Yeongdong/Taebaek lines (ITX-Cheongchun/ITX-Saemaul/Mugunghwa)
* Suseo station (HSR), Gangnam District: Suseo HSR (SRT)

### Airports

[edit]

Seoul is served by two international airports, Incheon International Airport and Gimpo International Airport.

Incheon International Airport

Gimpo International Airport opened in 1939 as an airfield for the Japanese Imperial Army and opened for civil aircraft in 1957. Since the opening of Incheon International, Gimpo International handles domestic flights along with some short haul international flights to Tokyo Haneda, Osaka Kansai, Taipei Songshan, Shanghai Hongqiao, and Beijing Capital although flights to Osaka Kansai and Beijing Capital also operate from Incheon International.

Incheon International Airport opened in March 2001 in Yeongjong island. It is now responsible for major international flights. Incheon International Airport is Asia's eighth busiest airport in terms of passengers, the world's fourth busiest airport by cargo traffic, and the world's eighth busiest airport in terms of international passengers in 2014. In 2016, 57,765,397 passengers used the airport. Incheon International Airport opened terminal 2 on 18 January 2018.

Incheon and Gimpo are linked to Seoul by expressway, and to each other by the AREX to Seoul Station. Intercity bus services are available to various destinations around the country.

### Cycling

[edit]

Cycling is becoming increasingly popular in Seoul and in the entire country. Both banks of the Han River have cycling paths that run all the way across the city along the river. In addition, Seoul introduced in 2015 a bicycle-sharing system named Ddareungi (and named Seoul Bike in English).[164]

## International relations

[edit]

See also: List of diplomatic missions in South Korea

Seoul is a member of the Asian Network of Major Cities 21 and the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group. In addition, Seoul hosts many embassies of countries it has diplomatic ties with.

### Sister cities

[edit]

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in South Korea

Seoul has 25 sister cities:[165][166][167][168]

* Taipei, Taiwan (1968)
* Ankara, Turkey (1971)
* Honolulu, United States (1976)
* San Francisco, United States (1976)
* São Paulo, Brazil (1977)
* Bogotá, Colombia (1982)
* Jakarta, Indonesia (1984)
* Tokyo, Japan (1988)
* Moscow, Russia (1991)
* New South Wales, Australia (1991)
* Paris, France (1991)
* Mexico City, Mexico (1992)
* Beijing, China (1993)
* Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (1995)
* Hanoi, Vietnam (1996)
* Warsaw, Poland (1996)
* Cairo, Egypt (1997)
* Rome, Italy (2000)
* Astana, Kazakhstan (2004)
* Washington, D.C., United States (2006)
* Athens, Greece (2006)
* Bangkok, Thailand (2006)
* Tashkent, Uzbekistan (2010)
* New York City, United States (2023)
* Wellington, New Zealand (2023)

## See also

[edit]

* South Korea portal
* Seoul portal
* Cities portal

* Geography of South Korea
* List of cities in South Korea
* List of most populous cities
* List of tallest buildings in Seoul
* Economy of Seoul

## Notes

[edit]

1. ^ Seoul has no Hanja-derived names. The official Chinese translation of the city is Shou'er, based on its pronunciation. See the toponymy section.
2. ^ Pronounced /soʊl/ in English, same as 'soul'; Korean: 서울; IPA: [sʰʌ.uɭ] ⓘ; lit. 'Capital'.
3. ^ Korean: 서울특별시; RR: Seoul Teukbyeolsi.
4. ^ Arcadis ranked Seoul as the most livable city in Asia and second globally in its 2015 Sustainable Cities Index.[9][10]
5. ^ This figure is based on data from the World Bank[11] and International Monetary Fund.[12]
6. ^ Also referred to as Gyeongseong (경성; 京城) via its Korean pronunciation.
7. ^ As written in the Korean version of the charter:

> 第一條 「京城府」를「서울市」라稱하고此를特別自由市로함

— Official Gazette, USAMGIK Charter City of Seoul[57]

8. ^ Notably, Yeongdeungpo District was incorporated into Kyeongseong (or Keijō) and developed under imperial Japan as a major industrial complex.

