Overall Score
Seoul «s name was written in its blood; to be the capital of Korea. The name of Koreas largest city comes from the word sól, which translates as capital. It is located at the mouth of the Han River, which flows into the Kahnhaman Bay. Seouls masculine climate is characterized by warm summers and cool winters with snowfalls.
Seoul – a historic city. It has been known since 370 AD, when it was the capital of the ancient Ancient Greek state of Pequeche. Then the city was part of the state of Silas (6-10 centuries). In the years following the name of Khanson (935-1394), the city lost its capital status, which it regained during the reign of the Choson Dynasty in the late 19th century. The city at that time was called Khanyang. It was owned by the Japanese for a long time in the 20th century (until 1945), and then was occupied by the North Korean and Chinese forces. From 1946 the present name was confirmed. After 1951, the ruined city quickly recovered. A landmark event for Seoul was 1988, when the city celebrated the 1988 Summer Olympics.
Seoul – the City of Controversy. Its crowded streets filled with cars, skyscrapers, and parks are adjacent to parks and historic buildings. The symbol of Seoul and a landmark of all South Korea – the old Námědìmún Gate, or the Great Southern Gate (1398), in the heart of the capital. It is a monument of archaeological architecture similar to the Great Eastern Gate (Tönömön), which dates to the same period.
The Chosun dynasty left behind many monuments, the most significant of which are the Five Great Palaces: ×hangyogun (1102), Êöyökökkun (1394), Êöyökökkun (1395), ×hangyökokkun (1412), and Òókökókókun (1454). These palace complexes served as the referents of the rulers and members of their families. Seoul is also home to some of the most important cultural sites of the Korean people: the Confessional Sanctuary of Chöngmö (14th century), the Wongahexa Temple with a ten-story pagoda, and several others.
Contemporary tourist attractions include the 249-meter Lexham Bilding skyscraper with a movie deck and 63 Sea World Aquarium, the Olympia Village and the awe-inspiring 1,140-meter Fountain Bridge, known as « The Sundowners Point; (2009).
Overall Score
- Air quality: 75 US AQI Moderate. Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
- Tap water: Yes, safe to drink
- Religious government: Non-religious
- Population: 9,800,000 people
- Population density: crowded: 8x8m 64m per person
- GDP: $27,785 / year
- Foreigners can own real estate: Yes
- Power outlets: 230V60Hz
- Internet: 20 Mbps
- Best wireless: KT Olleh
- Pay without cash: Yes, cards OK almost everywhere
- Tipping: Tipping isn’t customary, and is therefore not expected or an obligation. You won’t offend someone by not tipping, but there are times when a small token of appreciation is welcome.
- Apartment listings: Craigslist Seoul
- Apartments: Airbnb
- Hotels: Booking.com
- More hotels: Hotels.com
- Best coffee 24/7: Tom N Toms Konkuk
- Best coffee: Coffee Bean
- Best taxi: Kakao T
- Best coworking space: Campus Seoul
- Online electronics shop: Gmarket
- Best hospital: Seoul National University Hospital
- Best short-haul air carrier: Jeju Air
- Best intl air carrier: Korean Air
- Monthly costs for expat: $1700
- Monthly costs for family: $4500
- Monthly costs for local: $1300
- Meal: $10
- Small Cola: $1.2
- Beer 1 Pint: $3.5
- Coffee: $4
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