## References

[edit]

1. ^ ""Seoul, my soul" selected as the city's new slogan". Seoul Metropolitan Government. 5 April 2023. Archived from the original on 7 May 2023. Retrieved 11 May 2023.
2. ^ 서울시 사이트에 서울 시가인 서울의 찬가가 없습니다.. Seoul Metropolitan Government. Archived from the original on 22 September 2021. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
3. ^ a b "Seoul Statistics (Land Area)". Seoul Metropolitan Government. Archived from the original on 19 October 2013. Retrieved 24 March 2010.
4. ^ a b "City Overview (Population)". Seoul Metropolitan Government.
5. ^ 2023년 지역소득(잠정). Statistics Korea.
6. ^ "Color". Archived from the original on 11 May 2012. Retrieved 8 April 2012.
7. ^ "Seoul's symbols". Seoul Metropolitan Government. Archived from the original on 19 August 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2016.
8. ^ "Seoul Metropolitan Area". nationalatlas.ngii.go.kr. Retrieved 28 December 2024.
9. ^ "It's official: Singapore & Seoul ranked Asia's most sustainable cities". Seoul Solution. 2015. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
10. ^ "Asian cities lack sustainability, says Arcadis index". PropertyGuru Singapore. February 2015. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
11. ^ "GDP per capita, PPP (current international $) – South Korea". World Bank. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
12. ^ "South Korea and Seoul GDP per capita (PPP)". International Monetary Fund. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
13. ^ "Samsung Electronics". Fortune. Archived from the original on 24 October 2014. Retrieved 24 October 2014.
14. ^ "Tech capitals of the world". The Age. Melbourne. 15 June 2009. Archived from the original on 12 September 2009. Retrieved 7 August 2013.
15. ^ Union of International Associations (UIA) International Meetings Statistics for the Year 2011 Archived 3 July 2014 at the Wayback Machine. Joel Fischer.
16. ^ "Lists: Republic of Korea". UNESCO. Archived from the original on 25 December 2019. Retrieved 26 December 2019.
17. ^ 정, 구복. 서울. Encyclopedia of Korean Culture. Retrieved 17 August 2024.
18. ^ Ju, Bo Don (2019). "Gyeongju, a City of History". Journal of Korean Art & Archaeology. 13: 15–23\. doi:10.23158/jkaa.2019.v13_02. ISSN 2951-4983.[permanent dead link]
19. ^ a b c "Monument on Bukhansan Mountain Commemorating the Border Inspection by King Jinheung of Silla". National Institute of Korean History. Archived from the original on 22 January 2023. Retrieved 22 January 2023.
20. ^ Hendrick Hamel, a 17th-century Dutch sailor who was shipwrecked on Jeju Island, referred to the Joseon capital as Sior in his book "Hamel's Journal and a Description of the Kingdom of Korea, 1653–1666." Refer to the English translation of the book on this website created by Dr. Henny Savenije, a Dutch scholar known for his research on Hamel.
21. ^ Yu, Woo-ik; Lee, Chan (6 November 2019). "Seoul". Encyclopædia Britannica. Archived from the original on 9 June 2015. Retrieved 4 July 2020. "The city was popularly called Seoul in Korean during both the Chosŏn (Yi) dynasty (1392–1910) and the period of Japanese rule (1910–45), although the official names in those periods were Hansŏng (Hanseong) and Kyŏngsŏng (Gyeongseong), respectively."
22. ^ Kim, Dong Hoon (22 March 2017). Eclipsed Cinema: The Film Culture of Colonial Korea. ISBN 9781474421829. Archived from the original on 14 July 2022. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
23. ^ 국립국어원 표준국어대사전. Standard Korean Language Dictionary. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
24. ^ 서울특별시표기 首爾로...중국, 곧 정식 사용키로 (in Korean). Naver News. 23 October 2005. Archived from the original on 25 January 2016. Retrieved 10 February 2012.
25. ^ "Chinese Naming Crisis Danger Opportunity Summer 2006 – Good Characters". goodcharacters.com. Archived from the original on 30 September 2018. Retrieved 18 November 2018.
26. ^ Seoul: A 2,000-Year History Vol. 2 2015, p. 13.
27. ^ Seoul: A 2,000-Year History Vol. 2 2015, pp. 122–123, 155.
28. ^ Seoul: A 2,000-Year History Vol. 2 2015, pp. 71, 121.
29. ^ Seoul: A 2,000-Year History Vol. 2 2015, p. 77.
30. ^ Seoul: A 2,000-Year History Vol. 2 2015, pp. 13–16, 70.
31. ^ Seoul: A 2,000-Year History Vol. 3 2015, pp. 49–52, 114.
32. ^ Seoul: A 2,000-Year History Vol. 3 2015, pp. 52–53, 66, 68–69.
33. ^ Seoul: A 2,000-Year History Vol. 3 2015, p. 114.
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### Sources

[edit]

* 서울 2천년사 [Seoul: A 2,000-Year History] (in Korean). Vol. 2\. 서울지역의 선사문화. Seoul Historiography Institute. 20 December 2015. ISBN 9788994033839.
* 서울 2천년사 [Seoul: A 2,000-Year History] (in Korean). Vol. 3\. 한성백제의 건국과 발전. Seoul Historiography Institute. 20 December 2015. ISBN 9788994033846.

## External links

[edit]

* Media related to Seoul (category) at Wikimedia Commons
* Seoul travel guide from Wikivoyage

### Official sites

[edit]

* Official website (in English)
* Seoul Information & Communication Plaza website (in Korean)

### Tourism and living information

[edit]

* i Tour Seoul – The Official Seoul Tourism Guide Site

Preceded by

|  Capital of Baekje
18 BC – 475 AD  | Succeeded by

Ungjin

|
|

Preceded by

Gaegyeong

|  Capital of Korea
1394–present  |  Succeeded by

Incumbent

Preceded by

New creation

|  Capital of South Korea
1948–present  |  Succeeded by

Incumbent

* v
* t
* e

Seoul

* Government
* Council
* Mayor
* City Hall
* History
* Names
* Timeline
* Climate
* Economy
* Shopping
* Sport
* Tourism
* Transport

Districts|

| North of the Han River (Gangbuk)|

* Dobong
* Dongdaemun
* Eunpyeong
* Gangbuk
* Gwangjin
* Jongno
* Jung
* Jungnang
* Mapo
* Nowon
* Seodaemun
* Seongbuk
* Seongdong
* Yongsan

|

South of the Han River (Gangnam)|

* Dongjak
* Gangdong
* Gangnam
* Gangseo
* Geumcheon
* Guro
* Gwanak
* Songpa
* Seocho
* Yangcheon
* Yeongdeungpo

Business districts|

* Downtown Seoul (Central Business District, CBD)
* Gangnam Business District (GBD)
* Yeouido Business District (YBD)

Articles related to Seoul

* v
* t
* e

Regions and administrative divisions of South Korea

Regions|

* Gyeonggi
* Seoul Metropolitan Area
* Gwandong
* Yeongdong
* Yeongseo
* Hoseo
* Daejeon–Sejong–Chungnam
* Chungbuk
* Honam
* Yeongnam
* Daegu–Gyeongbuk
* Busan–Ulsan–Gyeongnam
* Southeastern MIR
* Jeju

Provinces|

* North Chungcheong
* South Chungcheong
* Gyeonggi
* North Gyeongsang
* South Gyeongsang
* South Jeolla
* (Claimed five Northern Korean Provinces)

Special self-governing province and States|

* Jeju
* Gangwon
* Jeonbuk

Special city|

* Seoul

Special self-governing city|

* Sejong

Metropolitan cities|

* Busan
* Daegu
* Daejeon
* Gwangju
* Incheon
* Ulsan

* v
* t
* e

Public transportation  in Seoul Metropolitan Area

Railways|

| Main|

* Gyeongbu
* Gyeongwon
* Gyeongui
* Jungang
* Gyeongchun
* Gyeongin
* AREX

|

High-speed rail|

* Gyeongbu HSR
* Honam HSR
* Suseo–Pyeongtaek HSR

Metropolitan Subway|

* Line 1
* Line 2
* Line 3
* Line 4
* Line 5
* Line 6
* Line 7
* Line 8
* Line 9
* Incheon Line 1
* Incheon Line 2

Suburban railways|

* Gyeongui–Jungang Line
* Gyeongchun Line
* Suin–Bundang Line
* Gyeonggang Line
* Seohae Line
* Shinbundang Line
* AREX
* Incheon Airport Maglev

Light Metro|

* U Line
* EverLine
* Ui LRT
* Gimpo Goldline
* Sillim Line

Under construction|

* GTX A
* Sinansan (2023)
* Dongbuk (S3) (2024)

Planned|

* Seoul LRT lines
* Myeonmok (S4) (2028)
* Seobu (S5) (2031)
* Mok-dong (S6) (2028)
* Wirye–Sinsa (S7) (2033)
* Dongtan–Indeogwon (2028)
* Wirye (2024)
* Gangbukhoengdan (2027)
* GTX B
* GTX C
* Incheon 3

Main stations|

* Seoul
* Yongsan
* Yeongdeungpo
* Cheongnyangni
* Suseo
* Sangbong

Roads|

| Expressways|

* Gyeongbu (1) ()
* Seohaean (15)
* Pyeongtaek-Paju (17)
* Sejong-Pocheon (29)
* Seoul-Yangyang (60)
* Seoul Ring (100)
* Gyeongin (120)
* Incheon International Airport (130)
* Yongin-Seoul (171)

|

National roads|

* #1
* #3
* #6
* #39
* #43
* #46
* #47
* #48
* #77

Local roads|

* #23
* #78

Urban expressways|

* Bukbu
* Dongbu
* Gangbyeon
* Gangnam
* Nambu
* Naebu
* Olympic
* Seobu

City routes|

* #20
* #21 ()
* #30
* #31
* #41 ()
* #50
* #51
* #60
* #61
* #70
* #71
* #88
* #90
* #92
* #94

Buses|

| Areas|

* Seoul
* Gyeonggi-do [ko]
* Incheon [ko]

|

Major terminals|

* Seoul Express Bus Terminal
* Central City
* Dong Seoul Bus Terminal
* Sangbong Intercity Bus Terminal [ko]
* Seoul Nambu Bus Terminal [ko]

Airports|

* Incheon International
* Seoul Station City Airport Terminal
* Gimpo International
* Seoul Air Base

Related topics|

* T-money
* Upass
* Mybi
* KTX Family Card
* hi-pass
* CashBee [ko]
* Rail+ [ko]

* v
* t
* e

Cities in South Korea

Special city|

* Seoul

Metropolitan city|

* Busan
* Daegu
* Daejeon
* Gwangju
* Incheon
* Ulsan

Special autonomous city|

* Sejong

Big municipal city|

* Ansan
* Anyang
* Bucheon
* Changwon※
* Cheonan
* Cheongju※
* Gimhae
* Goyang
* Hwaseong
* Jeonju※
* Namyangju
* Pohang
* Seongnam
* Suwon※
* Yongin

Municipal city|

* Andong※
* Anseong
* Asan
* Boryeong
* Chuncheon※
* Chungju
* Dangjin
* Dongducheon
* Donghae
* Gangneung
* Geoje
* Gimcheon
* Gimje
* Gimpo
* Gongju
* Gumi
* Gunpo
* Guri
* Gunsan
* Gwacheon
* Gwangju
* Gwangmyeong
* Gwangyang
* Gyeongju
* Gyeongsan
* Gyeryong
* Hanam
* Icheon
* Iksan
* Jecheon
* Jeongeup
* Jinju
* Miryang
* Mokpo
* Mungyeong
* Namwon
* Naju
* Nonsan
* Osan
* Paju
* Pocheon
* Pyeongtaek
* Sacheon
* Samcheok
* Sangju
* Seosan
* Siheung
* Sokcho
* Suncheon
* Taebaek
* Tongyeong
* Uijeongbu
* Uiwang
* Wonju
* Yangju
* Yangsan
* Yeoju
* Yeongcheon
* Yeongju
* Yeosu

Administrative city|

* Jeju※
* Seogwipo

Provincial capital|

* Hongseong
* Muan

Note: ※ also a provincial capital

* v
* t
* e

World's 50 most-populous urban areas

|  |

1. Tokyo
2. Jakarta
3. Delhi
4. Guangzhou–Foshan
5. Mumbai
6. Manila
7. Shanghai
8. Seoul
9. Cairo
10. Mexico City

11. Kolkata
12. São Paulo
13. New York
14. Karachi
15. Dhaka
16. Bangkok
17. Beijing
18. Moscow
19. Shenzhen
20. Buenos Aires

21. Los Angeles
22. Johannesburg-Pretoria
23. Bengaluru
24. Chengdu
25. Ho Chi Minh City
26. Osaka–Kobe–Kyoto
27. Lagos
28. Istanbul
29. Lahore
30. Kinshasa–Brazzaville

31. Tehran
32. Chongqing
33. Rio de Janeiro
34. Xi'an
35. Chennai
36. Paris
37. Zhengzhou
38. Luanda
39. London
40. Dongguan

41. Lima
42. Wuhan
43. Bogotá
44. Tianjin
45. Hyderabad
46. Taipei
47. Hangzhou
48. Nagoya
49. Surabaya
50. Bandung

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* v
* t
* e

Capitals of Asia

Dependent territories and states with limited recognition are in italics

| Central Asia| South Asia| Southeast Asia| West Asia

|
|
|

* Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
* Astana, Kazakhstan
* Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
* Dushanbe, Tajikistan
* Tashkent, Uzbekistan

East Asia

* Beijing, China
* Pyongyang, North Korea
* Seoul, South Korea
* Taipei, Taiwan
* Tokyo, Japan
* Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

North Asia

* Moscow, Russia

* Camp Thunder Cove, BIOT (UK) *
* Dhaka, Bangladesh
* Islamabad, Pakistan
* Kabul, Afghanistan
* Kathmandu, Nepal
* Malé, Maldives
* New Delhi, India
* Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Sri Lanka
* Thimphu, Bhutan

* Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
* Bangkok, Thailand
* Dili, East Timor
* Flying Fish Cove, Christmas Island (Australia)
* Hanoi, Vietnam
* Jakarta, Indonesia
* Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
* Manila, Philippines
* Naypyidaw, Myanmar
* Phnom Penh, Cambodia
* Singapore
* Vientiane, Laos
* West Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands (Australia)

* Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
* Amman, Jordan
* Ankara, Turkey
* Baghdad, Iraq
* Baku, Azerbaijan
* Beirut, Lebanon
* Damascus, Syria
* Doha, Qatar
* Episkopi Cantonment, Akrotiri and Dhekelia (UK)
* Jerusalem, Israel *
* Kuwait City, Kuwait
* Manama, Bahrain

* Muscat, Oman
* Nicosia, Cyprus
* North Nicosia, Northern Cyprus *
* Ramallah, Palestine (de facto) *
* Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
* Sanaa, Yemen
* Sokhumi, Abkhazia *
* Tbilisi, Georgia
* Tehran, Iran
* Tskhinvali, South Ossetia *
* Yerevan, Armenia

* Disputed. See: Chagos Archipelago sovereignty dispute, Cyprus dispute, Status of Jerusalem, Abkhaz-Georgian conflict and Georgian-Ossetian conflict

* v
* t
* e

Summer Olympic Games host cities

* 1896: Athens
* 1900: Paris
* 1904: St. Louis
* 1908: London
* 1912: Stockholm
* 1916: None[c1]
* 1920: Antwerp
* 1924: Paris
* 1928: Amsterdam
* 1932: Los Angeles
* 1936: Berlin
* 1940: None[c2]
* 1944: None[c2]
* 1948: London
* 1952: Helsinki
* 1956: Melbourne
* 1960: Rome
* 1964: Tokyo
* 1968: Mexico City
* 1972: Munich
* 1976: Montreal
* 1980: Moscow
* 1984: Los Angeles
* 1988: Seoul
* 1992: Barcelona
* 1996: Atlanta
* 2000: Sydney
* 2004: Athens
* 2008: Beijing
* 2012: London
* 2016: Rio de Janeiro
* 2020: Tokyo[c3]
* 2024: Paris
* 2028: Los Angeles
* 2032: Brisbane

[c1] Cancelled due to World War I; [c2] Cancelled due to World War II; [c3] Postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic

* v
* t
* e

Summer Paralympic Games host cities

* 1960: Rome
* 1964: Tokyo
* 1968: Tel Aviv
* 1972: Heidelberg
* 1976: Toronto

* 1980: Arnhem
* 1984: New York City /  Stoke Mandeville
* 1988: Seoul
* 1992: Barcelona /  Madrid
* 1996: Atlanta

* 2000: Sydney
* 2004: Athens
* 2008: Beijing
* 2012: London

* 2016: Rio de Janeiro
* 2020: Tokyo
* 2024: Paris
* 2028: Los Angeles
* 2032: Brisbane

|
|
|

* v
* t
* e

Host cities of Asian Games

Summer|

* 1951: Delhi
* 1954: Manila
* 1958: Tokyo
* 1962: Jakarta
* 1966: Bangkok
* 1970: Bangkok
* 1974: Tehran
* 1978: Bangkok
* 1982: Delhi
* 1986: Seoul
* 1990: Beijing
* 1994: Hiroshima
* 1998: Bangkok
* 2002: Busan
* 2006: Doha
* 2010: Guangzhou
* 2014: Incheon
* 2018: Jakarta-Palembang
* 2022: Hangzhou
* 2026: Aichi-Nagoya
* 2030: Doha
* 2034: Riyadh

Winter|

* 1986: Sapporo
* 1990: Sapporo
* 1996: Harbin
* 1999: Kangwon
* 2003: Aomori
* 2007: Changchun
* 2011: Astana-Almaty
* 2017: Sapporo
* 2025: Harbin
* 2029: Trojena

* v
* t
* e

Seoul landmarks

Buildings
and structures|

* Blue House
* Changdeokgung
* COEX Mall
* D-Cube City
* Gyeongbokgung
* Namdaemun
* N Seoul Tower
* Seoul Metropolitan Library
* Seoul Plaza
* Times Square
* War Memorial of Korea
* 63 Building

Precincts|

* Cheonggyecheon
* Hongdae
* Insadong
* Itaewon
* Namdaemun Market
* Teheranno

Mountains|

* Bukhansan
* Inwangsan
* Naksan
* Namsan

Cultural institutions|

* Myeongdong Cathedral
* Jogyesa
* National Museum of Korea
* National Library of Korea
* War Memorial of Korea

Sport|

* Olympic Park
* Seoul World Cup Stadium

Transportation|

* Seoul Station
* Gimpo Airport
* Yongsan Station
* Nambu Bus Terminal

* v
* t
* e

ABU music events

ABU Popular Song Contest|

* 1985
* 1986
* 1987

ABU Radio Song Festival|

* 2012
* 2014
* 2015
* 2016
* 2018
* 2019

ABU TV Song Festival|

* 2012
* 2013
* 2014
* 2015
* 2016
* 2017
* 2018
* 2019
* 2020
* 2021
* 2022
* 2023
* 2024

ABU International Dance Festival|

* 2017
* 2019

ABU Song Contest|

* 2020

* v
* t
* e

ABU music events

ABU Popular Song Contest|

* 1985
* 1986
* 1987

ABU Radio Song Festival|

* 2012
* 2014
* 2015
* 2016
* 2018
* 2019

ABU TV Song Festival|

* 2012
* 2013
* 2014
* 2015
* 2016
* 2017
* 2018
* 2019
* 2020
* 2021
* 2022
* 2023
* 2024

ABU International Dance Festival|

* 2017
* 2019

ABU Song Contest|

* 2020

* v
* t
* e

South Korea cities with a 200,000+ population

2,000,000 and more|

* Seoul (capital)
* Busan
* Incheon
* Daegu

1,000,000–1,999,999|

* Daejeon
* Gwangju
* Suwon
* Ulsan
* Changwon
* Goyang
* Yongin

500,000–999,999|

* Seongnam
* Bucheon
* Cheongju
* Ansan
* Namyangju
* Jeonju
* Hwaseong
* Cheonan
* Anyang
* Gimhae
* Pohang
* Pyeongtaek
* Siheung
* Jeju City

200,000–499,999|

* Uijeongbu
* Paju
* Gumi
* Gimpo
* Jinju
* Gwangmyeong
* Wonju
* Gwangju
* Yangsan
* Asan
* Iksan
* Yeosu
* Gunpo
* Chuncheon
* Suncheon
* Gunsan
* Gyeongju
* Gyeongsan
* Geoje
* Sejong City
* Mokpo
* Gangneung
* Hanam
* Icheon
* Osan
* Yangju

* v
* t
* e

Megacities

Africa (5)|

* Cairo
* Johannesburg
* Kinshasa
* Lagos
* Luanda

Asia (37)|

| China (16)|

* Beijing
* Changsha
* Chengdu
* Chongqing
* Guangzhou
* Dongguan
* Shenzhen
* Hangzhou
* Jieyang
* Shanghai
* Suzhou
* Tianjin
* Wuhan
* Xiamen
* Xi'an
* Zhengzhou

|

India (6)|

* Bangalore
* Chennai
* Delhi
* Hyderabad
* Kolkata
* Mumbai

Japan (3)|

* Kyoto–Osaka–Kobe (Keihanshin)
* Nagoya
* Tokyo

Indonesia (2)|

* Jakarta
* Surabaya

Pakistan (2)|

* Karachi
* Lahore

Other (8)|

* Bangkok
* Dhaka
* Ho Chi Minh City
* Istanbul
* Metro Manila
* Seoul
* Taipei
* Tehran

Europe (4)|

* Istanbul
* London
* Moscow
* Paris

America (8)|

| Brazil (2)|

* Rio de Janeiro
* São Paulo

|

United States (2)|

* Los Angeles
* New York City

Other (4)|

* Bogotá
* Buenos Aires
* Lima
* Mexico City

Cities portal

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International|

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Geographic|

* MusicBrainz area

Other|

* IdRef
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*[lit.]: literal translation
*[Pop.]: Population
*[±%]: Percent change
*[RR]: Revised Romanization of Korean
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